Saturday, February 8, 2014

Information About Entering Geotech Engineering

By Jerri Perry


Geotechnical or geotech engineering falls into the civil engineering scope. It involves studying earth materials and the way in which it behaves. Engineers in this arena examine the soil and rock layers of earth to determine the physical and chemical properties. This information is used in the design of foundations and structures like buildings and roads.

The main purpose of this form of engineering is the design of stabilization systems for unstable soil. This is completed to ensure that buildings placed on unstable soil become and remain stable over a period of time. It is used to prevent the negative impact events such as earthquakes may have on major road structures. The job scope may also include assessing underwater soil before construction of marinas and offshore platforms.

The examination process in geotech engineering starts with a detailed investigation into the subsurface. Samples of soil are extracted using pits and bores. The extracted soil will be examined by the engineers. During the examination process, the engineers will look for air or rock pockets, measure the stability level of the soil and determine the content of any chemicals that are in the soil.

This type of investigation allows the engineer to determine the impact disturbance of the soil will have on the environment. It also allows him or her to determine the appropriate steps to be taken to prepare the relevant site for potential construction.

When the initial tests have been completed, the results will be used for the design of stable foundations. The foundations and footings are generally made up of concrete, steel or masonry. The structures are placed below ground as support for the building. The engineer will be required to make accurate calculations regarding the exact weight and load of all building materials, along with the number of persons who will use the building.

Settlement of the building and soil must be taken into account during the calculation. The impact of weather on the design and the movement of the ground should also be considered. The basic rule is that the more unstable the soil, the more complex and the bigger the system's foundation will have to be.

Engineers in this field are often also involved during the design of the support structures for tunnels, roads and dams. Once the soil excavation has commenced, the engineers need to put support systems in place that will stop the remaining soil from collapsing. This may need concrete or steel retaining walls to be installed. In this case, the use of tie-backs or steel pins may be implemented to connect the unstable earth portions to stable sections.

To enter the arena of geotech engineering, it is required that you complete at least an undergraduate degree. Certain universities offer this as a specialized degree, but most institutions simply offer a civil engineering degree. Once you have graduated, you will have to secure a job where a licensed engineer acts as your supervisor. If you wish to circumvent the supervision period, you can acquire a license in your field. The licensing process requires a certain amount of practical experience and passing an examination which has been administered by the state.




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