Day 7: Common Mistakes Fresh Geotechnical Engineers Make
Introduction
Every geotechnical engineer makes mistakes early in their career — this is normal.
However, many repeated mistakes seen on site and in reports are not due to lack of intelligence, but due to:
Lack of practical exposure
Poor understanding of report logic
Copy–paste culture
This Day 7 article highlights the most common mistakes fresh geotechnical engineers make and explains how to avoid them.
Learning these early can save you years of confusion, rework, and professional embarrassment.
Mistake 1: Starting Site Work Without Reading Documents
Many fresh engineers go directly to site without fully reviewing:
Permit
Scope of work
Layout plan
Why This Is a Problem
Boreholes may be drilled at wrong locations
Required tests may be missed
Authority rejection becomes likely
Correct Practice
✔ Read all documents before visiting site
✔ Carry layout and permit during site visit
✔ Clarify doubts with senior engineers
Mistake 2: Treating Borehole Logs as a Formality
Some fresh engineers think borehole logs are just records.
In reality, logs are:
The foundation of the report
The basis for soil and rock interpretation
A legal technical record
Common Issues
Generic soil descriptions
Missing groundwater information
Incorrect SPT values
Correct Practice
✔ Observe soil carefully
✔ Record groundwater accurately
✔ Review drilling sheets and photos
Mistake 3: Misunderstanding SPT N-Values
SPT values are often copied without understanding.
Common Errors
Using the highest N-value only
Ignoring loose layers
Forgetting soil fines content
Correct Practice
✔ Use representative N-values
✔ Correlate with lab results
✔ Be conservative in interpretation
SPT is a guide — not an absolute truth.
Mistake 4: Assigning Wrong or Insufficient Laboratory Tests
Laboratory testing is often rushed or poorly planned.
Typical Problems
Skipping hydrometer tests in fine soils
Missing chemical tests
Inadequate rock testing
Correct Practice
✔ Assign tests based on soil behavior
✔ Follow project specifications
✔ Consider location-specific requirements
Lab results validate site observations.
Mistake 5: Copy–Pasting Old Report Parameters
This is one of the most dangerous habits.
Why It Is Risky
Soil conditions always vary
Design becomes unsafe
Professional credibility is lost
Correct Practice
✔ Derive parameters from site data
✔ Use correlations carefully
✔ Apply engineering judgment
Your signature means responsibility.
Mistake 6: Jumping Directly to Recommendations
Many fresh engineers read only the conclusion section of reports.
Why This Is Wrong
Recommendations depend on data
Ignoring results leads to poor understanding
Correct Practice
✔ Study logs and test results first
✔ Understand ground behavior
✔ Then review recommendations
Engineering decisions must be justified.
Mistake 7: Not Understanding the Role of Authorities
Authority requirements (such as municipalities) are often underestimated.
Common Issues
Layout mismatch
Missing coordinates
Incorrect formatting
Correct Practice
✔ Follow authority guidelines strictly
✔ Ensure data consistency
✔ Verify submission requirements
Authority compliance is part of engineering.
How Geotech Guide Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
Geotech Guide is built to:
Explain the why, not just the what
Connect site work to reporting
Develop engineering judgment
Mistakes reduce when understanding increases.
Day 7 Key Takeaways
Mistakes are common but avoidable
Most errors come from poor understanding
Careful observation and judgment matter
Professional habits start early
What’s Next (Day 8)
In Day 8, we will cover:
👉 Boreholes, Trial Pits, and CPT – when and why each is used.
This marks the transition from documents to real site investigation work.
Geotech Guide – Learning from experience, not just textbooks.