Engineering geologists

An engineering geologist is a geologist trained in the discipline of engineering geology. Many organizations and governments have programs for the qualification, testing and certification of engineering geologists as a protection to the public.

Engineering geologists commonly work with civil engineers, structural engineers, architects, developers and planners, to ensure that the geologic factors affecting the location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are recognized and adequately accounted for.

One of the earliest definitions of the "Engineering Geologist" or "Professional Engineering Geologist" was provided by the Executive Committee of the Division on Engineering Geology of the Geological Society of America in 1951, as follows:

A professional engineering geologist is a person who, by reason of his special knowledge of the geological sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by professional education or practical experience, is qualified to apply such special knowledge for the purpose of rendering professional services or accomplishing creative work such as consultation, investigation, planning, design or supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring that the geologic elements affecting the structures, works or projects are adequately treated by the responsible engineer.

One of the most important roles of the engineering geologist is the interpretation of landforms and earth processes to identify potential geologic and related manmade hazards that may impact civil structures and human development. Nearly all engineering geologists are initially trained and educated in geology, primarily during their undergraduate education. This background in geology provides the engineering geologist with an understanding of how the earth works, which is crucial in mitigating earth related hazards. Most engineering geologists also have graduate degrees where they have gained specialized education and training in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, geotechnics, groundwater, hydrology, and civil design. These two aspects of the engineering geologists' education provides them with a unique ability to understand and mitigate hazards associated with earth-structure interactions.

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