The importance of Concrete Testing
Concrete is a necessary and very useful material for construction work. It has been critical in structural engineering throughout history – from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the structures of Ancient Rome to Gothic Architecture of the 18th century. While technology and materials have advanced since it was first developed, concrete continues to be […]
How does groundwater affect engineering construction?
Civil engineering projects can have a significant impact on the groundwater environment. Some of these impacts are temporary, while others can introduce more long-term effects. If we consider the construction of basements, or simple retaining walls on sloping land, there are potential consequences on groundwater systems that can hinder, inhibit, or redirect the flow of […]
Groundwater – why we protect this precious resource
What is groundwater? Groundwater is found deep beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers, which are bodies of rock and/or sediment that hold large quantities of water. Because of this, groundwater contamination happens slowly; but the consequences can be serious, and the recovery is equally as slow. The quality of groundwater is vital to human health […]
How inclinometers assist geotechnical monitoring
Inclinometers have been around for many years and are an important tool used to monitor the deflection (degree of tilt) of important assets (like retaining walls). They are a simple, cost-effective, piece of equipment that usually consists of a hollow PVC tube with two sets of internal grooves which allow measuring wheels to measure deflection […]
The answer is in the soil: the importance of testing and analysing soil properties
One of the major goals in any successful construction project, is to have confidence that the structure you intend to build, will sit on a solid foundation. To achieve this, a Geotechnical Engineer must analyse the qualities and engineering parameters of the soil, to understand the conditions present at the site. The type of soil […]
How to become an Environmental Engineer/Scientist
The growth of our communities, cities, and society at large, relies significantly on industries such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. This ensures that we can access natural resources and build homes, and so that industries can produce food and other items to meet our daily needs. Waste, pollution, and disruption to our natural ecosystem, are […]
Five Essential Geotechnical Tests
A geotechnical investigation assesses the ground properties at a site where buildings or other construction is planned, to establish whether the ground conditions are suitable for the intended land use. It is achieved by inspecting and testing soils, rocks and other materials (e.g., possible fill), below the Earth’s surface. It is a necessity in all […]
Douglas Partners 34th Annual Technical Seminar
True to a unique tradition at Douglas Partners, we were excited to recently gather and celebrate the 34th annual Technical Seminar. While we are spread throughout Australia, the Technical Seminar is a special opportunity to bring the great minds at Douglas Partners together. Through various presentations, seminars and panel discussions, there is a collective exchange […]
How environmental specialists advocate for our natural environment
Environmental engineers, including environmental specialists/consultants have a profound impact on the world’s environmental problems. They use the scientific principles of biology, ecology, chemistry, and more, to develop effective ethical and socially responsible solutions to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. While a geotechnical engineer is concerned with the behaviour […]
Are geotechnical engineers in demand?
Geotechnical engineers are skilled interpreters of the Earth’s surface and below. They specialise in understanding and predicting the behaviour of the ground, so that buildings, roads, bridges, etc. are built safely, sustainably and in accordance with current standards. Everything is built into the ground; therefore, a geotechnical engineer must gain a deep understanding of the […]
