Roles And Responsibilities Of Geotech Engineers

By Charles Anderson


Becoming an engineer is not an easy task. One has to work hard for it to have what it takes to become a professional. The field usually involves the analysis of soil and the underlying materials and the effects they have on the environment. Below are some of the advantages and challenges faced by Geotech Engineers in their line of duty.

Engineering is one of the fields which involve complex calculations of data. For one to carry out these laboratory tests, he or she must have the right skills since incorrect interpretation of data can bring about in accurate results. For one to become an engineer he or she must have all the right qualifications.

The study usually begins with a project review which defines the properties of the required material. A site study is then done to investigate the rock, bedrock, soil and fault distribution properties and determine their interaction with the proposed construction. These investigations may include determination of all human risks, environmental risks and natural hazards like sinkholes, Flow of debris, landslide, rock falls and earthquakes. Beyond this, the engineers use their professionalism to plan and design roads, canals, buildings, embankments and construction project structures.

As technological advancements are being done in the industry, engineers have to adapt to the new challenges by going through training on the use of these machines. This is very challenging most of the times as they have to spend most of their time learning how to use the machines and equipments.

The field requires a lot expertise. Geotech engineering takes more than being an engineer. One is required to be a scientist, mathematician and also an analyst. This requires a lot of experience in order to obtain optimal results. No one has ever gone wrong with a professional and only a processional can do a job with a lot of expertise and creativity. An engineer who lacks experience or has less experience should not be considered.

Another role the engineer plays is keeping in touch with the clients by holding meetings for the evaluation of the ongoing projects. Where they provide necessary information to the client and discuss some of the project constraints like time and budget allocations.

It takes more than being an engineer as the field requires complex calculations which are very tedious. Apart from these a lot of creativity is involved in laying down strategies on how to solve some risks that may arise during the construction of the structure.

Engineering involves a lot of field work. The availability of the engineer is a key factor to consider. The work of these engineers is to direct the clients on how different activities should be carried out. This will help in speeding the project. An engineer who is not available should not be considered since mistakes are bound to occur. These are some of the key factors that one must consider when contracting a Geotech engineer.




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