If you are engineering student and ask you what type of engineering would you specialize in. I can guess your answer. I know your answer. It would probably be something like , electrical, mechanical or computer engineering. These are the most popular choices and are the most know even among the non- engineering students. However if I ask you about geotechnical Adelaide engineering then you most probably don’t know about it. Geotechnical is a lesser know and underrated field of engineering. Many people don’t know about it or are familiar with it. From the sound of it geotechnical engineering has something to do with geography which isn’t wrong.
In geotechnical engineers you study soil and rock mechanics to find out the conditions of the land and the underlying foundation. It plays a great part in our modern society and is the foundation of many projects. I will list to you all the conditions in which geotechnical engineering is used and why you should consider it as a career path.
Deep Excavations
When it comes to deep excavations the engineers are responsible for their stability and durability. When the term deep excavation is mentioned think of underground subways and the sewerage system.
Soil stabilization
Engineers use their skills and knowledge to chemically alter the makeup of soil. This is done to make the soil of land suitable for handling structures such as a new building. If the soil is unable to handle structures obviously you won’t be able to construct anything and even if you do it will be very dangerous an unstable.
Soil erosion
Soil erosion is a natural process whereby the fertile soil that’s on the top is separated. What’s left behind is less fertile or infertile soil not very suitable for agriculture. Soil erosion is a natural process that occurs due to rainfall , snowfall, tornadoes or any other natural cause. Geotechnical engineers use their expertise to reduce the effects of soil erosion. They help make sure that the soil keeps its fertility and therefore help in increasing and sustaining the food supply in a world of scarce resources.
Contamination removal
Geotechnical engineers help in solving land pollution problems. They use their knowledge and expertise to cleanup and remove the pollutants.
Offshore structures
Geotechnical engineers are responsible to the construction and stability of offshore structures such as oil drilling in the sea.
Landfill
Landfill is a way of getting rid of pollutants and toxic materials for instance nuclear waste. Landfills are complex structures and are designed by geotechnical engineers.
Dams
Dams are one the main sources of clean renewable energy. Geotechnical engineers design, maintain and help construct Dams.
Transportation
These engineers also play an important role in transportation. They make sure the roads have longevity and durability after all you wouldn’t want roads frequently and hindering travelling and economic activities.
As mentioned above NATA accredited soil testing is important for society and it should be under your considering when choosing what type of engineering to specialize in.