Should I Become A Geotechnical Engineer?
When I was in university and I had to choose what field of engineering I had to go into, I really wasn’t sure which one I should choose. There was so much information available:...
learngeotech Recent Posts
Moisture Content and Soil Compaction
Soil compaction depends on a few factors, not the least of which is moisture content. No contractor wants to pay for a water truck if they think they can just pound the backfill until...
10 Funny Geotechnical Engineering Jokes and Memes
This article is not normally something I post on this site, but I figured it would be fun to make some memes! Let’s see how this list of geotechnical engineering jokes turn out. 10....
What Does Friction Angle of Soil Mean?
In geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, the friction angle of soil is, at its most basic level, a physical property that helps to quantify a soil’s shear strength. If that seems kind of abstract,...
4 Simple Factors Affecting Soil Compaction
This article is primarily aimed at contractors looking to pass their soil compaction tests more quickly but is also a good refresher for geotechnical technicians to review. And check out our friends article on...
What is 98% Compaction?
This is a question I get a lot while on construction sites. Contractors usually do not know what is meant by 98% compaction, just that they need the geotechnical technician with a nuclear gauge...
Is A Nuclear Density Gauge Dangerous?
When I’m on site with a nuke, contractors love to make jokes about my future children being deformed because I’m around my nuclear densometer so much. Of course, I’m a good sport and go...
Field Density Testing Tips: Know Your Client
In this article, I will give you a few field density tips that can help you when you’re on site. They aren’t technical or organizational tips but are based on your relationships with your...
Geotechnical Investigation Guide
A rite of passage for a new geotechnical engineers is the transition from compaction and concrete testing to their first geotechnical investigation. During the time spent doing compaction and gaining experience, a geotechnical professional...
How To Do Compaction Testing
Performing compaction testing using a nuclear density gauge may seem at first to be a simple task: pound the pin, depress the handle, and take the reading. As easy it may seem at first...
Describing Different Types of Soil
In this article I will explain the differences between each soil type and how they are classified in the Modified Unified Soil Classification System. Types of Soil According to the Modified Unified Soil Classification...