Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers (CM-051) Training Course

Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers

Ground conditions are one of the largest sources of uncertainty, cost overrun and delay in construction. Unexpected soft ground, rock, groundwater, contamination or old…

5 daysClassroom or online

49Upcoming dates

12Cities

£2,250Fees from

Course overview

Introduction

Ground conditions are one of the largest sources of uncertainty, cost overrun and delay in construction. Unexpected soft ground, rock, groundwater, contamination or old foundations can disrupt foundations, excavations, earthworks and tunnels, and poorly understood ground risk often leads to disputes.

This Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers training course gives non-specialist construction professionals a practical understanding of ground engineering. Participants learn how soils and rocks behave, how ground investigations are planned and interpreted, how foundations, retaining structures and earthworks are designed and built, how groundwater is controlled and how ground risk is managed contractually.

The course enables managers to work effectively with geotechnical specialists, ask the right questions and make better decisions about ground-related risks.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

Explain basic soil and rock properties and behaviour
Understand the planning and scope of ground investigations
Interpret ground investigation reports and borehole logs
Describe shallow and deep foundation types and their selection
Understand retaining structures and excavation support
Manage earthworks, compaction and ground improvement
Recognise groundwater and contamination issues
Manage ground risk through planning and contracts

Target Audience

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including:

Construction and project managers
Site engineers and civil engineers
Quantity surveyors and commercial managers
Client project managers
Design managers
Infrastructure and development managers

Training Methodology

The course uses ground investigation reports, borehole logs, photographs and case studies of ground-related problems. Participants interpret data, select foundation types for scenarios, review earthworks specifications and allocate ground risks in contract exercises. Technical concepts are explained in practical, accessible terms.

Target Competencies

Ground behaviour understanding
Ground investigation interpretation
Foundation selection awareness
Earthworks management
Groundwater awareness
Ground risk management

Course outline

1Day One: Soils, Rocks and Ground Behaviour

Why ground conditions matter in construction
Soil types and their engineering properties
Rock types, weathering and discontinuities
Strength, compressibility and settlement explained
Effective stress and the role of water in soils
Lessons from ground-related construction failures
Exercise: identifying ground risks for a site

2Day Two: Ground Investigation

Desk studies and site walkover surveys
Planning intrusive investigations and boreholes
In situ and laboratory testing methods
Reading borehole logs and trial pit records
Interpreting ground investigation reports
Geotechnical baseline reports and design parameters
Workshop: interpreting a ground investigation report

3Day Three: Foundations and Retaining Structures

Shallow foundations: pads, strips and rafts
Deep foundations: driven and bored piles
Pile testing and integrity checks
Retaining walls and embedded walls
Excavation support and temporary works
Settlement and effects on adjacent structures
Exercise: selecting foundations for scenarios

4Day Four: Earthworks, Groundwater and Ground Improvement

Earthworks design, cut and fill balance
Compaction specifications and testing
Slope stability and embankment construction
Groundwater control and dewatering methods
Ground improvement techniques and their uses
Contaminated land and environmental considerations
Case study: earthworks problems on a road project

5Day Five: Managing Ground Risk

Ground risk registers and risk allocation
Unforeseen ground conditions clauses in contracts
Observational methods and monitoring
Working effectively with geotechnical specialists
Recording and responding to unexpected conditions
Ground risk in programme and cost planning
Personal action plan for ground risk management

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers course?

The next public date is 7 - 11 Dec 2026 in London. There are 49 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in London, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, Munich, Rome, Vienna, Cape Town, Dubai.

Can I take Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,250 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Geotechnical Engineering for Construction Managers

Course overview

Introduction

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Training Methodology

Target Competencies

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

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