Geotechnical Engineer

Description

Plans, directs and conducts survey work to analyse the mechanics of soil and rock, and its applications to engineering problems to support the safe and efficient design and construction of infrastructure projects.

Description

Design, plan, organise and oversee the construction of civil engineering projects such as dams, bridges, pipelines, gas and water supply schemes, sewerage systems, roads, airports and other structures, analyse the likely behaviour of soil and rock when placed under pressure by proposed structures and design structural foundations, analyse the statical properties of all types of structures and test the behaviour and durability of materials used in their construction, and plan and develop transportation systems.

Tasks include

• Assesses construction plans to determine its feasibility based on the understanding of the construction site gathered from geological maps, aerial photographs, project data, collected historical information and other sources
• Collects and tests soil and rock samples to determine their properties and assist in the assessment of geotechnical parameters used in design
• Assesses the impact of soil and rock mechanical properties on the stability of existing structures
• Performs geotechnical calculations and modelling to evaluate the characteristics of the site under study, and use the results from their analysis to design foundations and other geotechnical structures
• Investigates, identifies and analyses geological risks and hazards related to the site, such as landslides, liquefaction or soil erosion
• Develops strategies to minimise risks and recommend appropriate safety measures, such as drainage systems, soil improvement techniques and slope stabilisation methods, to incorporate in the project design