Can you share an example of a challenging foundation design project you have handled?

How To Approach: Associate

  1. Highlight specific challenging foundation design project from professional experience.
  2. Explain the problem and your role in the project.
  3. Detail the design process, tools, and techniques used.
  4. Share the project outcome and key learnings.

Sample Response: Associate

As an Associate Civil Engineer at GeoTech Engineering, I was assigned to a project involving the design of a foundation for a commercial complex in an area characterized by its liquefaction potential. My role was to lead the design process and also supervise the project's implementation.

We faced significant challenges due to the soil's liquefaction potential, posing risks of instability during an earthquake. After a detailed geotechnical investigation and analysis using Geostudio software, we decided to proceed with soil improvement using the vibro-compaction method before embarking on the actual foundation design.

Post soil improvement, we designed a raft foundation with pile supports. This hybrid model of foundation provided us with the strength and stability required to ensure the safety of the commercial complex. The success of this project reinforced the significant role that thorough geotechnical investigation and soil improvement techniques play in challenging foundation problems.