Foundation Engineering of Structures

Foundation engineering, also known as geotechnical engineering, applies theoretical knowledge concerning the behaviour of soils and rocks and the construction of load-bearing structures to the planning and construction of foundations for infrastructure. At the most basic level, a foundation engineer would consider the kind of soil on which construction is to begin, allowing for the selection of the best material for the job, taking into account variables such as the manner in which such materials would need to be reinforced. This field of engineering not only establishes the physical qualities and quantities needed for the construction of foundations, but establishes the necessary design parameters needed for such construction. Such parameters are established by evaluating factors such as the bearing capacity of a particular soil, allowable soil pressure, and the influence of slopes and adjacent foundations, among others.