Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is the discipline within civil engineering related to the performance of soil mechanics, including their subsurface conditions, determination of the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties that will influence the project under consideration, and the assessment of the risks that may be created by conditions of the site. After necessary evaluation, design of the earthworks is carried out, and subsequently supervision of the site, foundation, and construction is carried out.

Geotechnical engineering is also related to coastal engineering, which is involved with the design and creation of harbors, quays and marinas. Ocean engineering is also concerned with geotechnical engineering, and it deals with anchor systems for oil platforms and other offshore structures. Today geotechnical engineering has evolved and geosynthetics has helped to solve many conventional problems that are encountered by the engineers in the field. Geosynthetic products have a wide range of applications and are currently used in many civil and geotechnical engineering applications including roads, embankments, retaining structures, canals, landfills, bank protection, and coastal engineering.