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Geotechnics and hydraulics, step by step.
Guides with worked examples and every number in sight, from the team that builds Rischio.
LatestShallow foundations
Raft Foundation: Types, Design and When to Use One
What a raft (mat) foundation is, when to use one, its types and how it's designed, with a worked example of its contact pressure and bearing capacity.
20 min read
All articles
Open channels
Manning's Equation: Formula, n Values and Worked Examples
Manning's equation for open channel flow in SI and US units: each term, typical Manning's n values and two worked examples checked with Rischio's engine.
20 min read
Retaining walls
MSE Wall Design: Step-by-Step with a Worked Example
How an MSE wall is designed inside and out: geogrid tension, pullout, sliding and bearing, worked through a 6 m wall in SI and imperial units.
21 min read
Earthworks
Soil Compaction: How to Specify and Verify Fill Density
How soil compaction is specified and verified on site: Proctor maximum dry density, relative compaction from a sand replacement test, and a worked example.
19 min read
Shallow foundations
Isolated, Spread and Combined Footings: Types and Design
Isolated, strip, combined and strap footings: when to use each, how deep to found them and how to design them, with two worked examples.
18 min read
Retaining walls
Shoring Design: Excavation Support with a Worked Example
How shoring design works: apparent earth pressure for braced cuts, strut and wale loads, sheet pile sizing, and a 6 m excavation worked step by step.
18 min read
Ground improvement
Soil Stabilization Methods: Lime, Cement and Mechanical
The main soil stabilization methods, how lime and cement change a subgrade, the dosage and mix design tests behind them, and a worked example you can check.
20 min read
Shallow foundations
Bearing Capacity of Soil: Equations, Values and Examples
How to calculate the bearing capacity of soil: Terzaghi's and the general equation, the water table, eccentric loads, typical values and a worked example.
18 min read
Shallow foundations
Foundation Settlement: Calculation and Tolerable Limits
How to calculate foundation settlement step by step: immediate and consolidation settlement methods, tolerable limits, and a full worked example.
14 min read
Geotechnical investigation
How to Read a Geotechnical Report, Step by Step
How to read a geotechnical report: the borehole log, SPT and lab results, bearing capacity and settlement, with a worked example.
11 min read
Foundations
Geotechnical Engineering: What It Is and What It Covers
What geotechnical engineering is and what it covers: how soil behaves, site investigation, foundations, walls, slopes and water, and how designs are checked.
15 min read
Deep foundations
Pile Foundation: Types, Design and Capacity Calculation
What a pile foundation is, its types and how piles are installed, and how to calculate pile capacity by the alpha and beta methods, with a worked example.
26 min read
Deep foundations
Underpinning Methods: Types, Uses and How to Choose One
How the main underpinning methods transfer load to competent ground, when each one is used, and the load checks and sequence rules that make the work safe.
20 min read
Ground improvement
Ground Improvement Techniques: A Practical Engineering Guide
Compare the main ground improvement techniques, from stone columns and rigid inclusions to jet grouting and dynamic compaction, and learn how to select one.
16 min read
Rischio
What's new in Rischio - July 2026
July 2026 at Rischio: a new web platform, our stance on AI (every number comes from the engine, not from AI) and the new interface for the tools.
3 min read
Shallow foundations
Gross vs. Net Bearing Pressure: Why the Difference Matters
Learn the difference between gross and net bearing pressure, when each should be used, and how to interpret geotechnical reports for foundation design.
7 min read
Retaining walls
Best Geotechnical Software in 2026: Top 6 Tools Compared
Compare the best geotechnical software for 2026: PLAXIS, Rocscience, GeoStudio, GEO5, FLAC, and Rischio: strengths, pricing, and best use cases side by side.
7 min read
Retaining walls
Retaining Wall Design: Step-by-Step Guide with Example
Step-by-step guide to retaining wall design, including key concepts, safety checks, and a practical example for engineers.
18 min read
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