What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Geotechnical engineering is a branch of engineering that studies the subsurface of the Earth and how it can be used in a beneficial way for humans. It encompasses the entire depth of the Earth from the surface to the deepest depths. Geotechnical engineers study the composition, properties, and behavior of the Earth. They use this information to design systems to extract resources from the subsurface, construct subsurface storage facilities, and maintain the stability of the Earth.
Some of the main areas of geotechnical engineering include:
- Mining: Extracting resources from the subsurface. Geotechnical engineers in this field work to design and operate systems to extract minerals, rocks, crude oil, and other resources from the subsurface.
- Services: Providing services from the subsurface. Geotechnical engineers in this field work to design and operate systems to extract and deliver water, gas, and electricity from the Earth.
- Construction: Building structures on the surface of the Earth. Geotechnical engineers in this field work to design and build buildings, roads, and other structures while considering the stability of the Earth.
Geotechnical engineers play an important role in our society. They help to ensure that we have access to the resources we need, that our infrastructure is safe and reliable, and that the environment is protected.
Here are some specific examples of what geotechnical engineers do:
- They design and build mines, tunnels, and other underground structures.
- They design and install foundations for buildings, bridges, and other structures.
- They develop methods to control soil erosion and landslides.
- They study the effects of earthquakes and other natural disasters on the subsurface.
