Print this page An Introduction to Engineering Geology
Daniel A. Vellone, M.S., P.G.
Course Outline
This course provides engineers and geologists with an overview of engineering geology. Engineering geology routinely deals with the application of geologic site characterization and the evaluation of geological and geotechnical conditions for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering structures. This course is designed to provide a general background of geologic considerations, identification, classification and engineering properties of soil and rock. Additionally, geotechnical field exploration methods used in engineering geology will be covered. The intent is to give the reader a basic understanding of some of the investigation and classification methods for soil and rock when used as a construction material in engineering applications.
The course materials are based entirely on the Engineering Geology Field Manual (2nd Edition) published by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Engineering Geology Division.
This course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
Upon Completion of the course, engineers and geologist should be familiar with:
- Application of standard indexes, descriptors, and geologic terminology;
- Geologic mapping, sampling, testing, and performing discontinuity surveys;
- Exploratory drilling methodologies and procedures;
- Soil and rock core logging;
- Engineering classification and description of soil and surficial deposits;
- Geologic classification and description of rock and rock discontinuities;
- Influence of groundwater and environmental contaminants;
- Hazardous Waste Site Investigations;
- Construction geology, including slope stability, dewatering, subdrains, grouting considerations, and excavatability;
- Surface and Subsurface Geophysical Investigations;
- An introduction to Global Positioning Systems and remote sensing; and
- An overview
of blast design.
Intended
Audience
This course is intended for geologists or engineers specializing in geotechnical or geological investigations, analysis or design.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will gain a valuable understanding of the application of engineering geology for the purposes of geologic field explorations and the identification, classification and engineering properties of soil and rock.
Course
Introduction
Engineering geology
is that branch of the discipline which routinely deals with the application
of geologic site characterization and the evaluation of geological and geotechnical
conditions for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering
structures. Therefore, it is important for practicing engineers to have a basic
understanding of geology and for practicing geologists to have a basic understanding
of engineering. A knowledge of engineering geology is particularly useful on
projects where the rock is at or near the ground surface.
Course Content
The course materials are based entirely on the Engineering Geology Field Manual, Second Edition published by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Technical Service Center, Engineering Geology Division. The complete Engineering Geology Field Manual, Second Edition is available free of charge in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format by following the internet link:
From the NTIS Website:
"The Engineering Geology Field Manual presents the practices for the collection of geologic data obtained by the Bureau of Reclamation. The manual establishes common guidelines, procedures, and concepts for the collection, evaluation, and presentation of geologic information. The analysis of geologic conditions, the preparation of designs and specifications, and effective construction monitoring and use of geological information to assess site characteristics and risk, require consistent, comprehensive, and timely geologic information."
Course Summary
Engineering geology deals with the application of geologic site characterization and the evaluation of geological and geotechnical conditions for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering structures.Engineers and geologists should be familiar with investigation and classification methods and geologic considerations for projects. A knowledge of the identification, classification and engineering properties of soil and rock is beneficial when used as a construction material in engineering applications.
Related
Links
Several excellent sources of supplemental reference information pertaining to engineering geology are available for download in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format free of charge from the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers (USACE), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and academia. Select references have been included below.
1. Engineering
and Design - Geotechnical Investigations (January 2001)
http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-1-1804/toc.htm
2. Subsurface
Investigations - Geotechnical Site Characterization Reference Manual (2001)
http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/FHWA/012546.pdf
3. Engineering
and Design - Soil Sampling (September 1996)
http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-1-1906/toc.htm
4. Geotechnical
Engineering Circular No. 5 - Evaluation of Soil and Rock Properties (April 2002)
http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/FHWA/010549.pdf
5. Soils and
Geology Procedures for Foundation Design of Buildings and Other Structures (January 2004)
http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/DOD/UFC/ufc_3_220_03fa.pdf/
Specifically:
Chapter 2 - Identification and Classification of Soil and Rock
Chapter 3 - Engineering Properties of Soil and Rock
Chapter 4 - Field Explorations
6. Engineering
and Design - Tunnels and Shafts in Rock (May 1997)
http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-2-2901/toc.htm
Specifically:
Chapter 3 - Geology Considerations
Chapter 4 -Geotechnical Explorations for Tunnels and Shafts
7. "AN
INTRODUCTION TO DRILLING & SAMPLING IN GEOTECHNICAL PRACTICE"
by Jason T. DeJong & Ross W. Boulanger, 2nd Edition (2000)
Go to the link
for Video at the top of Dr. Boulanger's webpage.
http://cee.engr.ucdavis.edu/faculty/boulanger/index.html?=video.html
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
