Engineering geology

Engineering geology applies knowledge of Earth materials, geological structures, and processes to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure.

Geotechnical site investigation: Field and laboratory work that establishes the ground conditions relevant to a proposed structure. It supplies the geological model used to assess a construction site's constraints.
Rock mass classification: Systems that group fractured rock masses by characteristics relevant to engineering behavior. Classification turns observations of joints and rock condition into practical excavation guidance.
Vaiont Dam disaster: A 1963 Italian disaster in which a landslide displaced water from the Vaiont reservoir, causing catastrophic flooding. The disaster exposed the danger of underestimating an ancient landslide in a reservoir setting.
Geological uncertainty: Uncertainty arising from incomplete knowledge of the distribution and properties of geological materials and structures. Investigations sample only part of a site, leaving residual uncertainty in design assumptions.
Geotechnical engineering: The branch of civil engineering concerned with the behavior of soil and rock in construction. It translates geological ground models into quantitative design and construction methods.
Foundation engineering: The design of structural foundations to transfer loads safely into soil or rock. Geological conditions determine foundation type, depth, and performance.
Soil mechanics: The study of soil behavior under forces and changes in water conditions. Its principles explain how geological materials deform and carry infrastructure loads.
Teton Dam failure: The 1976 failure of an earthfill dam in Idaho during its first filling, releasing a destructive flood. Its failure highlighted how foundation geology and seepage pathways can undermine dam safety.
Probabilistic risk assessment: A method for estimating risk by representing uncertain events and outcomes with probabilities. It offers a way to include uncertain ground conditions in engineering decisions.
Engineering geomatics: The measurement and analysis of spatial data for engineering projects. Surveying and remote sensing help map terrain, structures, and ground movement.

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