Geotechnical Engineering: A New Field using Old Techniques!

The Evolution of a Discipline
Geotechnical Engineering is a relatively younger field when compared to other branches of Civil Engineering. It was not until 1920s that geotechnical engineering began to be recognized as an independent field, spurred by the pioneering work of Karl Terzaghi. Despite its relatively recent emergence, the discipline has often leaned on traditional methods, lagging behind other STEM fields in adopting cutting-edge technologies. This discrepancy is particularly significant when comparing the state of the practice with the state of the art. The widespread availability and affordability of common geotechnical investigation tools, combined with a historical underestimation of the value derived from advanced geotechnical investigation and analysis, have contributed to this late transition of geotechnical community to the latest technology in the field.

Recent Technology Developments
However, the landscape is shifting. Recent advancements in technology — ranging from remote sensing an