ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Engineering geology covers a broad spectrum of geological investigations made to support civil engineering and construction projects. GEO-HAZ consults on both existing facilities and new ones. Where new site selection is influenced by geologic factors, we can provide GIS-based site suitability comparisons among multiple candidate sites (for fixed facilities) or alignments (for roads, pipelines, utility corridors).

We perform geologic mapping of dam sites and spillway/outlet works at scales of 1 inch=10 ft and smaller, to document all the rock types and discontinuities that can affect later dam performance and safety. We also make geologic maps of reservoir areas to identify processes and conditions that may affect reservoir operation.

В GEO-HAZ has performed geologic mapping and hazard analyses for many new road alignments and existing highways.

Critical facilities often have siting requirements and operational safety requirements to avoid and/or mitigate geological conditions and hazards. GEO-HAZ specializes in this field, and can often recommend modifications to siting, orientation, or design that reduce hazards while saving the project money.

We specialize in analyzing Earthquake Hazards and Landslide Hazards, as explained at those links.

Since 1984 GEO-HAZ personnel have interfaced with the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) to keep abreast of the latest trends in engineering geology. In many cases GEO-HAZ scientists have defined the state-or-the-art, as indicated by our Principal receiving the AEG's Holdredge Award in 1999 and the Geological Society of America's Burwell Award in 2000.