Real-Life Communication -- Solution
Here's what you could say:
"I'd be
glad to explain those terms. First, bearing capacity refers to the amount
of weight a soil can support over a certain surface area. We use formulae
and field tests to determine the bearing capacity of any areas we plan to
develop.
"Second, slope stability is the ability of the side of a hill
to stand. This is important to figure out, as you can imagine. Entire towns
have been devastated because a slope failed. Many things can lead to slope
failure, including changing moisture conditions, taking away soil at the base
of the slope and putting a load at the top of a slope.
"Last, there
are many things we might refer to when we say 'soil.' Basically,
we divide soils into two types: granular and non-granular. Granular soils
don't stick together, while non-granular soils do. Some different soil
types are gravels, sands, silts and clays. Of course, soil types
can be mixed.
"I hope I've explained these terms clearly. Do you
want me to elaborate on any of them?"
Geotechnicians
need excellent communication skills. "It's an integral part of an engineer's
requirements," says geotechnician Nizam Khan. "An engineer has to deliver
what he has in his mind -- his image."
Geotechnicians report their
research findings, in both oral and written forms. They might assure a city
council that plans conform to regulations and laws. On large projects, many
other people need their data to make decisions.
"It's a very specialized
discipline, so [a geotechnician] has to communicate with other disciplines
for the project to become complete," Khan says. "He's so important because
he starts at the bottom."