Geotechnical engineering is a subdiscipline of civil engineering specializing in the characterization and behavior of earth materials with specific emphasis on their interaction and influence on the design and performance of civil engineering structures. Geotechnical engineering is an essential part of the planning, design, and implementation of transportation projects.

CDOT has a long history of projects in which geotechnical engineering plays a major role. The CDOT Soils & Geotechnical Services provides a full range of geotechnical services that include not only geotechnical explorations and recommendations, but also design and construction inspection support. The Soils & Geotechnical Services works collaboratively with the Geohazards Services to evaluate geotechnical and geological hazards such as embankment and slope failures, landslides, sink holes, debris flows and others, as they affect safety and mobility along with providing emergency services for these features.

Documents and Links

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The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) makes these documents available on an "as is" basis. All warranties and representations of any kind with regard to said documents are disclaimed, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use. Under no circumstances will CDOT, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if apprised of the likelihood of such damages occurring.  CDOT does not warrant the documents against deficiencies of any kind. The use of any of these documents for work which is under contract with CDOT, does not relieve the contractor from any obligations assumed by the contract, or from complete and proper fulfillment of the terms of the contract, nor does it entitle the contractor to compensation for damages or loss which could be attributed to such use.

CDOT Geotechnical Design Manual - A reference for doing geotechnical explorations for CDOT. Published May 2025. 

FHWA Geotechnical Publications
The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration geotechnical engineering publications.

USGS National Geologic Map Database
A collection of online maps published by the USGS including geologic and topographic maps.

Colorado Geological Survey
The geologic resource for all of Colorado.

CDOT Design and Construction Support
The online CDOT Standard Specification Book for construction.

CDOT Staff Bridge
Resource for CDOT Staff Bridge manuals, project special provisions, structural worksheets, field log of structures and technical memorandums

Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC)