Interested in what Geotechnical Engineers do?
What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Geotechnical engineers specialize in the study of earth materials such as soil and rock. The work that geotechnical engineers do provides important information to aid in the design and construction of structures like buildings, bridges, runways for airports, and other infrastructure.
Geotechnical engineers investigate, characterize and engineer solutions to ground conditions to support our built environment.
Geotechnical work usually involves testing and collecting samples at the project site. Engineers examine the area and collect samples using methods like test borings and test pits. Test boring explorations often use a split spoon sampler, taking samples at various depths. Another sample option is the Shelby Tube sampler, which is typically used for soft silty clay.
The samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to determine key properties such as strength, permeability, and density. Based on the results, the geotechnical engineer can provide information on the ground conditions at the site of a proposed project and make recommendations on foundations, earthwork, and pavement.
Why is Geotechnical Engineering important?
Geotechnical engineering plays an important role in construction projects by evaluating the ground conditions before the building process starts. Understanding site conditions is critical to designing buildings and infrastructure projects that will be safe and durable for years to come.
“While driving on bumpy, frost heaved roads this spring, I am reminded that as an engineer, I’ve had many opportunities to provide geotechnical engineering to inform proper use of road base materials and drainage systems to construct durable public roads. The value of a smooth, strong road cannot be understated when it comes to the quality of our daily commute and the health of our automobiles. The underappreciated luxuries in life such as smooth roads, bridges crossing rivers, indoor plumbing, and warm dry buildings are all things that, if civil engineers didn’t create, our lives would be much different.”
Chad Michaud, P.E.
Executive Vice President, COO, Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Why choose to be a Geotechnical Engineer?
Every geotechnical engineer has a different reason and background for entering the field, but they all share the same goal: to provide safe, well-engineered, and practical solutions that support the infrastructure we rely on every day.
“I became interested in geotechnical engineering while working summers as a construction materials technician when in school for my bachelor’s in civil engineering. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the civil engineering realm, but I wasn’t sure of the direction. After some exposure, I liked the idea of an engineering profession that included field work and not always sitting behind a desk. My interest grew as I gained more experience with the challenges and subsequent problem solving for the subsurface soil conditions in our region.”
Nate Strout, P.E. | Senior Geotechnical Engineer
“I was inspired to be an engineer because I liked science and math classes and solving problems.”
Jessica GerberDolan, E.I.T. | Staff Geotechnical Engineer
“I didn’t initially set out to become a geotechnical engineer. Growing up in Rwanda, where access to clean water was a challenge, I was drawn to water resources engineering to make a difference. However, during my undergraduate studies, a soil mechanics class sparked my curiosity about how soil behaves and interacts with structures. This led me to take an advanced geotechnical engineering course, where I explored topics such as subsurface investigations, foundation design, retaining walls, and soil behavior analysis. Over time, I realized that geotechnical engineering combined my interests in problem-solving, design, and analytical thinking. While it wasn’t my original plan, it became the field where I saw the greatest opportunity to apply my skills and contribute meaningfully to engineering challenges.”
Nshuti Gato | Staff Geotechnical Engineer
“My uncle was a civil engineer and would always talk passionately about projects he worked on. I enjoyed listening to his stories and how proud he was of everything he got to do, so I decided to go for a civil degree too.”
Emma Dennis, E.I.T. | Staff Geotechnical Engineer
“Geotechnical Engineering sparked my interest after taking my first soil mechanics course during college. I’ve always been interested in the world of construction and finding an engineering pursuit that allows me to be interactive on jobsites and in the preliminary construction phases of many different types of projects is extremely rewarding.”
Sean Hlywa, E.I.T. | Staff Geotechnical Engineer
