Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design and construction of the physical and natural built environment, including works such as bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings.  Civil engineering is the oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it was defined to distinguish it from military engineering.  It is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines including environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, urban planning, and construction engineering.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. Geotechnical engineering includes investigating existing subsurface conditions and materials; assessing risks posed by site conditions; designing earthworks and structure foundations; and monitoring site conditions, earthwork and foundation construction.

A typical geotechnical engineering project begins with a site investigation of the soil and bedrock on and below an area of interest to determine their engineering properties including how they will interact with the proposed structure. Site investigations are needed to gain an understanding of the area on which the project will take place. Investigations can include an assessment of the physical properties of the soil in order to design a foundation that will be supported by the soil.  A preliminary geotechnical engineering report may include general sub-surface information, site specific grading recommendations as well as information for use in the design of a foundation.