Engineering Geology: Engineering Geology and Applied Structural Geology

The combined branches of Engineering Geology and Structural Geology enable thorough site characterization to assure the safety, efficiency, and economy of engineering and environmental projects.  Engineering geology applies the understanding of geologic context to engineering problems in construction, infrastructure development and resource management.   Applied structural geology requires a fundamental understanding of how rocks behave both in the deformation and failure of the earth’s crust and under current and changing conditions in the built environment. Geologists provide an essential service as human population expands into less hospitable areas and climate resilience adaptation is required, while building, protecting, remediating, and mitigating the environment, and sustainably extracting earth’s resources when needed. Engineering and Structural Geology interfaces closely with Civil Engineering to assist in site selections, desktop site investigations, subsurface site investigations, development of three-dimensional engineering, structural and stratigraphic models, and assistance with soil and rock lithological engineering and geochemical design parameters. This course will focus on the occurrence and distribution of Earth's rocks and soils, delving into their engineering and structural attributes. Emphasis will be placed on the engineering categorization, testing, and application of these materials. Additionally, the course will explore geohazards within structural geology, analyzing geotechnical engineering factors in rocks and soil, and other natural geological risks like floods and earthquakes. These topics will be contextualized within geological history, highlighting their significance in planning and design within the geological environment.