Geotechnical Investigation Methods and their Importance in Civil Engineering

In spite of differences in using various geotechnical testing methods and equipment by geotechnical engineers around the globe, there are set of acceptable standards and the required number of tests and testing procedures that are recommended prior to the construction at the project site. Project site investigation and inspection is one the major project management tasks. Soil boring methods, material testing, and ASTM standards and procedures are important in PE exam preparation.

In civil engineering professional practice, compromising with short cut methods of investigation procedures can maximize the risk of structural durability and life. Therefore, it is always recommended to perform appropriate and accurate soil investigations to reduce the risks and failures. Department standards and quality assurance investigation procedures required to be followed for minimizing the risks and improving the overall engineering performance of the structure. It is an engineer's responsibility to implement the ASTM specified standards and testing codes along with skills and techniques for adopting the best engineering practices to meet the emerging needs of construction activities in the engineering environment. The geotechnical engineers and their engineering skills ensure better foundations, good transportation facilities and safe infrastructure for public facilities.

Geotechnical engineering is an important and critical topic for the Professional Engineering exam in civil engineering. This engineering section requires application techniques and testing skills, recommended equipment and qualified personnel. The above mentioned key areas are necessary to fulfill the requirements of geotechnical engineering attributes for the economical design and construction, for maximum life of the structure, environment friendly infrastructure that could serve for generations. 

The employment of an enormous amount of resources for adopting the geo-technical challenges are the major essentials in the construction engineering industry. Many big projects require all sub disciplines of civil engineering for better outcome. However, the implementation of selective geotechnical investigative methods in designing major projects in seismic zones, high-rise structures in sandy soils, atomic power stations and for projects requiring 100% disaster-free facilities. 

The geo technical engineering area has huge scope to provide the safe, and quality projects for public and also for infrastructure advancement. Business developments, public and economic growth in all countries across the globe compounded with a shortage of quality procedures and standards Therefore, the need of implementing quality assurance and quality control procedures by professional civil engineers with a PE exam certification than ever before.