What is Engineering Geology?

Engineering Geology is the application of geology to engineering studies to ensure that the geological factors related to the location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are recognized and taken into account.

Engineering Geology provide geological and geotechnical recommendations, analysis and design related to human development and different types of structures. The engineering geologist’s realm is essentially about earth-structure interactions or investigating how earth or earth processes impact human-made structures and human activities.

Geological engineering studies can be performed during the planning phases, environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value engineering and construction phases of public and private works projects, and post – construction and forensic phases of projects. Geological hazard assessments, geotechnical, material properties, stability of landslides and slopes, erosion, flooding, dewatering, and seismic investigations, etc.

Geological engineering studies are conducted by a geologist or engineering geologist who is educated, trained and has experience in recognizing and interpreting natural processes ; Understanding how these processes affect human – made structures (and vice versa) and knowledge of ways to mitigate hazards caused by adverse natural or human – made conditions. The engineering geologist’s main objective is to protect life and property from damage caused by different geological conditions.

The practice of engineering geology is also very closely linked to the practice of geological engineering and geotechnical engineering. If there is a difference in the content of the disciplines, it is mainly the training or experience of the practitioner.

One of the most important roles as an engineering geologist is the study of landforms and earth processes to identify potential geological and associated human-made hazards that may have a significant impact on civil structures and human development. The background in geology provides the engineering geologist with an understanding of how the earth works, which is crucial to mitigating the risks associated with the environment. Many engineering geologists have also graduated with specialized training in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, geotechnics, drainage, hydrology and civil engineering. Such two elements of engineering geologist training provide them with a specific ability to understand and minimize hazards associated with earth-structure interactions.

What is The Importance of Engineering Geology?

The construction of large civil engineering projects requires knowledge of the geology of the area concerned. The geology of an area dictates the location and nature of each of the following structures: Dams, Building foundations, roads and railways. Describe the causes of failure of the slope and possible preventive measures. Discuss a geologist’s role in a large civil engineering project’s feasibility study and site selection stages.

Engineering Geology helps to ensure a stable and cost-effective model for construction projects. Gathering geological information for a project site is important in the planning, design, and construction phase of an engineering project. Carrying out a detailed geological survey of the area before starting the project would reduce the overall cost of the project. Common fundamental problems in reservoirs, bridges and other buildings are usually directly related to the geology of the region in which they were constructed.

Some civil engineering works require some digging of soils and rocks, and they include the charging of the Earth by building on it. In some cases, excavated rocks may be used as building material, and in others, rocks may form a major part of the finished product, such as a highway or a site f or a dam. The feasibility, planning and design, construction and costing of the project and the safety of the project that depend critically on the geological conditions under which the construction will take place. This is particularly the case in the expanded’ greenfield’ sites, where the area affected by the project stretches for kilometers over relatively undeveloped land. Sources include the design of the Channel Tunnel and the building of motorways. In the section of the M9 motorway connecting Edinburgh and Stirling, which crosses abandoned oil shale sites, the realignment of the route, on the advice of government geologists, has led to significant savings. For small ventures or those requiring the reconstruction of a limited site, the demands on the geological expertise of the contractor or the need for geological advice will be less, but will never be negligible. In such situations, the site inspection by boring and analyzing samples may be an adequate preliminary to the building.

What Type Of Work Do Geological Engineers Do?

Many of these specialists consult for engineering or environmental firms. Many are employed by departments of the highways, environmental agencies, forest services, and hydro operations.

Construction industries depend on geological engineers to ensure the stability of rock and soil foundations for tunnels, bridges, and highrises. Foundations must withstand earthquakes, landslides, and all other terrestrial phenomena, including permafrost, swamps, and bogs.

Geological engineers are finding better ways for landfill construction and management. They find safer ways to dispose and manage sewage from toxic chemicals and garbage. They plan and design tunnels for excavations.

Groundwater is another specialty of geological engineering. Industries and farms need reliable sources of water, requiring dams or drilling wells at times. These engineers regulate the supply of water to hydroelectric dams ; they design dikes and work to prevent shoreline erosion.

What is Geological Engineer Salary?

Geological, mining and science engineering have a median salary of $84,300 and the top 10% earn $136,800.