What is foundational engineering?

Foundational engineering, also known as geotechnical engineering, is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the study of the behavior and properties of soil, rocks, and other geological materials. It involves the design and construction of structural foundations such as buildings, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure projects.

Foundational engineering also includes studying the forces that ground and soil exert on structures, assessing geological hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activities, and evaluating the environmental effects of constructions on soil and groundwater.

A foundational engineer has to consider many factors when designing a structure, including the soil type, groundwater condition, environmental factors, and load capacity. They use various methods and tools like drilling, sampling, and testing to determine the properties of the soil and make informed decisions about the suitability of the site for construction.

Foundational engineering plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and stability of structures. It is essential to prevent failures or collapses that could result in fatalities, property damage, and financial losses. Therefore, foundational engineers work closely with other engineering disciplines to ensure that a project is adequately designed, constructed, and maintained.