Geotechnical engineering is the study of the behaviour of soils under the influence of

loading forces and soil-water interactions. This knowledge is applied to the design of
foundations, retaining walls, earth dams, clay liners, and geosynthetics for waste
containment. The goals of geotechnical engineers could range from the design of foundations
and temporary excavation support, through route selection for railways and highways, to the
increasingly important areas of landfill disposal of wastes and groundwater contamination.
As such, the geotechnical engineer is involved in field and laboratory investigations to
determine the engineering properties of site soils and other geomaterials and their
subsequent use in the analytical study of the problem at hand.
Recent computational and computer advances are extending our ability to predict the
behaviour of soil and soil-water systems under a wide variety of conditions. In recent years,
the activities of geotechnical engineers have also involved geoenvironmental engineering.
Geoenvironmental engineers design strategies for the clean-up of contaminated soils and
groundwater and develop management systems for contaminated sites.
Employment opportunities include geotechnical and engineering consultants, public
utilities, governmental agencies, environmental agencies, specialized contractors and
resource industry companies.