Consider the diverse landscape of the state we call home. From its steep, snow-capped mountains and rolling red rocks to deep blue lakes and winding canyons, Utah is full of spectacular beauty.
Utah is also home to a variety of breathtaking architecture—whether it be historical structures or cutting-edge, modern complexes.
Whatever the project, understanding the terrain is especially important for Utah’s unique landscape. That’s why at Civil Solutions Group, we provide science-based testing and engineering analysis for a variety of projects—otherwise known as geotechnical engineering.
What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Think about it—everything we see around us is supported by rock or soil. From an engineering perspective, assessing soil and rock strength, behavior and stability are crucial prior to building any structure. That’s where we come in.
Geotechnical engineering is a subset of civil engineering that involves the process of understanding infrastructure conditions related to a construction project. With geotechnical engineering in Salt Lake City, UT, and surrounding areas, systems that are made of or supported by soil or rock are analyzed—like underground water, slope stability, retaining structures, embankments, roadways, levees, tunnels, and landfills. Risks of things like rockfalls, landslides, and avalanches are also assessed.
In short, geotechnical engineering in Salt Lake City, UT, and surrounding areas involves the investigation of subsurface and geological conditions that are then used to design and build foundations, pavement subgrades, and earth structures.
The Role of Geotechnical Engineers
Geotechnical engineers assess, plan, and design the structures for hundreds of different construction projects like buildings, roads, canals, and embankments. They also deal with various geological hazards like earthquakes, soil erosion, and landslides.
The engineer starts by collecting soil samples from the intended site and then analyzes the results along with other factors to determine the ground’s stability and stress-bearing capability. They’ll also determine whether problems like slope, erosion, and settlement may pose a safety risk to the proposed project.
Software and computer analysis are used to understand the data collected and model future conditions. This is crucial to the development and safety of the project.
After the analysis is complete, geotechnical engineers often assist in the development of foundations suitable for the site conditions and meet with clients all along the way to evaluate the progress of the project.
Geotechnical Engineering in Salt Lake City, UT
Building on Utah’s magnificent landscape requires adequate evaluation and planning for events like earthquakes, flooding, landslides, and more. The geotechnical engineering team at Civil Solutions Group has years of experience providing science-based solutions for various projects throughout Utah.
Contact us today for help with geotechnical engineering in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.