Page 20 - Geotechnical Engineering Soil and Foundation Principles and Practice

Introduction
Introduction 15

will be reviewed by another geotechnical engineer. Communication skills
obviously are essential. Computers and word processing are standard and make
it easy to incorporate standardized ‘‘boiler plate’’ that can include discussions
of area geology, and disclaimers prepared with the assistance of a lawyer.

1.21 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGISTS

Whereas geotechnical engineering is engineering applied to geological materials,
engineering geology is geology applied to engineering problems. The two profes-
sions often share professional activities. The difference is mainly one of emphasis.
Engineering geologists usually are trained first as scientists so they may approach
a problem systematiclly, identifying all aspects and determining their relevance
through classifications and correlations. Geotechnical engineers usually are
trained first as engineers, and may prefer to look at a problem in simplified
terms in order to solve it mathematically and arrive at an answer.
Engineers sometimes view geologists as being ready to devote a lifetime of study
to a problem when the report must go out tomorrow, and geologists may see
engineers as oversimplifying the problem to the point where important aspects
are ignored or overlooked, and not fully appreciating the consequences from
meddling with Mother Nature. Some consequences are readily predictable—
straightening a river increases its gradient and erosion potential and takes out
bridges. Sometimes where a geologist sees a river, an engineer sees a dam and
reservoir. The geologist sees a reservoir that eventually and inevitably will be
clogged with sediment. By combining the strengths from various specialties,
engineers and scientists can form an alliance that can solve problems in a timely
manner and hopefully minimize future screw-ups. Then all they have to do is
convince the politicians.

Problems

1.1. Define: (a) mechanics; (b) soil mechanics; (c) soil engineering;
(d) geotechnical engineering.
1.2. Name some applications of geotechnical engineering.
1.3. Look up C. A. Coulomb in an encyclopedia and indicate whether the writer
of that article was well informed concerning his engineering contributions.
1.4. List the names of six scientists and engineers whose contributions currently
are being used in geotechnical engineering practice, and state the nature
of each.
1.5. Who is considered the father of modern soil mechanics? Why?
1.6. Discuss features of geotechnical engineering that distinguish this field from
structural engineering.

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