Geotechnika

Geotechnika, or geotechnical engineering, is a branch of civil engineering and geology concerned with the behavior of earth materials and their interaction with structures. It covers the properties of soils and rocks, groundwater conditions, and the mechanical processes that govern stability, deformation, and strength. The field supports the design and construction of foundations, earthworks, and underground structures by assessing bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, and seismic response.

Key activities include site investigation and characterization (field drilling, sampling, in-situ tests such as SPT and CPT, laboratory testing of soils and rocks), geotechnical modeling (soil constitutive models, numerical simulations), and design of foundations (shallow footings, deep foundations like piles), retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, and bridges. Ground improvement methods, such as compaction, grouting, soil stabilization, and vibro-replacement, are used to modify properties.

Groundwater control and dewatering are common concerns, as are environmental geotechnics, such as landfill liners, containment, and remediation. Geotechnical earthquake engineering addresses seismic hazards and dynamic soil behavior.

Instrumentation and monitoring play a role in construction and long-term performance, including piezometers, inclinometers, and settlement gauges. Standards and codes (for example, regional building codes and international guidelines) guide practice and risk assessment.

Geotechnika integrates civil engineering, geology, soil mechanics, and rock mechanics, with applications across infrastructure, energy, mining, and environmental projects. It combines fieldwork, laboratory testing, and analytical/numerical methods to predict behavior and ensure safe, economical designs.