Menu
Menu
Testing Service Corporation
Service Is Our Middle Name
So What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Geotechnical Engineering is a specialized subset of the engineering field that focuses on the implications of soil composition, geology, and other environmental factors that play into the design of buildings, roadways, bridges, and other structures.
Put simply, Geotechnical Engineers live, eat, and breathe soil.
Maybe not, "eat" and "breathe", but you get the picture...
What structures are built on has become increasingly more important as societies have become more advanced. Coinciding with this increased complexity comes geological and environmental factors that impact the design of the foundation, which is arguably the most important part of any development.
People need to trust that buildings, bridges, and roadways will stand the test of time. A Geotechnical engineer advises on how a structure can best be supported giving its unique circumstances
What's hidden below the surface of the ground is likely the most vital piece of information that a Geotechnical Engineer is after. In order to determine this, a drill rig takes soil samples at a variety of points of interest and at various depths on the site.
These samples are then analyzed by the lab to determine soil composition.
The breakdown of sand, silt, clay, and other materials present in the soil, helps the engineer determine what unique characteristics the site has and what the implications of those may be. Of course soil composition is only one test that can be performed on samples. There are a variety of other tests such as the strength of the soil or permeability that can paint an even clearer picture of the situation.
Based on these tests, there may be more soil borings that are drilled, or the engineer may have enough information from the initial tests to make a recommendation to the client on how best to proceed with their project.
Results are generally reported through borings logs which show the soil composition and characteristics at a variety of depths. Accompanying information with other soil tests may be provided as well depending on the clients needs and/or the engineers recommendations.
If you need Geotechnical Engineering, Testing Service Corporation has an extensive track record of 71 years of experience!
