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Geotechnical Engineering

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

TGEP 42: The Relationship Between Geological and Geotechnical Engineering

January 27, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP042.mp3

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TGEP 42: The Relationship Between Geological and Geotechnical Engineering

In this episode, we talk to Christina Tipp, PG, CEG, a professional geologist from SHN Consulting Engineers. Christina was previously on one of our other podcasts, The Civil Engineering Podcast, where she talked about the importance of Geological Engineering in Civil Engineering Projects. In this episode, she talks about the relationship between geological and geotechnical engineering and how being aware of it may help you in your career.

Engineering Quotes:

Geological - Christina Tipp

Geological - Jared M. Green

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Christina:

[Read more…] about TGEP 42: The Relationship Between Geological and Geotechnical Engineering

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: active fault lines, Christina Tipp, earthquake fault zone, fault lines, fault trenches, fracture points, Geologic engineering, Geological Engineering, geology job opportunities, Geotechnical Engineering, get a bachelor’s degree, get your master's degree, hazard areas, seeing the bigger picture, SHN Consulting Engineers, the effect ground movement has

TGEP 41: Women in Geotechnical Engineering: Geotechnical Construction Explained

January 13, 2022 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP041.mp3

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In this episode, we talk to Hannah Iezzoni, P.E., a Geostructural design engineer at KELLER, about what geotechnical construction is and the relationship between geotechnical and foundation engineering. She also talks about her involvement in mentoring young female engineers and promoting inclusivity within our industry.

Engineering Quotes:

Geotechnical Construction

Geotechnical Construction

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Hannah:

[Read more…] about TGEP 41: Women in Geotechnical Engineering: Geotechnical Construction Explained

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Civil Engineering, DFI, Female construction engineers, foundation engineering, Geotechnical Construction, Geotechnical Construction Explained, geotechnical design, Geotechnical Engineering, Hannah Iezzoni, Keller, mentoring young female engineers, promoting inclusivity, soil mechanics, STEM careers, Structural Design, Women in Geotechnical Engineering

TGEP 35: Exploring Deep Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering

October 21, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP035.mp3

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In this episode of The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast, we talk to Maurice Diong, P.E. an engineer at Skanska, USA about deep foundations in geotechnical engineering, the importance of getting out on the field, and using the most effective solutions on the field.


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Maurice in This Episode:

  • What are deep foundations and what kind of deep foundations do you work on?
  • What are some of the different construction techniques for deep foundations that geotechnical engineers should be aware of?
  • Tell us about a deep foundation project that you have been involved in and how it benefited your engineering career.
  • The focus on getting things right sometimes becomes an obsession with obtaining perfection. How do you resolve this?
  • What final piece of advice would you like to give engineers out there?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Deep Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering:

[Read more…] about TGEP 35: Exploring Deep Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: construction techniques for deep foundations, deep foundation project, Deep Foundations, Deep Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering, Deep Foundations Institute, experience in the field, Geotechnical Engineering, obtaining perfection, perfection in engineering, planning, Plans can change, working on a building

TGEP 34: Earth Retention Systems in Geotechnical Engineering

October 7, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP034.mp3

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In this episode, we talk to Stan Worst, P.E., the Operations Manager at Schnabel Geostructural Design & Construction about the ever-changing profession of geotechnical engineering and more specifically, earth retention systems, and how they have changed over the past twenty years.

Engineering Quotes:

Earth Retention Systems

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Stan:

  • Please could you explain what earth retention systems are?
  • How have typical earth retention projects grown or changed over the past twenty years?
  • Tell us about a challenging earth retention project you have worked on in the past and how it has benefited your engineering career?
  • Getting an engineering degree does not always prepare engineering students to be managers. How do you feel about that statement, and how can engineering students better prepare themselves for managerial roles?
  • What skills are lacking in newly graduating engineers, and what skills do they have which most working professionals do not have?
  • What advice do you have for engineers to find and develop the next generation of engineering talent?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Earth Retention Systems in Geotechnical Engineering:

[Read more…] about TGEP 34: Earth Retention Systems in Geotechnical Engineering

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: communication, earth retention projects, Earth Retention Systems, earth retention walls, engineering degree, excavation walls, future projects, Geotechnical Engineering, newly graduating engineers, next generation of engineering, sheeting, shoring, supportive excavation

TGEP 32: Managing Risk on Geotechnical Projects Through Quality Laboratory Testing Programs

September 9, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP032.mp3

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In this episode, we talk to Anna M. Kotas, P.E., a technical sales and business development professional at GeoTesting Express (GTX), about how engineers can manage risk on geotechnical projects using quality laboratory testing programs.

Engineering Quotes:

laboratory testing programs

laboratory testing programs

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Anna:

[Read more…] about TGEP 32: Managing Risk on Geotechnical Projects Through Quality Laboratory Testing Programs

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Anna M. Kotas, calibrated testing equipment, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Projects, GeoTesting Express, getting accurate results, good quality sample, held accountable, insufficient laboratory testing programs, Laboratory Testing, laboratory testing data, laboratory testing equipment, Laboratory Testing Programs, Managing Risk, produce correct values, Quality Laboratory Testing, unknown factors

TGEP 27: Large Diameter Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering

July 1, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP027.mp3

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In this episode, I talk to Kathryn Petek, Ph.D., P.E., a senior associate and geotechnical engineer at Shannon & Wilson, Inc. in Seattle with nearly 20 years of experience in design, construction, and research about large diameter foundations.

Engineering Quotes:

large diameter foundations

large diameter foundations

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Kathryn:

[Read more…] about TGEP 27: Large Diameter Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: AASHTO code, closed-end piles, creative and interactive, FHWA research, flexural resistance, Geotechnical Engineering, high lateral loads, high load-bearing capacity, Kathryn Petek, Large Diameter Foundations, Large open-end piles, load test database, open-end driven piles, open-end pile plugging, Roadway projects, shafts, Shannon & Wilson, static design methods, transportation infrastructure, unsupportive length

TGEP 24: The Benefits of Using Energy Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering

May 20, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP024.mp3

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Energy Foundations

In this episode, we talk to Tony Amis, MSc, the Senior Vice President at Endurant Energy (formerly GI Energy), and a recognized expert in multirenewable solutions involving energy foundations and ground-source heating and cooling solutions. We discuss energy piles, and more specifically, ground-sourced heating and cooling solutions.

Engineering Quotes:

Energy Foundations

Energy Foundations

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Tony:

[Read more…] about TGEP 24: The Benefits of Using Energy Foundations in Geotechnical Engineering

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: building foundation's reinforcement, Cambridge University, Endurant Energy, Energy Foundations, energy piles, foundation contractor, Geotechnical Engineering, Geothermal, geothermal loops, GI Energy, ground-source heating, heating and cooling solutions, mechanical and technical engineering, monitoring devices, recycling of heat energy, technical instruments, Tony Amis

TGEP 20: The Role of Unsaturated Soil Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering

March 25, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP020.mp3

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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jean-Louis Briaud, Ph.D., P.E., the National President of ASCE and a Distinguished Professor and Holder of the Buchanan Chair in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University, about unsaturated soil mechanics.

Engineering Quotes:

Unsaturated Soil

Unsaturated Soil

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Dr. Jean–Louis Briaud, Ph.D., P.E.:

[Read more…] about TGEP 20: The Role of Unsaturated Soil Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: above the water table, apply unsaturated soil mechanics, controversy, Dr. Jean-Louis BRIAUD, Geotechnical Engineering, professional disagreements, risk factors, soil mechanics, solution that builds consensus, undergraduate level, unsaturated and saturated soils, unsaturated soil, Unsaturated Soil Mechanics, value of the consequence, water level, water tension

TGEP 16: Geosynthetics and the Benefits of Getting a Ph.D.

January 28, 2021 By EMI

https://media.blubrry.com/engineeringcareercoach/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/geotechnicalengineeringpodcast/TGEP016.mp3

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geosynthetics

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Theresa Loux, Ph.D., P.E., the Technical Director for Aero Aggregates of North America, about her career path, getting a Ph.D., Geosynthetics, and how giving back increases the awareness of what Geotechnical Engineers do.

Engineering Quotes:

geosynthetics

geosynthetics

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Dr. Theresa Loux, Ph.D., P.E.:

[Read more…] about TGEP 16: Geosynthetics and the Benefits of Getting a Ph.D.

Filed Under: TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast Tagged With: Aero Aggregates, Dr. Theresa Loux, geofoams, geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners, Geosynthetics, Geosynthetics Ph.D., geotech styles, Geotechnical Engineering, geotechnical engineers, geotextiles, getting a Ph.D., giving back increases awareness, Increasing the strength of soil, Multi-axial tension testing, professional associations, soil's properties, startup company, synthetic materials

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