Geotehnilises

Geotehnilises is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the behavior of earth materials, such as soil and rock, and their interaction with built structures. It encompasses the principles of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology, and it informs the safe and economical design of foundations and earthworks.

The discipline covers site characterization, laboratory and field testing, and the analysis and design of foundations, retaining structures, earthworks, and embankments. It also includes ground improvement, slope stability and landslide mitigation, tunneling and underground space, and geotechnical earthquake engineering. Offshore, coastal, and environmental geotechnics are also important areas, addressing offshore platforms, dredging, remediation, and contamination issues.

Key methods include site investigations (drilling, boreholes, geophysical surveys), in-situ tests (standard penetration test, cone penetration test, dynamic tests), and laboratory testing (grain-size analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction, shear testing). Data from these activities feed into analytical and numerical models (limit equilibrium and finite element methods) to determine soil and rock properties, assess stability, and design suitable measures. Outputs typically comprise design parameters, recommendations for foundations and stabilization, and monitoring plans for construction and operation.

Applications of geotehnilises span a wide range: foundations for buildings, bridges, and dams; design of retaining walls and slopes; tunneling and underground structures; offshore foundations; and ground improvement or remediation efforts. The field emphasizes safety, sustainability, and risk management, with professionals including geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists.