The voice of ground engineering
The Ground Forum is the ‘umbrella’ body for the ground engineering sector.
Ground Forum brings together Trade Associations, Learned Societies and other stakeholders with an interest in geotechnical and geoenvironmental issues, which collectively represent most construction-related ground engineering disciplines and gives the industry a single voice.
Our issues and initiatives
What is ground engineering?
Ground or geotechnical engineers are essential in various aspects of the built environment where understanding and managing the subsurface conditions are critical.
Here are some specific aspects of the built environment that require the expertise of ground engineers:
Geotechnical engineers are involved in assessing soil and rock conditions to design appropriate foundations for structures, ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity.
Foundations for Structures
By conducting detailed ground investigations, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers gather crucial data about subsurface conditions, informing safe and cost-effective design and construction decisions.
Ground Investigation
Geotechnical expertise is critical in evaluating load-bearing capacities, ground movement, and water ingress risks to ensure the integrity and durability of bridges and tunnels.
Bridge and Tunnel Construction
Ground engineers analyse terrain and subsurface materials to develop stable roadbeds, reduce settlement risks, and improve pavement performance over time.
Highway and Road Construction
They design retaining structures and assess slope stability to prevent landslides, erosion, and structural failure on uneven or unstable terrain.
Retaining Walls and Slope Stability
For dams and embankments, ground engineers evaluate seepage, settlement, and slope conditions to maintain safety and functionality across the structure’s lifespan.
Dams and Embankments
Geotechnical assessments ensure safe and efficient pipeline routing, accounting for ground movement, soil type, and environmental impacts along the installation path.
Pipeline Installation
Ground engineers play a key role in transforming unusable land into viable development areas by improving soil conditions and managing settlement and stability challenges.
Land Reclamation
They support mining operations by assessing rock mechanics, slope safety, and ground control to optimise resource extraction while ensuring worker and environmental safety.
Mining and Extraction Projects
Ground engineers evaluate thermal properties and subsurface conditions to aid in the design and installation of geothermal systems for sustainable energy generation.
Geothermal Energy Projects
In contaminated land projects, ground engineers assess soil and groundwater conditions to design effective remediation strategies and restore environmental health.
Environmental Remediation
They contribute to the design and implementation of flood protection systems, embankments, and drainage solutions that enhance climate resilience and protect communities.
Flood Defences and Climate Resilience
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