Civil engineering has several specialties of branches. One such branch is Geotechnical engineering. Here the behavior or characteristics of different kinds of earth materials are studied and analyzed. Professionals who are trained in this field can conduct soil examination tests and that of rock layers. This in turn helps them to determine the different chemical and physical properties of the earth in different areas. The information provided by these experts usually forms the basis on which building structures and designs are planned for different areas.

Goal of geotechnical engineering
This field of civil engineering is not only focused upon tests for dam construction contractors and other constructions, but also to design stabilization systems for soil in different areas. As many development areas often see excessive deforestation and constructions, this often impacts the soil quality adversely. Not only is vegetation affected, floods and degradation of land and soil occurs in excess as a result of such development. In such instances, these experts can provide solutions on how soil systems can be made stable, landslides prevented and earthquakes reduced in likelihood.

Design of geotechnical systems
Such processes might start with https://entracon.com.au/deep-dynamic-compaction/ sites where subsurface soil is investigated upon. Soil samples are taken from bores or test pits. The engineers then check and determine soil properties to understand its stability as well as the presence of air pockets or ability to retain moisture. Environmental impact or chemical makeup is also studied by these experts. They are able to determine the impact that would be caused to the soil and ecological system when construction sites come about in an area.

Uses of geotechnical engineering in the construction design
Once soil surface and subsurface systems are studied by these experts, a professional in Geotechnical engineering can help design stable foundation and footing for different structures. The structures might be made from different materials like masonry, concrete or steel. These are placed underground in order to help support as well as distribute the weight of the building or construction that is erected above the ground. Engineers help to calculate the load of building materials as well as the load with people and other items that a building could bear. The calculations are taking into account ground movements that can occur as well as the impact caused by different weather conditions. If the soil at a project site is unstable, complex support system and foundation design are devised by these experts to help compensate for the unstable nature of the soil and subsurface system of the area. Many construction companies employ such experts or outsource such services.