Geotechnical engineering has several different aspects.
Traditionally, the geotechnical engineer was concerned with soil mechanics and foundation engineering. Soil mechanics involves the study of the physical properties of soil and the response of soil masses to various types of forces. Foundation engineering involves application of the principles of soil mechanics to the design and construction of foundations for buildings, towers, tanks and other structures. Geotechnical engineers also typically deal with problems such as the stability of natural and excavated slopes, and the design and construction of temporary and permanent earth-retaining structures. Consequently, we are faced with new challenges which have led geotechnical engineers into new areas.