Geotechnical engineering

Geotechnical engineering is an important subset of civil engineering dealing with engineering performance of earth materials. Geotechnical engineering uses the principles of soil and rock mechanics to determine:


 * subsurface conditions and materials;
 * relevant physical/mechanical and chemical properties of these materials;
 * stability of natural slopes and man-made soil deposits;
 * risks posed by site conditions;

which should be used in a process of design of:
 * earthworks;
 * structure foundations;

and in monitoring of:


 * site conditions;
 * earthwork and foundation construction.

Foundations built for above-ground structures include shallow and deep foundations. Retaining structures include earth-filled dams and retaining walls.