Geotechnical Engineering is the study of soil and rock mechanics to investigate and study the subsurface materials and conditions. These principles are used to find more details on the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of these subsurface materials and structures. The importance of this field of engineering comes when determining the stability of the structures that we’ve built to assess risks.

The applications of this field are used in mining engineering, petroleum engineering and coastal engineering as well. These applications are being widely used when constructing dams, bridges, roads, tunnels, skyscrapers, ports, railway lines and big commercial buildings structures and buildings.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering comes under Civil Engineering discipline which deals with the study of the behaviour various types of soil under the influence of loading forces and soil water-interactions. Students of this course are taught to gather such information to help in the design of foundations, dams, geosynthetics, retaining walls etc. Applications of this course are also used for temporary excavation support, route selection of railways and highways etc.

They are also taught to process with the field and laboratory investigations to determine the engineering properties of site-specific soils and other geomaterials. These are made useful in the analytical studies also. These studies are constantly helping in improving science’s ability to predict the behaviour of soil and it’s interaction with water under various circumstances. 

How to Join

One who wants to join Geotechnical Engineering should pass the qualifying examination with an aggregate score of 50-75% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After completing the same, the student has to appear for the Joint Entrance Exam Main (JEE - Main) to get admission into one of the top colleges or universities in India.

Most of the engineering colleges in India offer admission to students based on the JEE Main examination. It is a national level entrance examination done by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India. 

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is the national level apex authority responsible for the regulation and control of all engineering colleges and courses available in India. AICTE is the statutory authority responsible for proper planning and coordination on the development of the technical education system in India.

Career Prospects of Geotechnical Engineers

Organisations which are involved in the construction of commercial buildings, mining extraction of petroleum and natural gas, infrastructure development firms etc. recruit geotechnical engineers. They are basically involved in duties like site supervision, an inspection of soil, rocks, project analysis, design and construction of foundation other necessary structures.

Governmental organisations like WD, Urban planning departments, Municipal corporations, NHAI, Indian Railways, Metro Rail corporations etc. are some of the popular recruiters of qualified Geotechnical Engineers.