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Geotechnical Engineering

Managing ground risk for safe, reliable, long-term infrastructure

Geotechnical Engineering

Ground conditions shape every infrastructure decision. From feasibility and design to construction and long-term performance, soil, rock and groundwater can define cost, schedule and risk. As projects grow more complex and climate and seismic pressures increase, understanding the ground early is critical to building safely and confidently.

Jacobs helps clients reduce uncertainty and move forward with clarity. Our geotechnical engineers combine advanced ground investigation, seismic and earthquake engineering and practical, buildable design to inform smarter decisions from the start. Across earthworks, foundations, retaining structures, ground improvement and slope stabilization, we focus on safety, constructability and durable performance that stands the test of time.

How we manage ground risk

From early investigation to long-term stability, we manage ground risk to protect infrastructure, communities and the investments behind them

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Ground investigation, analysis and risk

Ground investigation, analysis and risk

Delivering ground investigation services and seismic analysis to manage risk with clarity supporting safe, buildable decisions from feasibility through detailed design.

Earthworks and ground modification

Earthworks and ground modification

Delivering earthworks design and ground improvement that prepare sites for construction and strengthen performance under load from day one through long-term operation.

Foundations and structural support

Foundations and structural support

Designing foundations and retaining structures that transfer loads and protect long-term asset performance, supporting safe, durable infrastructure from the ground up.

Slopes and stability

Slopes and stability

Assessing and stabilizing natural and engineered slopes to reduce geotechnical risk, safeguard infrastructure and strengthen resilience in challenging ground conditions.

Understanding geotechnical engineering

A practical Q&A exploring how geotechnical engineers assess ground conditions and support safe, resilient infrastructure.

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Geotechnical engineering is the analysis of soil, rock and groundwater behavior to design safe foundations, earthworks and ground-related infrastructure. 

Geotechnical engineering reduces risk by identifying ground conditions early, informing design decisions and preventing issues such as settlement, instability and failure. 

As PFAS regulations evolve, we enable clients to stay ahead of risk. From risk assessment and site characterization to treatment design, remediation implementation and long-term management, we deliver integrated solutions that reduce liability and provide regulatory certainty. 

Geotechnical engineering services include ground interpretation and reporting, earthquake engineering, earthworks, foundations, retaining structures, ground improvement and slope stabilization. 

Ground risk is managed through site investigation, data interpretation, seismic assessment and design solutions tailored to ground conditions and project constraints. 

Ground improvement strengthens or modifies soil to improve stability, reduce settlement or increase load capacity, often where natural ground conditions are unsuitable for construction. 

Geotechnical engineering informs foundation type, depth and capacity by assessing soil and rock behavior under structural loads. 

Geotechnical engineering assesses ground response to earthquakes and designs foundations, earthworks and slopes so they perform safely during seismic events. 

Slopes and retaining walls are designed using geotechnical analysis to manage stability, drainage and loading under both normal and extreme conditions. 

Full lifecycle services for geotechnical engineering 

All Services

  • Earthworks Design & Construction Planning

    Our experts design and plan large-scale earthworks projects, using customized in-house digital tools to provide accurate volume estimations and balance material movements for cost efficiency and sustainability.

  • Soil-Structure Interaction & Numerical Analysis

    Integrating an in-depth knowledge of the interaction between structures and the ground, we solve the most complex geotechnical problems to provide optimized design solutions.

  • Earthquake Engineering & Seismic Hazard

    Essential for engineering in locations subject to seismic hazards such as ground motion, we provide a combination of earthquake-related hazard assessment and the design of structures to mitigate risk and ensure safety.

  • Geotechnical Data Management, Interpretation & Reporting

    Using the latest tools and approaches, we analyze complex data sets to provide clear ground models defining the engineering properties for design.

  • Geotechnical Analysis & Design

    Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of ground conditions around the world and using the latest analytical techniques, we design stable and efficient foundation, pavement, retaining wall, ground improvement, slope and earthworks solutions.

  • Geotechnical Asset Management

    Using a strategic, risk-based approach, we work with clients to manage their assets including earthworks and structures throughout their lifecycle, optimizing interventions and reducing failure

  • Geotechnical Hazard Assessment & Remediation

    Identifying, evaluating, managing and mitigating a wide range of geohazards including landslides, subsidence, mining, expansive and collapsible soils and groundwater.

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