What is geotechnical engineering?

Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the study of soil, rocks, and their behavior under different conditions. It involves the design of foundations, slopes, tunnels, embankments, and other structures that rely on the earth for support.

What are the main types of soil?

The main types of soil are sand, silt, and clay. Sand has the largest particle size and is the least cohesive, while clay has the smallest particle size and is the most cohesive. Silt is intermediate in size and properties.

What is soil compaction?

Soil compaction is the process of increasing the density of soil by applying external pressure. This can be done by using heavy equipment or by adding weight to the soil over time. Compaction is important for ensuring that the soil can support heavy structures and resist settlement.

What is a bearing capacity?

Bearing capacity is the maximum load that a soil can support without experiencing excessive deformation or failure. It is an important consideration in the design of foundations for buildings, bridges, and other structures.

What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a structure that is designed to hold back soil and prevent it from sliding or collapsing. Retaining walls are often used to create level areas for buildings, roads, and other structures on sloping terrain.

What is soil stabilization?

Soil stabilization is the process of improving the physical properties of soil to make it more suitable for construction. This can be done by adding chemicals, such as lime or cement, or by mechanically mixing the soil with other materials.

What is a slope stability analysis?

A slope stability analysis is a calculation that determines whether a slope is stable or likely to fail. It takes into account factors such as the angle of the slope, the type of soil or rock, and any external forces acting on the slope.

What is a soil investigation?

A soil investigation is a process of testing and analyzing soil samples to determine their properties and characteristics. This information is used to design foundations and other structures that are safe and stable.

What is a geotechnical report?

A geotechnical report is a document that summarizes the results of a soil investigation and provides recommendations for the design of foundations and other structures. It includes information about soil properties, bearing capacity, slope stability, and other factors that are relevant to the project.

What is a standard penetration test?

A standard penetration test (SPT) is a common method used to determine the strength and density of soil. It involves driving a split-spoon sampler into the soil using a standardized procedure and measuring the number of blows required to achieve a certain depth.

What is a cone penetration test?

A cone penetration test (CPT) is another method used to determine the strength and density of soil. It involves pushing a cone-shaped probe into the soil and measuring the resistance to penetration.

What is the difference between cohesion and friction in soils?

Cohesion is the internal force that binds soil particles together, while friction is the resistance to sliding between particles. Cohesion is more important in clay soils, while friction is more important in sandy soils.

What is a settlement analysis?

A settlement analysis is a calculation that predicts the amount of settlement that a structure will experience over time. It takes into account factors such as the weight of the structure, the strength of the soil, and the rate at which the soil will compress over time.

What is a pile foundation?

A pile foundation is a type of deep foundation that consists of long, slender columns (piles) that are driven into the soil. Pile foundations are used when the soil near the surface is weak or unstable.

What is a drilled shaft?

A drilled shaft is a type of deep foundation that consists of a hole that is drilled into the soil and then filled with concrete or other materials. Drilled shafts are used when the soil near the surface is too hard or too rocky to be driven with piles.

What is a geogrid?

A geogrid is a type of geosynthetic material that is used to reinforce soil. It consists of a network of polymer or fiberglass strands that are woven or knitted together.

What is a geotextile?

A geotextile is a type of geosynthetic material that is used to separate, filter, reinforce, or drain soil. It is made from synthetic fibers that are woven or nonwoven.

What is a geocell?

A geocell is a type of geosynthetic material that is used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It consists of interconnected cells that are filled with soil or other materials.

What is a permeability test?

A permeability test is a method used to measure the ability of soil to transmit water. It is important for designing drainage systems and for assessing the potential for groundwater contamination.

What is a triaxial test?

A triaxial test is a laboratory test used to determine the strength and deformation characteristics of soil under different loading conditions.

What is a direct shear test?

A direct shear test is a laboratory test used to determine the shear strength of soil. It involves applying a constant normal force to a sample of soil and measuring the force required to cause the soil to shear.

What is a slope stability analysis software?

Slope stability analysis software is a computer program that is used to model the stability of slopes under different conditions. It takes into account factors such as the angle of the slope, the type of soil or rock, and any external forces acting on the slope.

What is a groundwater monitoring system?

A groundwater monitoring system is a network of sensors and instruments that are used to measure the water level and quality in aquifers and other underground reservoirs. It is important for managing water resources and for assessing the potential for contamination.

What is a bearing capacity?

Bearing capacity is the maximum load that a soil can support without failure or excessive settlement. It is an important consideration in foundation design and construction.

What is a settlement plate?

A settlement plate is a device that is used to measure the settlement of a structure over time. It consists of a flat plate that is placed on the ground near the foundation of a structure and leveled with respect to the foundation. The settlement of the plate is then measured periodically to track any changes in the settlement of the structure.

What is a soil nail wall?

A soil nail wall is a type of retaining wall that consists of reinforcing bars (nails) that are drilled into the soil and grouted in place. The nails provide additional stability and reinforcement to the soil, allowing for a thinner and more cost-effective retaining wall.

What is a gabion wall?

A gabion wall is a type of retaining wall that consists of wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or other materials. The baskets are stacked on top of each other to create a stable structure that can hold back soil or other materials.

What is a grout curtain?

A grout curtain is a barrier that is created by injecting grout into the soil to create a waterproof seal. Grout curtains are often used to prevent groundwater from entering construction sites or to control the flow of water in underground tunnels.

What is an embankment dam?

An embankment dam is a type of dam that is constructed by building an earthen embankment across a river or other waterway. The embankment is typically reinforced with concrete or other materials to provide additional strength and stability.

What is a levee?

A levee is a raised bank or wall that is built along the edge of a river or other waterway to prevent flooding. Levees are often constructed of earthen materials, such as sand or gravel, and may be reinforced with concrete or other materials.

What is a wellpoint system?

A wellpoint system is a type of dewatering system that is used to lower the water table in the soil. It consists of a series of small diameter pipes (wellpoints) that are driven into the soil and connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump creates a low-pressure zone around the wellpoints, which causes the water in the soil to be drawn into the wellpoints and pumped away.

What is a seepage analysis?

A seepage analysis is a calculation that predicts the flow of water through soil or other porous materials. It is important for designing drainage systems, evaluating the potential for groundwater contamination, and assessing the stability of earth structures.

What is a landslide?

A landslide is the movement of soil, rock, or other materials down a slope or embankment. Landslides can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and human activities such as excavation or construction.

What is a geohazard?

A geohazard is a natural or human-induced event that poses a risk to human life, property, or infrastructure. Examples of geohazards include landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and coastal erosion.

What is a liquefaction?

Liquefaction is the process by which soil or other materials lose their strength and stiffness and become liquid-like during an earthquake or other seismic event. This can lead to ground failure and damage to infrastructure and buildings.