Let's learn about Geotechnical Engineering!
Geotechnical engineers play a very important role when designing
buildings. They are the ones in charge of identifying soil types, such as
clay or sand. Geotechnical engineers also study the soil conditions to make
sure that too much water will not moisten the soil. Identifying the
strengths of the soils is also very important so that the engineers can
make sure that the soil will be strong enough to support the structures.
Buildings, dams, bridges and pavements are all structures that are in
contact with the soil.
Geotechnical engineers also must study how potential movement or changes
in the soil will affect a structure or design foundation. They need to
research if the structures will withstand these conditions or find a way to
change the soil conditions. The engineers determine these conditions
through laboratory testing and experiments on soil samples that are
collected through drilling into the ground.
I am an engineer because.... when I was in middle school I enjoyed many
sports and liked to be outside exploring. My interest in engineering
developed from my interest in math and science, but really evolved from
discovering how the things I learned were used to build things.
Scot Gordon, P.E.
Geotechnical Engineer
CTL/Thompson, Inc.
Denver, Colorado
|
| Quiz |
"If a building were to be placed on soils that are known to expand when
water is added, would you place the building on?"
|
|
 |
|
