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About engineering geology

2004-09-06T09:46:42Z

24.94.20.40: minor edit-by author

'''Engineering Geology''' is the application of the science of [[geology]] to the understanding of [[geologic]] phenomena and the engineering solution of [[geologic hazards]] and other geologic problems for society. Engineering geologic studies may be performed during the planning, [[environmental impact analysis]], [[civil engineering]] [[design]], [[value engineering]] and construction phases of public and private works projects, and during post-construction and [[forensic]] phases of projects. Engineering geologic studies are performed by a [[geologist]] or [[engineering geologist]] educated, professionally trained and skilled at the recognition and analysis of [[geologic hazards]] and adverse geologic conditions. Their overall objective is the protection of people and property against damage and the solution of geologic problems. Engineering geologic studies may be performed for residential, commercial and industrial developments; for governmental and [[military]] installations; for public works such as a [[power plant]], [[wind turbine]], electrical [[transmission line]], [[sewage treatment]] plant, [[water treatment]] plant, [[pipeline]] ([[aqueduct]], [[sewer]], [[outfall]]), [[tunnel]], [[trenchless]] construction, [[canal]], [[dam]], [[reservoir]], building, [[railroad]], [[transit]], [[highway]], [[bridge]], [[seismic retrofit]], airport and park; for [[mine]] and [[quarry]] excavations, [[mine tailing dam]], [[mine reclamation]] and mine [[tunneling]]; [[wetland]] and [[habitat restoration]] program; [[coastal]] engineering, [[sand replenishment]], [[bluff]] or [[sea cliff]] stability, [[harbor]], [[pier]] and waterfront development; for offshore [[outfall]], [[drilling platform]] and [[sub-sea pipeline]], sub-sea cable; and for other types of facilities.

=='''Geologic Hazards'''==
Typical [[geologic hazards]] evaluated by an [[engineering geologist]] include [[fault rupture]] on seismically active [[faults]], [[seismic]] and [[earthquake]] hazards (ground shaking, [[liquefaction]], [[lurching]], [[lateral spreading]], [[tsunami]] and [[seiche]] events; [[landslide]], [[mudflow]], [[rock fall]] and [[avalanche]] hazards; [[unstable slopes]] and [[slope stability]]; [[erosion]]; [[slaking]] and [[heave]] of geologic formations; ground [[subsidence]] (such as due to [[ground water]] withdrawal, [[sinkhole]] collapse, [[cave]] collapse, decomposition of organic soils and [[tectonic]] movement); [[volcanic]] hazards (volcanic [[eruptions]], [[hot springs]], [[pyroclastic flows]], [[debris flows]], [[gas emissions]], volcanic [[earthquakes]]); collapsible soils; shallow ground water/seepage; and other types of geologic constraints. An engineering geologist or [[geophysicist]] may be called upon to evaluate the [[excavatability]] (i.e. [[rippability]]) of earth (rock) materials to assess the need for pre-[[blasting]] during earthwork construction, as well as associated impacts due to [[vibration]] during blasting on projects.

=='''Methods and Reporting'''==

The methods used by an [[engineering geologist]] in their studies include geologic field [[mapping]] of geologic structures, geologic formations, soil units and hazards; the review of geologic literature, geologic maps, geotechnical reports, engineering plans, environmental reports, stereoscopic [[aerial photograph]], remote sensing data, [[Global Positioning System]] ([[GPS]]) data, topographic maps and [[satellite]] imagery; the excavation, sampling and logging of earth/rock materials in drilled [[borings]], backhoe test pits and trenches, [[fault trenching]], and bulldozer pits; [[geophysical]] surveys (such as [[seismic refraction]] traverses, [[resistivity]] surveys, [[ground penetrating radar]] ([[GPR]]) surveys, [[magnetometer]] surveys, [[electromagnetic]] ([[EM]]) surveys, high-resolution [[sub-bottom profiling]], and other geophysical methods); and other methods. The field work is typically culminated in analysis of the data and the preparation of an engineering geologic report, [[fault hazard]] report or [[seismic hazard]] report, [[geophysical]] report, [[ground water resource]] report or [[hydrogeologic]] report. The engineering geologic report is often prepared in conjunction with a [[geotechnical engineering]] report by a [[geotechnical engineer]]. The report describes the objectives, methodology, references cited, tests performed, findings and recommendations. Engineering geologist provide geologic data on a topograpic map, [[aerial photograph]], geologic map, and on [[Geographic Information System]] ([[GIS]]) map or other map base.

=='''Characteristics of an Engineering Geologist'''==

1. '''Observation skills''': Ability to observe and understand the important physical features, as well as the small, subtle and seemingly unimportant features. Ability to listen and take good notes.
2. '''Spatial skills''': Ability to visualize and draw [[geologic structures]] (for example faults, bedding planes, landslides, jointing, etc.) in 3-dimensions.
3. '''Problem solving''': Desire to analyze and solve problems.
4. '''Scientific curiosity''': Desire to know the truth regardless of whether or not it agrees with your original idea about something.
5. '''Open mind''': Ability to withhold your final judgment until all data has been gathered and analyzed.
6. '''Writing and communications''': Ability to write and communicate geologic and engineering ideas to other geologists, engineers, non-specialists and the public.
7. '''Math and computer skills''': Ability to quantify and analyze data and results.
8. '''Team player''': Ability to work in teams and get along with others.
9. '''Desire to work outdoors''': The reason why many students become engineering geologists.
10. Professional Ethics:

=='''Education'''==

Education of Engineering Geologists requires a college degree, such as a Bachelors, Masters in [[Geology]], or [[Geological Engineering]]. Course work in [[Geophysics]], [[Seismology]], [[Hydrogeology]], [[Soil Mechanics]], and [[Geotechnical Engineering]] is also helpful. A PhD is required for certain university teaching and research positions and certain governmental positions.

=='''See also'''==
* [[List of publications in geology#Engineering geology| Important publications in engineering geology]]

2004-07-05T06:00:17Z

24.94.20.40: Complete edit #2 by author.

About engineering geology

2004-07-05T05:50:57Z

24.94.20.40: Complete edit by author.

==Engineering Geology==
'''Bold text'''Engineering Geology'''Bold text''' is the application of the science of [[geology]] to the understanding of [[geologic]] phenomena and the engineering solution of [[geologic hazards]] and other geologic problems for society. Engineering geologic studies may be performed during the planning, environmental impact (EIR/EIS), engineering design, value engineering and construction phases of public and private works projects, and during post-construction and forensic phases of projects. Engineering geologic studies are performed by a [[geologist]] educated, professionally trained and skilled at the recognition and analysis of geologic hazards and adverse geologic conditions. Their overall objective is the protection of people and property against damage and the solution of geologic problems. Engineering geologic studies may be performed for residential, commercial and industrial developments; for governmental and military installations; for public works such as power plants, treatment plants, pipelines, [[tunnels]], canals, [[dams]], reservoirs, buildings, railroads, highways, airports and parks; for [[mine]] and [[quarry]] excavations and [[tunneling]]; for wetland and habitat restoration programs; for coastal, harbor and waterfront developments; for offshore outfalls, drilling platforms and sub-sea pipelines/cables; and for other types of facilities.

'''Bold text'''Geologic Hazards'''Bold text'''. Typical [[geologic hazards]] evaluated by engineering geologists include fault rupture on seismically active [[faults]], [[seismic]] and [[earthquake]] hazards (ground shaking, liquefiable soils, lurching, lateral spreading, [[tsunamis]] and seiches; [[landslide]], [[mudflow]], [[rock fall]] and [[avalanche]] hazards; [[unstable slopes]]; [[erosion]]; [[slaking]] and [[heave]] of geologic formations; ground [[subsidence]] (such as due to [[ground water]] withdrawal, decomposition of organic soils and [[tectonic]] movement); [[volcanic]] hazards (volcanic [[eruptions]], [[debris flows]], [[earthquakes]] and ash falls); collapsible soils; shallow ground water/seepage; and other types of geologic constraints. Engineering geologists, often working in conjunction with a [[geophysicist]], may evaluate conditions such as the [[excavatability]] of rock and earth materials (known also as [rippability]) to assess the need for [[blasting]] during earthwork construction, as well as associated impacts due to [[vibration]] during blasting on projects.

'''Bold text'''Methods and Report'''Bold text'''. The methods used by engineering geologists in their studies include geologic field [[mapping]] of geologic structures, geologic formations, soil units and hazards; the review of geologic literature, geologic maps, geotechnical reports, engineering plans, environmental reports, stereoscopic [[aerial photograph]], remote sensing data, topographic maps and [[satellite]] imagery; the excavation, sampling and logging of earth/rock materials in drilled [[borings]], backhoe test pits and trenches, and bulldozer pits; [[geophysical]] surveys (such as [[seismic refraction]] traverses, [[resistivity]] surveys, [[ground penetrating radar]] (GPR) surveys, magnetometer surveys, electromagnetic (EM) surveys, high-resolution [[sub-bottom profiling]], and other geophysical methods); and other methods. The field work is typically culminated in analysis of the data and the preparation of an engineering geologic report, fault or seismic hazard report, geophysical report or hydrogeologic report. The engineering geologic report is often prepared in conjunction with a geotechnical engineering report by a geotechnical engineer. The report describes the objectives, methodology, references cited, tests performed, findings and recommendations.

'''Bold text'''Characteristics of Successful Engineering Geologists'''Bold text''':
1. Observation skills: Ability to observe and understand the important physical features, as well as the small, subtle and seemingly unimportant features. Ability to listen and take good notes.
2. Spatial skills: Ability to visualize and draw [[geologic structures]] (for example faults, bedding planes, landslides, jointing, etc.) in 3-dimensions.
3. Problem solving: Desire to analyze and solve problems.
4. Scientific curiosity: Desire to know the truth regardless of whether or not it agrees with your original idea about something.
5. An open mind: Ability to withhold your final judgment until all data has been gathered and analyzed.
6. Writing and communications: Ability to write and communicate geologic and engineering ideas to other geologists, engineers, non-specialists and the public.
7. Math and computer skills: Ability to quantify and analyze data and results.
8. Team player: Ability to work in teams and get along with others.
9. Desire to work outdoors: The reason why many students become engineering geologists.

'''Bold text'''Tools of the Engineering Geologist:'''Bold text'''

1. [[Brunton]] Compass
2. Geologic Pick
3. Topographic Maps
4. Aerial Photographs
5. Camera
6. Drill Rigs, Backhoes, and Bulldozers – Typically rented with an operator
7. Geophysical Instruments (Seismograph, Gravity Meter, Resistivity, Magnetometer, Electromagetic, Ground Penetrating Radar, High-Resolution Sub-Bottom Profiler, etc.)
8. Calculators and Computers

'''Bold text'''Education:'''Bold text'''

Education of Engineering Geologists requires a college degree, such as a Bachelors, Masters in [[Geology]], or [[Geological Engineering]]. Course work in [[Geophysics]], [[Seismology]], [[Hydrogeology]], [[Soil Mechanics]], and [[Geotechnical Engineering]] is also helpful. A PhD is required for certain university teaching and research positions and certain governmental positions.

By Greg Farrand, CEG, San Diego, California

Engineering geology

2004-07-05T05:50:57Z

24.94.20.40: Complete edit by author.

About engineering geology

2004-07-04T02:29:26Z

24.94.20.40:

'''Engineering Geology'''
Engineering Geology is the application of the science of geology to the understanding of geologic phenomena and the engineering solution of geologic hazards and other geologic problems for society. Often the engineering geologist studies and helps solve problems for engineering and public/private works projects. Engineering geology is the study and application of geological sciences to the planning, design and construction of projects. Engineering geologic studies are performed by geologists educated and professionally trained and skilled at the recognition of geologic hazards and adverse geologic conditions, with the objective being the protection of people and property against damage from geologic hazards or solution to problems. Engineering geologic studies are performed for private residential, commercial, and industrial developments; for public works such as power plants, treatment plants, pipelines, tunnels, dams, reservoirs, buildings, railroads, highways, airports, parks, and forest construction; for mines and quarry excavations and tunnels; wetland and habitat restoration programs; for coastal, harbor, and waterfront developments; for outfalls, drilling platforms and other offshore structures. Typical geologic hazards evaluated by engineering geologists include faults (seismically active to inactive), seismic hazards, liquefiable soils, landslides, mudflows, avalanches, unstable slopes, erosion, slaking of geologic formations, ground subsidence, volcanic hazards, and many other types of potential adverse geologic conditions. Engineering geologists, working in conjunction with geophysicists, also evaluate conditions such as bedrock excavatability (rippability) of rock materials for projects involving excavations and blasting during earthwork, and blasting impacts. Methods used by engineering geologists in their studies are performed by geologic field mapping; sampling of earth and rock materials; review of geologic literature, geologic maps, geotechnical reports, engineering plans and environmental reports; excavation, sampling and logging of drilled borings, backhoe test pits, bulldozer pits and trenches; geophysical surveys (seismic refraction traverses, resistivity surveys, ground penetrating radar surveys, high-resolution sub-bottom profiling; and other geophysical methods); review and interpretation of stereoscopic aerial photographs, oblique aerial photography, satellite imagery; and other methods. The work is typically culminated in the preparation of engineering geologic reports. The report, often performed in conjunction with a geotechnical engineering report, describes the work performed, references reviewed, tests performed, findings (e.g. geologic conditions, groundwater and seepage, geologic hazards, seismicity), rippability of materials, stability of geologic materials), and recommendations for mitigation of geologic hazards and adverse geologic conditions. The engineering geologic report may become part of an environmental impact report (EIR) or environmental impact statement (EIS) and a detailed geotechnical engineering report. The type of investigations performed by engineering geologists vary geographically.

'''Characteristics of Successful Engineering Geologists''':
1. Observation skills: Ability to observe and understand the important physical features, as well as the small, subtle and seemingly unimportant features. Ability to listen and take good notes.
2. Spatial skills: Ability to visualize and draw geologic structures (for example faults, bedding planes, landslides, jointing, etc.) in 3-dimensions.
3. Problem solving: Desire to analyze and solve problems.
4. Scientific curiosity: Desire to know the truth regardless of whether or not it agrees with your original idea about something.
5. An open mind: Ability to withhold your final judgement until all data has been gathered and analyzed.
6. Writing and communications: Ability to write and communicate geologic and engineering ideas to other geologists, non-specialists and the public.
7. Math and computer skills
8. Team player: Ability to work in teams and get along with others.
9. Desire to work outdoors

'''Tools of the Engineering Geologist''':
1. Brunton Compass
2. Geologic Pick
3. Topographic Maps
4. Aerial Photographs
5. Camera
6. Drill Rigs, Backhoes, Bulldozers – Typically rented with an operator
7. Geophysical Instruments (Seismograph, Gravity Meter, Resistivity, Magnetometer, Electromagetic, Ground Penetrating Radar, High-Resolution Sub-Bottom Profiler, etc.)
8. Calculators and Computers

'''Education:'''
Education of Engineering Geologists requires a college degree, such as a Bachelors or Masters in Geology, or Geologic Engineering. Course work in Geophysics, Seismology, Hydrogeology, Soil Mechanics, and Geotechnical Engineering is also helpful. A PhD is required for certain university teaching and research positions and certain governmental positions.

by Greg Farrand, CEG, San Diego, California

Engineering geology

2004-07-04T02:29:26Z

24.94.20.40:

About engineering geology

2004-07-04T01:17:42Z

24.94.20.40:

Engineering geology

2004-07-04T01:17:42Z

24.94.20.40: