Friday, 7 February 2014

A Career In Geotech Engineering

By Jerri Perry


Geotech engineering forms part of civil engineering. It is the study of earth materials and its behavior. Persons involved in this field examine rock and soil layers to assess its chemical and physical properties. They use this information to design foundations and other structures, such as roads and buildings.

This engineering style's main role is to design suitable systems to stabilize soil. The main aim of doing this is to ensure that buildings based on unstable soil will remain stable. The studies are done to prevent the impact earthquakes and landslides may have on main road structures. Other facets of the job scope may require assessing underwater soil which could have an effect on 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.

Once the initial tests have been completed, the engineer will use the results to design stable, effective footings and foundations. The types of structures that are used are generally made up of steel, masonry or concrete. The structures are placed underground to support and distribute the weight of the building evenly. The accuracy of the building design is dependent upon the engineer calculating the exact materials load that will be used during the building process and the possible number of occupants in the building.

Soil and building settlement must be taken into account during the calculations. The calculations should consider the movement of the ground and the impact weather will have on the final design. The general rule is that bigger, more complex foundations will be required if the soil on site is unstable.

Geotechnical engineers are also involved in the design of support structures for dams, tunnels and roads. Once excavation of the soil has started, it is necessary to implement support systems to prevent the remaining soil from caving in. This may require the installation of steel or concrete retaining walls. The engineering team could make use of steel pins or tie-backs to connect stable portions of earth to unstable portions.

To become a member of the geotech engineering community, it is necessary to complete an undergraduate degree. Some universities offer specializations in this particular field, however, most educational institutions only offer a degree in general civil engineering. Upon graduation, students have to secure a position in the market where they receive supervision from an engineer who is licensed. To work without supervision, you need to have a license in your specialist field. The license can be obtained once you have practical experience in this arena and have passed a state-administered engineering exam.




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