Geotechnics is divided into four specialist sections Engineering geology is an independent area of geotechnical engineering. Various geosciences and specialist areas of civil engineering are networked with each other. The common goals of all specialist sections contributing to geotechnical engineering are the exploration, use and protection of the upper region of the earth’s crust, in order to ensure the stability of buildings, mountain slopes or landfills. Engineering geology Environmental geotechnics Rock mechanics Soil mechanics