Geotechnical Engineers & Data Interpretation in Projects
The distinct roles of geotechnical engineers and drilling engineers in HDD projects. Geotechnical engineers are hired to conduct investigations and provide detailed information about the subsurface conditions, such as the types of soils likely to be encountered along the drill path. However, it is the responsibility of the drilling engineer to decide whether or not to proceed with drilling, using the data provided by the geotechnical report to make informed design and construction decisions. The segment also highlights a common issue in the industry: the misinterpretation of geotechnical data by engineers and contractors. Ensuring that the geotechnical report is of high quality and that someone with the appropriate expertise reviews and interprets the data is crucial for the success of the HDD process.