Engineering Geologists play a significant role before the construction of roads, dams etc is carried out. Their core responsibility in the value chain is Site investigation. Site investigation is a process of site exploration consisting of boring, sampling and testing so as to obtain geotechnical information for a safe, practical and economical geotechnical evaluation and design. The Importance of Site Investigation cannot be overemphasized as it helps

-To study the general suitability of the site for an engineering project.

-To enable a safe, practical and economic design to be prepared.

-To determine the possible difficulties that may be encountered by a specific construction method for any particular civil project.

-To study the suitability of construction material (soil or rock).

Without the above, the construction work may fail or become dysfunctional depending on the terrain.

Hope this helps….

Dr. Thomas A. Harry

 Dams bridges etc are structures which carry huge loads especially to deeper stratas. Dams retain water for a long period and a geologist can very well assess the chances of reservoir induced seismicity if any. Geologists can interpret the topographical map as well as conduct studies to find out the rock underneath, presence of any fault planes or other weaknesses etc. If there are any fault planes on the rocks below the structure, collapse can occur along with chances of rock movement, earthquakes etc. Also a geologist can give best alignment for tunnels, roads through cuttings, bridge sites etc based on contour maps and topographical maps.Geologists and their opinion are very much useful especially before major projects like dams bridges etc

Dear,

The geologist is required to ascertain the nature of the sub surface its properties and behavior. The conditions like nature of rock, fault, fold, fissures, RMR, permeability, strata variations, strength, settlement of layers, its chemical background and etc. are needed to be known in order to safely design, built, operate the engineering structures.

From a bridge engineering practice point view, geologists or engineering geologists (typically certified in the US) do not play a major role.  Geotechnical engineers are a must for foundation data or other ground modifications needs. However, for major or special bridges (bridge over Dam spillways, very long span, unstable terrain, coastal waterways), geologists can help in determining ground hazards and do risk assessment for earthquakes, tsunami, or land slides, etc. They can, however, assist in very early studies involving general terrain and geological mapping.