土力工程学，又名岩土工程学、大地工程学，主要研究泥土构成物质的工程特性。土力工程师会研究从工地采集的泥土样本和岩石样本中的数据，然后计算工地上的建筑所需的格构。地基、地桩、护土墙、水坝、隧道等都是需要土力工程师为工程提供土力意见的建筑项目。

土力工程可以细分为以下细项:

Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. Geotechnical engineering is important in civil engineering, but also has applications in military, mining, petroleum and other engineering disciplines that are concerned with construction occurring on the surface or within the ground. Geotechnical engineering uses principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions and materials; determine the relevant physical/mechanical and chemical properties of these materials; evaluate stability of natural slopes and man-made soil deposits; assess risks posed by site conditions; design earthworks and structure foundations; and monitor site conditions, earthwork and foundation construction.