 Geotechnical
engineering focuses on the behavior and performance of soils
and rocks in the design and construction of civil, environmental,
and mining engineering structures. In general, geotechnical
engineers design building foundations, retaining systems, dikes
and dams, and large cuts and embankments. In order to perform
the above designs the engineer must carry out subsurface exploration
including the analysis of groundwater seepage and flow conditions
using indirect methods such as engineering geophysics and traditional
down-the-borehole sampling and laboratory testing.
The geotechnical engineering graduate program maintains a
strong emphasis in both teaching and research. The masters
degree prepares the student either for a career in geotechnical
consulting design practice or to continue on to the research
oriented doctoral program. It is important to realize that
most employers consider the masters degree to be an entry
level requirement in this field.
Due to the practical
nature of geotechnical engineering, many research projects
are in collaboration with a variety of industrial sponsors
as well as government agencies responsible for design and
oversight of geotechnical engineering activities. Typical
research and consulting activities include foundation investigations,
post failure analyses, tailing dam stability analysis, dynamic
characteristics of highway and foundation based materials,
and the study of natural slope instabilities. Due to Michigan
Tech's northern climate, many projects involve the study of
cold weather effects such as frost action in soils and frost
resistant design methods.
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