What is Ground Engineering?
An understanding of geological structures, materials and processes, combined with the systematic application of investigative, scientific and mathematical techniques to produce practical solutions to ground related problems for the benefit of society.
Why is it important?
Ground Engineering touches almost every aspect of modern life.
- Foundations for buildings and structures: schools, hospitals, bridges, hydro-electric dams, wind farms and nuclear power stations, offices, sports stadiums, shopping centres, and homes.
- Earthworks for essential infrastructure: roads, railways, airports and flood defence embankments such as those protecting London.
- Environmental protection: clean up of contaminated land, landfill design, groundwater management.
- Hazard control: assessing and managing the stability of cliffs and slopes; stabilizing underground voids, including natural cavities and old mines
- Underground structures: tunnels, metro systems, car parks, water and sewerage transmission tunnels.
- Engineering for the future: ground source heat pumps, wind farms, protection against rising sea levels and coastal erosion.