• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Engineering Management Institute

  • About
    • Meet Anthony Fasano, P.E.
    • EMI’s Mission, Vision & Values
    • Meet Team EMI
  • Content
    • Blog
    • Podcasts
      • The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
      • The Civil Engineering Podcast
        • Women in Civil Engineering
        • Civil Engineering Entrepreneurs
        • The Civil Engineering CEO Podcast
      • The Structural Engineering Channel
      • The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
      • The Engineering Quality Control Podcast
      • The Engineering Project Management Podcast
      • AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
      • This Week in Civil Engineering
    • TV
    • Videos
    • Books
    • Recommended Reading
    • Sponsors
  • Services
    • Training
    • Hiring Solutions
    • Webinars
  • FE-PE Exams
  • Clients
  • Contact
  • Training

  • About
    • Meet Anthony Fasano, P.E.
    • EMI’s Mission, Vision & Values
    • Meet Team EMI
  • Content
    • Blog
    • Podcasts
      • The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
      • The Civil Engineering Podcast
        • Women in Civil Engineering
        • Civil Engineering Entrepreneurs
        • The Civil Engineering CEO Podcast
      • The Structural Engineering Channel
      • The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
      • The Engineering Quality Control Podcast
      • The Engineering Project Management Podcast
      • AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
      • This Week in Civil Engineering
    • TV
    • Videos
    • Books
    • Recommended Reading
    • Sponsors
  • Services
    • Training
    • Hiring Solutions
    • Webinars
  • FE-PE Exams
  • Clients
  • Contact
  • Training

geotechnical engineer

Geotechnical Engineering: What It Is and Why You Need It

May 2, 2022 By EMI

This is a guests blog by Jese H. Vance, P.E.

When someone asks what I do and I tell them that I am a geotechnical engineer, I usually get the follow-up question of, “What is that?” Geotechnical engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering that deals with the science of the mechanics of soil and rock and its applications. Essentially, geotechnical engineering is involved with anything that is built in the ground or out of soil and rock. In this article, I will discuss the role of geotechnical engineering and the types of problems geotechnical engineers solve.

What Types of Projects Are Geotechnical Engineers Involved In?

Geotechnical engineers (geotechs) are involved in nearly every type of civil engineering project. After all, every structure is supported by soil or rock unless it is floating, flying, or falling down. Some of the more common types of projects that geotechs are involved in include tunnels, dams, highways, embankments, landfills, and levees.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Geotech?

Geotechs are normally most involved at the beginning of a project. Some of the tasks that a geotech may be responsible for are investigating subsurface conditions, determining required lab testing of soil and rock, interpreting the subsurface exploration results, and writing reports that document the site conditions and provide recommendations for foundations, fill specifications, slope stability, etc.

Are Geotechs Only Used on Large Engineering Projects?

No way! Consulting with a geotechnical engineer can be helpful even on smaller residential projects. Often, people do not want to pay for geotechnical reports or design on smaller projects, but the cost of a consultant is typically much cheaper than paying for extensive foundation repairs in the future.

What Types of Structures Do Geotechs Design?

Geotechs are involved in the design of highway cuts and fills, shallow and deep foundations, earth retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, landfills, dams, slope stabilization systems, and pavement subgrades.

Are There Specialties Within Geotechnical Engineering?

Yes, geotechnical engineering covers a broad spectrum of topics including, but not limited to, unsaturated soil mechanics, rock mechanics, geosynthetics, offshore geotechnics, ground improvement, liquefaction of soils and earthquake engineering, slope stability and landslide stabilization, computational geomechanics, and foundations. It is not uncommon for geotechnical engineers to specialize in only one of the areas listed above and study that subject their entire career.

Closing Thoughts

Geotechnical engineering is an important aspect of any civil engineering project. No matter how great a structure is built, it will not be great for long if the foundation is inadequate. It is important to keep geotechnical engineers involved throughout the duration of projects so that if unanticipated conditions are encountered, a proper course of action can be taken to mitigate any future problems. Oftentimes, things that may not seem important turn out to be important years later when issues arise. One last thing to keep in mind: geotechnical engineering is married to geology. No matter how great your engineering expertise is, if something important is missed in the geologic characterization at a site, your expertise may not save you.

About the Author: Jese H. Vance, P.E. 

geotechnical engineerJese H. Vance, P.E., graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and received a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Jese works as a geotechnical engineer who specializes in geohazards. He has worked in the civil engineering consulting industry since 2012 and recently launched his own geotechnical engineering firm. Jese lives in West Virginia with his wife and son. He enjoys crawling around on any landslide he can find and spending time fly fishing on the water. He can be found on LinkedIn. 

I hope you enjoyed this week’s post by guest author Jese Vance. If you’re interested in your firm possibly joining the Civil Engineering Collective, please contact us here or call us at 800-920-4007.

I hope you’ll join us.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Filed Under: Civil Engineering Tagged With: branch of civil engineering, civil engineering project, foundation repairs, geotechnical engineer, Geotechnical Engineering, geotechs, highway cuts and fills, investigating subsurface conditions, Jese Vance, mechanics of rock, mechanics of soil, problems geotechnical engineers solve, responsibilities of a geotech, role of geotechnical engineering, shallow and deep foundations

TSEC 49: What a Geotechnical Engineer Thinks a Structural Engineer Needs to Know

April 15, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thestructuralengineeringpodcast/TSEC049.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

In this episode, we talk to Jared M. Green, PE, D. GE, NOMA, who is the host of one of EMI’s other podcasts, The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast. Jared is also a Vice-President at Langan Engineering, and in this episode, he is going to tell us what he thinks a structural engineer needs to know about a geotechnical engineer.

Engineering Quotes:

Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jared:

  • What do geotechnical engineers do, and in your opinion how does that differ from what structural engineers do?
  • If a civil engineer asks you what field you think he or she should specialize in, choosing between a geotechnical and structural engineer, what advice might you offer about each?
  • How feasible do you think is it to get a B.S. in one field and then a Masters in the other?
  • How important is it to get a geotechnical master’s degree?
  • Share with us one secret/tip that you think structural engineers may not know about geotechnical engineering?
  • How can structural engineers become more involved, or work more closely with geotechnical engineers?
  • In your opinion, what can we expect of geotechnical engineering in the future?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About What a Geotechnical Engineer Thinks a Structural Engineer Needs to Know:

[Read more…] about TSEC 49: What a Geotechnical Engineer Thinks a Structural Engineer Needs to Know

Filed Under: TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel Tagged With: bedrock, civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, geotechnical master’s degree, groundwater, master's degree, open line of communication, Problem Solvers, projects, soils, structural engineer, tip for structural engineers, what is above the ground, what is below the ground

TGEP 21: What a Structural Engineer Thinks a Geotechnical Engineer Needs to Know

April 8, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP021.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Structural Engineer

In this episode, I talk to the co-host of The Structural Engineering Channel, Mathew Picardal, P.E., about what he, as a structural engineer, thinks a geotechnical engineer needs to know, and how geotechnical and structural engineers collaborate.

Engineering Quotes:

structural engineer

structural engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Mat:

[Read more…] about TGEP 21: What a Structural Engineer Thinks a Geotechnical Engineer Needs to Know

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: dependence on software, different foundation systems, efficient and cost-effective, evolve with technology, geotechnical engineer, Geotechnical Engineer Needs to Know, good Geotech reports, graduate students, Mathew Picardal, miscommunication, procedures for modeling, structural engineer, structural engineering in the future, The Structural Engineering Channel

TGEP 19: How to Progress in Your Career as a Geotechnical Engineer

March 11, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP19.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

progress in your career

In this episode, we talk to Arthur J. Alzamora, Jr., P.E., F. ASCE, LEED, the Principal and Vice President at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, about how to progress in your career as a geotechnical engineer and what it means to grow a team.

Engineering Quotes:

progress in your career

progress in your career

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Arthur:

[Read more…] about TGEP 19: How to Progress in Your Career as a Geotechnical Engineer

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Arthur J. Alzamora, be more proactive, Career Path, collaboration, dedication to be the best, engineering community, geotechnical engineer, good mentors, good mindset, grow a team, jump between companies, jump between jobs, Langan, like-minded group, Progress in Your Career, searching around for jobs, take opportunities

TGEP 13: Dynamic Compaction: Insight From a Geotechnical Engineer

December 17, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP013.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

In this episode, we talk to Chris Woods, a geotechnical engineer with over 20 years of project-related experience throughout the continental United States, and Vice President for the Virginia-based dynamic compaction specialty contractor, Densification, Inc. about the importance of industry involvement and relationships in construction, transitioning from consultant to a contractor, and the applicability of dynamic compaction.

Engineering Quotes:

Dynamic Compaction

Dynamic Compaction

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris Woods:

[Read more…] about TGEP 13: Dynamic Compaction: Insight From a Geotechnical Engineer

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: broader knowledge base, building relationships, Career Transitions, Chris Woods, compaction tests, consultant to contractor, Densification, Dynamic Compaction, engineering industry, geotechnical engineer, granular soils, Ground Improvement, industry organizations, mine spoils, networking, relationships in construction, Relationships with contractors, uncontrolled fills

TGEP 11: How To Become a Great Geotechnical Engineer

November 20, 2020 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP011.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Great Geotechnical Engineer

 

In this episode, we talk to Andrew Burns, P.E., who is the Vice President of Engineering & Estimating for Underpinning & Foundation Skanska. We talk about his career and how he worked his way up from office engineer to vice president and he also shares some very useful advice on how you can become a great geotechnical engineer.

Engineering Quotes:

engineer

engineer

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Andrew:

[Read more…] about TGEP 11: How To Become a Great Geotechnical Engineer

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Andrew Burns, deep foundation elements, Engineering & Estimating, Engineering jobs, geological processes, geotechnical engineer, Geotechnical Engineering, office engineer to vice president, optimal performance, precision and accuracy, problem solving, Skanska, SOE system, thinking out of the box, uncertainties, Underpinning & Foundation, understanding the problem, Vice President

TCEP 095: Office Layout and How It Impacts Productivity and Culture

August 29, 2018 By EMI

http://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/civilengineeringpodcast/TCEP095.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Office Layout

In episode 095 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I am bringing you with me to the offices of Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE) to sit down with Senior Partner Peter Deming and myself. We will be talking about the importance of your physical office layout and how it impacts productivity and culture.  This is a topic you might not consider as important until you hear Peter discuss it.

Here are some of the questions I ask Peter Deming:

  • How did you decide how to setup the people throughout your office?
  • Can you talk about the importance of the library and the locker room that you have at your offices?
  • What comes to mind when I say the word “culture”?
  • How did you get to the point where you wanted to drive change in your career?

Engineering Quotes:

Office Layout

Here are some key points discussed in this episode on the impact of office layout and culture:

[Read more…] about TCEP 095: Office Layout and How It Impacts Productivity and Culture

Filed Under: Business Development, TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast Tagged With: build your experience, career, communicate, communication, conference rooms, culture, distribution of leadership, experienced people, geotechnical engineer, Office Layout, offices, Peter Deming, Productivity

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

And Get Custom Content Delivered To You Weekly

PM Training

engineering management lessons

career readiness

Categories

  • AECT – AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
  • Blog
    • Business Development
    • Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Career Goals and Challenges
    • Communication/Public Speaking
    • COVID19
    • Credentials
    • Enlightenment
    • Ethics & Integrity
    • Job Search/Salary/Relocation
    • Leadership/Management
    • Mentoring
    • Networking/Client Relations
    • News and Events
    • Organization/Productivity/Time Management
    • Personal Development and Professionalism
    • Program Management
    • Project Management
    • Travel
    • Work Life Balance
  • Civil Engineering
  • Engineering Career TV
  • Engineering Technology
  • TCEP-The Civil Engineering Podcast
    • Business Development
    • Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Career Goals and Challenges
    • Civil Engineering Entrepreneurs
    • Communication & Public Speaking
    • Credentials
    • Ethics/Integrity
    • Infrastructure
    • Job Search/Salary/Relocation
    • Leadership/Management
    • Mentoring
    • Project Management
    • Women in Engineering
  • TECC Podcast-The Engineering Career Coach Podcast
    • Business/Entrepreneurship
    • Career Game Changers
    • Career Goals and Challenges
    • Communication/Public Speaking
    • Credentials
    • Enlightenment
    • Job Search/Salary/Relocation
    • Leadership/Management
    • Mentoring
    • Networking/Client Relations
    • News and Events
    • Organization/Productivity/Time Management
    • Personal Development and Professionalism
    • Project Management
    • Work Life Balance
  • TEPM – The Engineering Project Management Podcast
  • TEQC – The Engineering Quality Control Podcast
  • TGEP – The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
    • Tunneling Series
  • TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel
  • TWiCE
  • Uncategorized
  • Women in Engineering

TECC Sidebar Featured Final

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

We Can Help You:

  • Build solutions to attract talented professionals.
  • Develop your staff’s people skills.
  • Create career roadmaps for your staff.
  • Provide PM training for your professionals.
  • Build custom development programs.
  • Scale sustainably.

Location:

50 E. Ridgewood Avenue #129

Ridgewood NJ, 07450

800-920-4007

Copyright © 2023 • All Rights Reserved • Property of Engineering Management Institute • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy