What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotechnical Engineering has been - throughout the years - an often overlooked but nonetheless integral part of human endeavors towards progress. Everything around us is supported by soil or rock and Geotechnical Engineering is responsible for that. Anything that is not supported by soil or rock, either floats, flies or falls down. But what is really Geotechnical Engineering all about?

(Credits: International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)

Geotechnical Engineering is the science that explains mechanics of soil and rock and its applications to the development of human kind. It includes, without being limited to, the analysis, design and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, roadways, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills and other systems that are made of or are supported by soil or rock.

As the societal and economic systems develop and become more complex, the quest for a more sustainable and resilient built environment is increasingly pertinent. To that end, Geotechnical Engineers, being able to affect every project from its very early stages, play a critical role. Seeking to improve the visibility, diversity and recognition of the profession, the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Committee, recently released a video answering the question: “What is the geotechnical field?” The video features dynamic and engaging DFI members as they take you from the office to project sites and through the many roles available in the geotechnical field including designing, supplying specialty equipment, managing, constructing and more.

(Credits: Deep Foundations Institute)