Functions of Geotechnical Engineering

• The major functions of geotechnical engineering are as

follows:
• Evaluation of geotechnical hazards including potential of
landslides.
• Determination of bearing capacity, deformations of
foundations, and likely interactions between soil,
foundation and the structure.
• Assessment of earth pressure and the performance of
retaining walls.
• Analysis of embankment behavior.
• Strength of excavations, caves, tunnels.
• Conducting of response analysis for a site.
Shallow Foundations
•~ for transferring building loads to underlying
ground
•~ mostly for firm soils or light loads

•firm ground

•bed rock •3
Shallow Foundations
Deep Foundations
•~ for transferring building loads to underlying
ground
•~ mostly for weak soils
or heavy loads
•P
•I
•L
•E

•weak
soil
•bed rock •5
Retaining Walls
•~ for retaining soils from spreading laterally

•retaining
wall

•Road
•Train

•6
Earth Dams
•~ for impounding water

•reservoir
•clay core
•shell

•soil
Concrete Dams

•reservoir
•concrete
dam
•soil

•8
Concrete Dams

•Three Gorges Dam, Hong Kong •9

Earthworks
•~ preparing the ground prior to construction

•Roadwork, Pacific Highway •10