In: Civil Engineering
Sol: Engineering Geologists work as advisors to private and public bodies on the natural, environmental and geological threat in real estate development. They will assess whether ground rock is stable enough and whether it is a safe type of rock on which to build.
Master's degree programs in geological engineering build upon the basic principles taught in bachelor's degree programs in the field, while also providing students with the skills and training necessary to conduct extensive research and solve complex geo-environmental problems. Many such programs also require students to complete a thesis paper or project that further explores a particular issue in geological engineering.
Besides completing core coursework, students enrolled in a master's degree program in geological engineering are often required to complete electives related to a particular specialization, such as mining, geotechnics, or groundwater engineering. Some examples of these courses include water analysis, paleontology, hydrogeochemistry, and petrology in addition to the following:
Within the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences , students focussed on geotechnics and structures, which deals with the fundamental concepts of material behaviour, construction and design technology. The research has a central theme of Earth systems science engineering and management, focussing on the concepts of:
-Sustainability in construction
-Climate change and the effects on civil engineering
-Seismic engineering and extreme loadings
-Slope stability
-Multi-phase flow and coupled multi-field analysis
-Soil modelling
-Waste minimisation and reuse
-Ground improvement
-Site characterisation
We also encourage multidisciplinary research, such as:
-Ground improvement and remediation
-In situ testing
-Geotechnical design
-Geotechnical processes in construction and the natural environment.
As a result of these research field , Students have been able to revolutionise electrokinetic geosynthetics, self-boring pressuremeters, geothermal testing and construct a full-scale embankment for field experimentation.
In one sense, geological engineering is a form of environmental engineering. The MS program emphasizes the professional nature of the geological engineering discipline. Consequently students are required to be excellent in both geology and engineering core subjects. If they are deficient in the core courses they must be taken. Geological engineering plays a vital role in engineering with natural materials (rock, soil, water and even snow). Geological engineers are unlike other engineers who use manmade materials like steel, concrete, asphalt and composites to design and construct. Geological engineers are intimately involved with our environment in assessing and design ways to alleviate the effects of geologic hazards like landslides, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions or by mitigating or mediating potential man-made hazards including contaminated ground water and poorly sited landfills. They design foundations for structures, tunnels and open pits for large excavations. Geological engineers design facilities for mitigating the flow of groundwater pollution, for the location of sanitary municipal landfills and for the storage of hazardous waste.
Today, there is a critical national need for geological engineers in the heavy construction industry, the minerals industry, the energy industry, and for fundamental research at national laboratories. On graduating a GE is capable of being professionally registered as an engineer on passing the relevant State Examinations.
Laboratory facilities exist in support of the GE program. These include slope stability, data analysis, MMV (mapping, modeling, and visualization), and soil and rock testing. The slope stability lab in particular contains modern computer-driven shear box and large-capacity direct shear testing equipment along with smaller capacity shear boxes. Offices for GE students, both undergraduate and graduate, are located in the slope stability lab and the data analysis lab. The rock mechanics laboratory and rock preparation facility are jointly administered space between Geological Engineering and Mining Engineering. The space contains modern computer controlled triaxial and environmental rock testing equipment, and a full suite of drill presses, lathes and polishers for sample preparation and testing. Computational resources for the GE program include PCs, I/O devices, and necessary software for routine and advanced calculation, analysis, and presentation of results. The MMV Lab is managed by the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering. A dedicated PC equipped teaching lab is available and scheduled for GE classes. Here and in the slope stability lab, multiple software licenses are used routinely by GE students in their courses and related research, including UDEC, FLAC, CRSP (Colorado RockFall Simulation Package), PFC (Particle Flow Code program for debris flow simulation), and the RocScience suite that includes Slide, Swedge, RocPlane, RocData, RocFall, and Dips.
Fields of Specialization
Geological engineers use their knowledge of geology and engineering principles in the construction and building industries. For example, they might develop plans to blast a tunnel through a mountain or build a bridge over a gully. Two common degrees in the field are the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Geological Engineering. Both offer graduates career options in the geological engineering profession. Depending on the state and specific career, a Professional Engineer license may be required.
Popular Career Options
Though a graduate degree may be necessary for advancement, there are several entry-level positions in geological engineering available to bachelor's level graduates. Potential employers include:
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mining and geological engineers held 5,900 jobs in the United States in 2018, and employment in this field was expected to grow by 3% from 2018-2028 (www.bls.gov). Many of these professionals worked for architectural services, while others were employed by oil extraction companies, metal ore mining, coal mining, and support activities for mining. The BLS also reported that the median salary in the field in 2018 was roughly $ 92,250.
Continuing Education
Individuals who are interested in working in academia and/or research might consider enrolling in a Ph.D. program in geochemistry, geo-engineering or mining engineering and technology.
Engineers who work directly with the public are required to earn state licensure, according to the BLS. Though requirements vary by state, they often include graduating from an ABET-accredited program, a number of years of work experience, and passing a 2-part test. After passing the exam, a licensed engineer is known as a Professional Engineer (PE).
Education and training in geological engineering is available to students in the form of both bachelor's and master's degree programs. After graduating, many students go on to careers with mining and oil companies or Government agencies.
Work of Civil Engineering Geologist
They are effectively a bridge between geology, engineering and public health. The geology training helps engineers understand environmental threats. The engineering element helps geologists understand the unique challenges of civic works and private development. Finally, both are encouraged to understand the need to consider public health and safety during civic works.
Engineering Geologists will look at safety issues such as rock stability for a site and ask such questions as: can the underlying bedrock support heavy structures? Is the bedrock stable enough to support mass development such as transit systems and tall buildings? Is the rock radioactive? Is the radiation level considered safe for people to live and work here? What are the geological risks of building here? They will also look at human developments that might affect the stability of the ground - mine shafts, waste disposal sites (gas leaks as well as ground stability).
They do not just look at the ground rock, but also water sources, soil stability and other natural processes that could impact a new development. This way, they are more like environmental engineers when they study such issues as flood risk. They will assess commercial and industrial development, public works, assessment of military activity (such as ground assessments in areas that have been bombed - many work in Iraq, ensuring that a site is safe before redevelopment.
Engineering Geology Jobs & Job Description:
Engineering geologists specialize in the interdisciplinary study of geology as well as the fundamentals of engineering. The field requires a deep understanding about the soil, rock, groundwater and other natural systems. This career can include or require the following skills:
Job Demand for Engineering Geologist
Demand for Engineering Geology professionals is expected to grow at around 6% between 2014 and 2024, which is the average for all occupations in the USA. There could be variation, depending on civic and private development in this decade. This, of course, depends on the economy and population growth. Much will also depend on new environmental legislation enacted as a result of state, national and international law. Texas is the state that employs the largest number of people in this sector with over 1,000 individuals. It is also the highest payer.