The geotechnical consultant

Geotechnics, or geomechanics, is that branch of engineering which relates directly to the ground: its natural behavior, the way it responds to artificially-changed conditions and the way it interacts with man-made structures.

Geotechnical input is required for most civil, structural and mining engineering projects, and yet the ground is highly variable and its behavior difficult to predict. This presents the geotechnical consultant with problems of imprecision and uncertainty which are unfamiliar to many of his, or her, colleagues in allied technical disciplines, and are not often appreciated by the layman.

To address the implications of this, the following paper has been prepared by members of the Sydney Group of the Australian Geomechanics Society.

It is hoped that it will clarify the public perception of the geotechnical consultant, place in perspective the services which can be supplied, explain why most geotechnical work has to pass through a number of basic stages, and provide useful advice on briefing, engagement and professional liability.

With technological advancement, our ability to predict the way in which the ground behaves in a wide range of circumstances has improved enormously over the last 20 or 30 years.

There is every reason to assume this process will continue in future with resulting financial benefits to the community as a whole, and an increased confidence among engineers and clients alike that the ground.related aspects of their projects can be dealt with effectively.