Modern geotechnical engineering began in 1925 with the publication of Erdbaumechanik by Karl Terzaghi. Generally recognized as the father of modern soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, Terzaghi's research on the settlement of clays and failure due to piping beneath dams was considered groundbreaking.

How did geotechnical engineering start?

However, the earliest applications were not very much advanced. It was simply related to flood control as well as irrigation as exhibited by traces of dykes, dams, and canals that have been discovered in some parts of ancient Egypt, Greece and other parts of the world dating back to not less than 2000 BCE.

Who invented geotechnical engineering?

The science of geotechnical engineering was primarily developed by the Austrian Karl Terzaghi in the early 20th century. He was a professor at the Vienna University of Technology and later at Harvard University. Before his death in 1963 he bequeathed all his technical and scientific material to NGI.