I’m a Geomechanical Engineer: What Does That Mean?

If you’re like many people, you’ve probably heard the term geomechanical engineer but don’t know exactly what it means. Put simply, the job of a geomechanical engineer is to derive data from geotechnical and geological subsurface characteristics of the earth’s crust and develop design guidelines for the construction and subsurface operations of engineering works. In other words, I help make sure that foundation systems functioning as expected.

When I’m hired by a client, the first job is to assess the soil and geological properties that will affect the foundations, above-ground structures and subsurface operations such as underground mining and infrastructure. I then use my technical knowledge and advanced engineering principles to ascertain the data, make any needed adjustments, and design systems that meet the specific needs of the project.

I Work to Determine the Most Effective Earthworks Solutions

Once I understand the purpose of the project and have a good understanding of the geotechnical and geological properties of the surrounding area, my next step is to help identify the most effective earthworks solutions. During this phase, I also consider environmental and safety requirements. My goal is to design an optimal engineering solution while addressing any cultural, historical, and environmental contexts that are important.

To ensure the best geotechnical design and layout of the project, I use a variety of methods such as:

• Executing field investigations to determine the in-situ conditions of the soil.

• Developing laboratory tests of the earth material to identify engineering properties.

• Analyzing the results of the tests to identify the physical and engineering properties of the soils.

• Utilizing advanced computer modeling techniques to develop a full understanding of the geological conditions at the project site.

No Two Jobs are the Same

Every project I work on presents unique challenges and no two jobs are the same. I need to keep a flexible mindset so I can create solutions that meet the specific goals of each project while staying ahead of the latest engineering technology and advancements.

At the end of the day, I find this work to be extremely rewarding. Geomechanics plays a critical role in many of the infrastructure projects, and I’m proud that I can make a difference by helping provide efficient, safe, and sustainable solutions to important worldwide problems.