Hello All,
I suggest the following basic points to be considered while defining
Geotechnical Engineering:
1- Although "Soil Mechanics" has been historically developed by engineers,
it is a part of "science" while Geotechnical engineering is a
sub-discipline of "engineering".
2- Soil Mechanics and rock mechanics are parts of "engineering mechanics"
which is a part of "mechanics" and consequently a part of "physics". Soil
Mechanics and rock mechanics form "geomechanics".
3- Geotechnical engineers use different sciences, such as mathematics,
chemistry and physics. Soil mechanics, rock mechanics and engineering
geology are the most used branches of science in geotechnical engineering.
4- Engineers do not use only science. Engineering is the profession of
applying science, economic, social, and judgement, in order to design and
also build.
Best wishes
Ali Fakher
Associate Professor
University of Tehran
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