Engineering Geology

The module covers two complementary processes in geotechnical engineering: Engineering Geology and Numerical Modelling. A geological perspective is a prerequisite of a complete geotechnical analysis. Once this interpretation of the geology in an engineering context is established in the Engineering Geology unit, the resulting ground model provides the starting point for geotechnical analyses and predictions by numerical models. The Numerical Modelling unit covers the theory and application of these models to come to quantitative predictions, as well as the interpretation of the results in the geotechnical context, because after all a number is not an answer.

Parts of this module follow the learning line on Data and Monitoring by covering 1) the manipulation of both sparse and dense data, and both soft and hard data to highlight ground related risks and opportunities, 2) the interpretation of numerical analysis results in the context of data- and model uncertainty, 3) uncertainty propagation in (numerical) models.

Parts of this module follow the learning line on Ethics by considering ethical aspects in feasibility studies conducted in Engineering Geology. This allows students to apply moral frameworks to the allowable actions as a CE Engineer. The Numerical modelling unit covers modelling techniques which are at the heart of various value sensitive methods for CE designs to be understood in the learning line on Ethics.

Keywords:

Engineering geology; desk study; soil and rock properties; conceptual ground and ground water flow modelling; anticipated ground conditions; geo-hazards and geotechnical issues; feasibility study