Geotech 101

What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotech is short for Geotechnical Engineering and refers to the civil engineering discipline that focuses on the characteristics of rock, soil, and other subsurface materials at a given site. Geotechnical engineers investigate earth materials and apply the principles of rock and soil mechanics to generate recommendations for construction plans and solve engineering problems. Geotechnical field exploration can be performed by methods such as simple hand auger borings and test pit excavations to more complex mechanical soil test borings and multichannel analysis of shear waves (MASW) testing. The method of field exploration will vary depending on the project, accessibility, structural loading types, etc. The result? Accurate evaluations of bedrock, groundwater, and soil conditions; foundation design recommendations; and documentation of all findings and materials.

Why Geotechnical Subsurface Investigations Matter

When it comes to construction projects, what you don’t know can hurt you—or at least your project schedule. Subsurface investigations give designers the information they need to engineer solutions to problems presented by groundwater, rock, and soil conditions. Addressing these issues in advance helps avoid delays, saving general contractors time and money during the construction phase. That’s why subsurface investigations are foundational assessments for many engineering projects.

Geotechnical subsurface investigations accomplish a variety of objectives. However, these investigations vary depending on the location and characteristics of the site in question.

In general, subsurface investigations:

Analyze the color, texture, and moisture of soil, as well as the type, color, and characteristics of any rock.
Assess the depth, thickness, and characteristics of soil and rock strata.
Detail the presence and depth of various subsurface materials, including groundwater, soil, and rock.
Determine bearable capacity and other relevant engineering characteristics.
Identify problems with the stability of soil or rock.
Investigate water features and depths.
Provide long-term maintenance considerations for the site.
Use field and laboratory tests to assess soil and rock parameters.

Types of Subsurface Investigations

Geotechnical engineering teams conduct many types of subsurface investigations. These include but are not limited to:

Earth drilling and sampling
Earth retaining system evaluations
Geotechnical site assessments
In-situ testing
Laboratory tests
Rock coring
Site stabilization and ground modification programs
Soil and rock slope stability studies
Soil sampling

Geotechnical engineering services

CESI routinely conducts subsurface investigations and provides geotechnical engineering services for public, commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Our civil engineering, environmental due diligence and construction materials testing teams works closely with our geotechnical team to help our clients bring their projects to life.

CESI has the technical expertise to accurately characterize soil, groundwater, and bedrock conditions on site. Information acquired during a site reconnaissance will be used to provide documentation of findings and conclusions as well as provide recommendations for sitework development and vertical construction foundation support.

Need a geotechnical engineering partner? Give us a call at (704) 786-5404 or email jayeaves@cesicgs.com.

As CESI’s Marketing Coordinator, Jane plays a key role in driving business growth by developing strategic marketing initiatives, managing proposals, and expanding client relationships. With expertise in crafting compelling content, creating SOQs, optimizing social media presence, and coordinating outreach efforts, Jane ensures CESI’s brand remains strong and competitive in the AEC industry. Through collaboration with company leadership and project managers she tailors marketing materials to highlight CESI’s expertise, enhancing visibility and client engagement across the Southeast.

Previously, she has held key roles such as Communications Director, Creative Services Director, Advertising Agency Creative Director, Art Director, and Marketing Director in cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem. Her expertise covers many types of businesses such as television stations, ad agencies, country clubs, manufacturers, and graphic display companies.

Controller

Angelica Deaton joined CESI in 2024 as Controller, bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial accounting and corporate finance. She is responsible for overseeing CESI’s operational accounting, financial reporting, and cash flow management, as well as leading the company’s employee benefits administration. As a key member of the corporate management and leadership team, Angelica plays a critical role in shaping and implementing CESI’s financial strategy to ensure the company’s fiscal health and long-term success.

Before joining CESI, Angelica spent seven years as a financial controller for two companies and more than two decades in public accounting. Her experience includes roles as an auditor, corporate tax accountant, and bookkeeper across various industries. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University.

Secretary | Vice President of Surveying

Mr. Haywood joined CESI in 1997 and has contributed in various capacities throughout his tenure. He began his career in the field, leading survey teams on a wide range of boundary and topographic surveys, and construction staking projects. Later, he transitioned to office support, where he provided critical computation and mapping for both engineering and surveying.

In 2009, he earned his Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) certification, solidifying his role as both a technical expert and a business leader within the organization. As Vice President of Surveying, David guides over 25 surveying team members.

Mr. Haywood has extensive experience managing projects of varying scales and complexities, including work with the US Army Corps of Engineers, North Carolina Railroad, City of Charlotte, NC Geodetic Surveys, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. He is an active member of Harrisburg Rotary, and serves on the Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County Board. He is also a surveying/engineering career advocate serving on STEM boards and committees throughout the Cabarrus County and RCCC school systems.

Executive Vice President | Vice President of Geotechnical Engineering

Mr. Eaves received his license in 2002 and joined CESI 2006. He manages the environmental due diligence, geotechnical engineering, and construction materials testing for our firm and oversees daily operations of materials testing and geotechnical engineering staff, performs field evaluations and inspections, and reviews all field reports and test data. His experience with CESI includes residential, institutional, commercial, municipal, and industrial projects. These project scopes include geotechnical investigation, environmental assessments, subgrade evaluation, laboratory testing of the soils, field density testing of mass earth fill, utility trench backfill, foundations, reinforced concrete and masonry, structural steel, asphalt, and concrete paving.