Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering that studies and regulates the behavior of objects that come from the Earth. The field also crosses with military, mining, and petroleum disciplines that depend on geology to safely conduct practices. Geotechnical engineering is not possible without foundation engineering.

What is foundation engineering?

Foundation engineering is the field of study that delves into soil mechanics, geology, rock mechanics, and overall structural engineering. This brand of engineering is crucial as buildings cannot be safely constructed without a solid foundation.

The average professional relies on foundation engineer studies to determine how much weight Earth can handle before deciding to place a building on the land. Such precautionary measures prove beneficial when construction workers begin their duties. There is less probability that a structure will collapse during or after construction when enough research has been conducted during the foundation stage to provide a clear analysis of the Earth.

How is safety determined in foundation engineering?

Foundation engineers use three factors to determine the safety of the land that will serve as a structure’s foundation. First, engineers ensure that the proposed piece of land can withstand seasonal changes such as below freezing temperatures during the winter or excessively high temperatures during the summer. Foundations that significantly change during these times may be deemed as unsafe for building upon.

Another factor that affects the safety of a foundation is moisture in general. Surfaces mainly supported by water may not be the best foundations for large buildings because of their instability. On the other hand, surfaces supported by stones or other strong rock forms may be ideal choices for large buildings. These surfaces may not present safety hazards due to moisture decaying the surface from within.

How does geotechnical engineering relate to foundation engineering?

Geotechnical engineering heavily relies on the principles of soil mechanics to investigate subsurface materials. The field also monitors construction site conditions as they relate to foundation construction.

It is impossible to properly conduct geotechnical research without significantly relying on factors related to foundation engineering. Geotechnical engineering places more focus on the ways in which civilization is affected by Earth’s activities. Still, studying the foundation is essential to connecting the dots. A strong foundation promotes safety by ensuring that a building stands tall for many years. Both geotechnical and foundation engineering studies are needed to ensure such strength.