"Geotechnical Engineering" is a PowerPoint designed for primary and secondary students. This presentation provides an overview of the field of geotechnical engineering; it provides definitions, understanding of field components and elaborates on careers associated within geotechnical areas. This lesson can be paired with a "Pudding Road" activity.

1. Geotechnical Engineering

2. What is Geotechnical Engineering?
• Geo –
• Technical –
• What do they do?
– Go out to construction sites to test soil
– Bring soil back to the lab to test
means earth
having special knowledge

4. Questions geotechnical engineers
answer…
• How tall can we make a building on this
ground?
• Can we build a road here?
• If we cut through this mountain, will the
slopes collapse down onto the road?

5. When do we need Geotechnical
Engineers?
• Whenever there is construction!
– Roads
– Bridges
– Buildings
– Excavations

6. Geotechnical Engineering Gone Wrong

9. Geotechnical Engineering Gone Right

12. Careers in Geotechnical Areas
• Salary: $50,000 - $57,000
• Education: Bachelor’s
• Experience: 0-2 years
Geotechnical Engineer
• Salary: $51,000 - $61,000
• Education: Bachelor’s
• Experience: 0-2 years
Civil Engineer
• Salary: $35,000 - $44,000
• Education: Bachelor’s
• Experience: 0-2 years
GIS Analyst
• Salary: $33,000 - $48,000
• Education: High School Diploma/G.E.D.
• Experience: 0-2 years
Land Surveyor
• Salary: $27,000 - $39,000
• Education: High School Diploma/ G.E.D.
• Experience: 0-2 years
Construction
Representative Assistant

13. Geotechnical Engineer
• Prepares and inspects projects involving
drilling and exploration
• Responsible for geological mapping, report
writing, site characterization, numerical
modeling and analysis of excavations/supports

14. Civil Engineer
• Designs and supervises construction projects
such as airports, bridges, channels, dams,
railroads and roads
• Responsibilities also include estimating costs
and personnel and material needs, preparing
proposals and establishing completion dates

15. GIS Analyst
• Utilizes Geographic Information System techniques to
provide a better understanding of certain variables in a
given geographic location
• Extracts data from GIS software and uses varying
analysis methods to arrive at results. Recommends
appropriate reactionary strategies in response to GIS
analysis
• Provides maps and data sets to clients to supplement
analysis. Knowledgeable of GIS software and
technology
• Works in conjunction with CADD drafters and
technicians

16. Land Surveyor
• Surveys and investigates land surfaces to
project precise measurement and location of
lines, angles, points, areas and elevations
• Performs project research, boundary
calculations, and records accuracy of survey
data, notes and sketches

17. Construction Representative Assistant
• Observes and inspects construction to ensure
adherence to specifications and contract
documents
• Requires technical knowledge and experience
in given field of inspection work
• May be responsible for overseeing several
disciplines