Geologists Geologists inin

GeotechnicGeotechnical al

EngineeringEngineering

The subdiscipline of civil engineering that involves natural materials found close to the surface of the earth. It includes the application of the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to the design of foundations, retaining

structures, and earth structures.

Transportation Foundations

Subdivisions

Retaining Walls

Landslides

Landfills-EmbankmentsDams-Levees

Utilities

http://www.whatisgeotech.org/#

Geotechnical consultants typically support all phases of a project, from preliminary design through completion of the building process, including:

Subsurface InvestigationMaking judgments and advising owners on the structural and economical feasibility of a project from the standpoint of subsurface conditions.

Laboratory TestingDetermining the physical and engineering characteristics of the soil/rock

Foundation Analysis and DesignInterpreting the subsurface and laboratory data and recommending design parameters.

Construction Observation and InspectionObserving conditions during construction and recommending, when necessary, modifications to the design of the project.

Geologists are scientists, often with little background or interest in engineering applications.

Engineering Geologists are most often geologists who have had additional training in geotechnical engineering and geoenvironmental education, but who are generally not eligible for Professional Engineer licensure.

Geological Engineers are engineers with academic backgrounds in civil, geotechnical, and mineral/petroleum engineering coupled with considerable geology; they are eligible for licensure as Professional Engineers and, often, as Professional Geologists as well.

Geotechnical Engineers are primarily engineers, with a lot of dirt, some rock and a bit of groundwater mixed in.

. http://edmedley.com/blog/2011/02/06/motley-view-engineering-geology-as-a-vital-phase-in-the-geospectrum/

Engineering geologist: job descriptionEngineering geologists undertake technical and scientific analysis of rock, soil, groundwater and other conditions to determine the likely impact that major construction developments will have on sites.

As an entry level Geologist with Terracon, you will perform routine field investigations, laboratory tests, sample reviews, data collection, routine calculations, and draft reports. Conducts subsurface investigations in the field.

Using prescribed methods, performs specific and limited portions of scientific assignments. May work in the office, lab or in the field.

Assists in the collection and analysis of data from sampling, reports, maps, drawings, tests and aerial photographs to evaluation, plan and permit projects.

Applies standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjusts and correlates data, recognizes discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes.

Performs other office, laboratory or field studies and duties that may be assigned by more senior level professional staff or the Office Manager.

Outlines the required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper of various alternative techniques to conduct site study in his/her field of expertise.

Assists in compiling the scope of work for both routine and more complex lab or field investigations to measure and sample physical and non-physical properties of soil from a geotechnical, geological, or environmental standpoint or the analysis of construction materials.

PerformingSoil TestBoringUsing HSA & Split SpoonMethods

BS in Geosciences, Geology, Geophysics, Geo-Environmental, Hydrogeolgoy, Soil Science

Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to interpret plans and drawings Experience using GIS and coordinate systems Computer Skills, strong computer literacy skills

including proficiency in industry standard software Has or applies for initial certification in their core

discipline, where applicable, such as GIT or P.G. Familiar with construction industry a plus. Certification and experience using a Troxler nuclear

density gauge a plus

Professional Engineering Staff consists of Registered Professional Engineers and Registered Professional Geologists, the majority of whom have completed or are in the process of obtaining Masters Degrees.

BS degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry or geological or geotechnical engineering that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in geology.

Passing score on the board’s examination in the fundamentals of geology.

Geology majors can take the exam in their senior year and apply upon passing

$175 exam fee

$50 application fee

Registration as a Geologist-in-Training 5 years of professional geological work Passing score on the Principles and Practice of Geology

exam $50 application fee $225 exam fee

most often geologists who have had additional training in geotechnical engineering and geoenvironmental education, but who are generally not eligible for Professional Engineer licensure

California & OregonCertified Engineering Geologist

WashingtonLicensed Engineering Geologist

  CVE3002C SOIL MECH & LAB (4)

This lecture course includes the following topics: Geotechnical Engineering--A historical perspective; origin of soil and grain size analysis; weight-volume relationships; plasticity and structure of soil; classification of soil; soil compaction; permeability; seepage; in situ stresses; stresses induced within a soil mass; compressibility of soil; shear strength of soil; lateral earth pressure; slope stability; soil bearing capacity of shallow foundations; landfill liners and geosynthetics; and subsoil exploration. The laboratory component complements the lecture with experiments on mechanical analysis, hydrometer analysis, Atterberg limits, visual classification of soil, soil moisture-dry unit weight relationships, falling-head permeability, a flow net workshop, consolidation, direct shear of sand, unconfined compression, CBR testing, triaxial shear testing, in place unit weight, and discussions of quality control/quality assurance of earth construction.

Foundation EngineeringCVE6081

The objective of this course is to advance the students' knowledge and experience concerning bearing capacity, shallow foundation sizing, lateral earth pressures, retaining wall design and stability, pile foundations, drilled shaft foundations, foundations on difficult soils, and ground improvement methodologies. Various methods are used to meet these objectives including classroom lectures, homework, and video presentations.

Certification and experience using a Troxler nuclear density gauge a plus