"Geotechnical Engineering - Dams" is a PowerPoint for primary and secondary students that focuses on detailing the field of Geotechnical Engineering and the types and construction of dams. It also highlights careers in the field of Geotechnical Engineering. This lesson can be paired with a "Building Dams" activity.

2. What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Geo = earth
Technical = having special knowledge
What do Geotechnical Engineers do?
Evaluate soil properties to fully understand the below
surface conditions of an area.
Design the foundations that structures will be built on.

4. Why do we need Geotechnical Engineers?
Questions Geotechnical Engineers answer:
How tall can we make a building on this ground?
What kind of foundation will be able to support this
structure?
Can we build a road, bridge or dam here?
If we cut through this mountain, will the slopes
collapse down onto the road?

5. When do we need Geotechnical Engineers?
In order to have a successful structure, you have to
have a successful foundation.
If the foundation fails then the structure will fail.
Need to protect against differential settlement, rock
slides (slope stability), flooding and many other types
of failures.
So to answer the question…Geotechnical Engineers are
needed whenever there is construction!

6. Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Gone Wrong

7. Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Gone Wrong
Interstate 35W bridge
collapse in Minneapolis,
Minnesota
August 1st, 2007

8. Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Gone Right

9. What is a Dam?
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or
underground streams; they serve the purpose of
retaining water.
Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are
often used in conjunction with dams to generate
electricity.
A dam can also be used to collect water or for the
storage of water, which can be evenly distributed
between locations.

10. Types of Dams…
Arch Dams
- Distributes force to the walls
of the valley or canyon
Gravity Dam
- Uses the weight of the
concrete to absorb the
forces of the water

11. Buttress Dam
-Uses buttresses to transfer the
force of the water to the
foundation
Types of Dams…
Embankment Dam
-Uses mounds of soil or
rock with an impervious
core to hold the forces of
the water

12. Careers with Geotechnical Engineering
• Salary: $51,000–$61,000
• Education: Bachelor’s
• Experience: 0-2 years
Civil Engineer
• Salary: $50,000–$57,000
• Education: Bachelor’s
• Experience: 0-2 years
Geotechnical
Engineer
• Salary: $43,000–$57,000
• Education: Bachelor’s
• Experience: 0-2 years
Construction
Coordinator

13. Civil Engineer
Designs and supervises construction projects such as
airports, bridges, channels, dams, railroads and roads.
Responsibilities also include estimating costs and
personnel and material needs, preparing proposals
and establishing completion dates.

14. Geotechnical Engineer
Prepares and inspects projects involving drilling and
exploration.
Responsible for geological mapping, report writing,
site characterization, numerical modeling and analysis
of excavations/supports.

15. Construction Coordinator
Coordinates construction scheduling and communication,
and acts as a liaison to the project management concerning
bids, subcontracting, progress and delays.
May be responsible for estimates, schedules, materials and
purchase orders.
Supervises the installation of equipment and components in
the assigned field.
Requires technical knowledge to assist installing
contractors.

17. Hoover Dam Facts
There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam (4 1/2
million cubic yards) to build a 2 lane road from Seattle,
Washington to Miami, Florida or a 4 ft. wide sidewalk
around the Earth at the Equator.
More than 8.5 million pounds of dynamite was used to
blast the foundation for the dam and 8 miles of
tunnels through the canyon walls.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Fm2cM-1tU