Geo technical engineering is one of the sub disciplines of
civil engineering. It is closely related to engineering geology hence, the
discipline combining the two is called as geo techniques. It is also known as
ground engineering or soil engineering.
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| Engineering Analysis |
Sir Karl Terzaghi is the father of modern soil mechanics. He
laid down definite procedures for determining properties and the strength
characteristics of soils.
The subject does apply the principles of soil mechanics,
rock mechanics, to design foundations, retaining structures and earth
structures.
Egyptian temples, roman engineering structures, etc were
built centuries ago. But their design of the foundation was not based on any
currently known technical principles!.
This branch of civil engineering deals with soil, rock,
under ground water, their relation to design, construction, and operation of
engineering projects. For instance, dutch core penetration test is applied to
determine the materials in soil profiles and estimate their engineering
properties. Similarly, the net stress increase on soil can be calculated by
using a formula, net ultimate bearing capacity/ factor of safety.
The tools used for Engineering Analysis of field exploration
are known as soil mechanics and rock mechanics.They might be analytical,
numerical, experimental, etc. The analysis results are then used to develop geo
technical input for design purposes. The geo technical engineers need to
monitor construction works at all phases.
The ancient constructions were based on common sense,
experience, rules of the thumb, and collective wisdom of builders, etc. Some
builders seem to have used crude tests to assess the soil conditions. Their
success is evident by the fact that many dams have been serving for more than
two thousand years!.
Some failures during the middle ages produced new rules of
thumb. The builders slowly began to apply scientific methods too.
Researchers did studies about the engineering behaviour of
soils during 17th and 18th centuries. Even during the late 19th century,
progress in this field lagged behind!.
Geo technical engineering was born in 1925 with the
publication of a book written by Karl Terzaghi. He focussed his research on
developing rational design methods.
Due to the efforts of researchers, substantial progress was
achieved in geo technical engineering during the last century. But still most
of the analysis of behaviour of soil and rock are handicapped. For instance,
the mathematical models of soil and rock behaviour are only approximate as they
do not take into account most of the other relevant factors. One more draw back
is the over estimation of accuracy of geo technical analysis.
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