GLOSSARIES - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering - page 497

APPENDIX A
GLOSSARIES

The following is a list of commonly used geotechnical engineering and engineering geol-
ogy terms and definitions. The glossary has been divided into five main categories:

Glossary 1 Field Testing Terminology

Glossary 2 Laboratory Testing Terminology

Glossary 3 Terminology for Engineering Analysis and Computations

Glossary 4 Compaction, Grading, and Construction Terminology

Glossary 5 Earthquake Terminology

Basic Terms

Civil Engineer A professional engineer who is registered to practice in the field of civil works.
Civil Engineering The application of the knowledge of the forces of nature, principles of mechan-
ics, and the properties of materials for the evaluation, design, and construction of civil works for the
beneficial uses of humankind.
Earthquake Engineering Study of the design of structures to resist the forces exerted on the
structure by the seismic energy of the earthquake.
Engineering Geologist A geologist who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field of engi-

neering geology.
Engineering Geology The application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation
and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.
Geologist An individual educated and trained in the field of geology.
Geotechnical Engineer A licensed individual who performs an engineering evaluation of earth
materials including soil, rock, groundwater, and artificial materials and their interaction with earth
retention systems, structural foundations, and other civil engineering works.
Geotechnical Engineering A subdiscipline of civil engineering. Geotechnical engineering
requires a knowledge of engineering laws, formulas, construction techniques, and the performance of
civil engineering works influenced by earth materials. Geotechnical engineering encompasses many
of the engineering aspects of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, geology, geo-
physics, hydrology, and related sciences.
Rock Mechanics The application of the knowledge of the mechanical behavior of rock to engi-
neering problems dealing with rock. Rock mechanics overlaps with engineering geology.
Soil Mechanics The application of the laws and principles of mechanics and hydraulics to engi-
neering problems dealing with soil as an engineering material.
Soils Engineer Synonymous with geotechnical engineer (see Geotechnical Engineer ).
Soils Engineering Synonymous with geotechnical engineering (see Geotechnical Engineering ).

A.1