The Benefits of Utilizing Geotechnical Engineering When Building
Geotechnical engineering might not be the first thing you think of when you start a building project, but their expertise can be invaluable. After all, every building is subject to the behavior of the ground beneath it—a geotechnical engineer’s job is to predict that behavior and make recommendations to ensure the safety and durability of the building.
What is a geotechnical engineer?
Geotechnical companies in Hudson, CO study the characteristics of the earth and apply them to making it suitable for human habitation, including homes, commercial and industrial buildings, among other structural projects. This type of civil engineering uses the science of soil and rock mechanics, and can be used to prevent or mitigate natural disasters, determine the suitability of a building site and predict issues with any sort of structure that deals with the earth’s crust—including mining, pumping for oil and similar applications. Bridges, tunnels and underground bunkers all require the services of a geotechnical engineer.
When you’re starting a building project, geotechnical engineers will be able to analyze the surroundings and tell you if the site is a good place for your project. They will also be able to identify potential hazards and make recommendations to alleviate them.
Why use a geotechnical engineer when building?
Hiring geotechnical engineering services alongside your structural engineer is helpful because they are able to work with the structural engineer and/or architect to identify and fix problems before they become bigger issues. They can also help by recommending the best construction practices to deal with the area’s particular challenges.
In addition to evaluating the project site and recommending the best way to accomplish your objectives, this type of engineer can also offer other useful services, such as foundation assessment, designing retaining walls, evaluating slope stability, salinity assessment, pavement design and dam site investigation and design. This ensures that the building or project you create is designed to fit into the environment and stand up to any likely challenges.
Why hire a local geotechnical engineer?
When you are working on a specific project or development, where you hire your engineer is just as important as finding a qualified one. Hiring a local geotechnical engineer guarantees that you’re working with someone who is familiar with the area’s features, disadvantages and quirks. While any qualified geotechnical engineer should be capable of performing tests and evaluating the site, those who consistently work in the area will be experts on the conditions. Further, it will save you time and money on travel, and your engineer will be available to assist throughout the course of the project. Having local expertise becomes more important the larger your project is.
Using a geotechnical engineer’s services alongside your structural engineer increases your project’s chance of success over the long term. The more you know about the ground beneath your feet, the better you’ll be able to address any issues.
For quality geotechnical engineering services in Hudson, CO, reach out to the team at High Plains Engineering & Design, LLC today.
Categorised in: House Building