Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical engineers operate within the office, field, and laboratory. In each of these settings, individuals in this occupation carry out various duties.

The office:

• Draft reports summarizing field and laboratory data, analyses, and construction and remediation project recommendations.
• Use specialized software to design and analyze geotechnical structures and integrate field site data.
• Discuss project needs and findings with clients and propose engineering solutions to meet client needs and regulatory standards.
• Ensure project designs comply with all relevant environmental and construction regulations.
• Develop and manage project budgets, including estimating costs for site investigations, laboratory testing, and engineering design work.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and construction teams to achieve project goals and address geotechnical issues.

The field:

• Conduct field investigations with drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing to collect data on soil, rock, and groundwater conditions.
• Perform environmental assessments to evaluate potential impacts of construction on the surrounding area environment and identify contaminated sites.
• Oversee construction activities to ensure they meet engineering design standards, focusing on earthworks and foundation installations.
• Conduct field assessments to evaluate slope condition and stability identifying areas at risk of failure and recommending mitigation measures.
• Install and monitor wells to assess groundwater levels and quality, particularly for projects where groundwater management is critical.
• Collect geotechnical data in the field using various instruments and tools, such as penetrometers, vane shear testers, and nuclear density gauges.

The laboratory:

• Conduct tests on soil and rock samples to assess mechanical and physical properties like compaction, permeability, and strength.
• Classify soil and rock samples by composition and characteristics to guide design and construction decisions.
• Perform quality control tests on construction materials like concrete and aggregates, to meet project specifications and regulatory standards.
• Analyze test results to identify material behaviours and characteristics, aiding the engineering decision-making process.
• Participate in research to refine or develop testing methods or improve existing ones for geotechnical use.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, ensuring testing accuracy and reliability.