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Engineering Geology Division: New Definition of Engineering Geology

May 2023

The Engineering Geology Division (EGD) of the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS) has been working on a definition of engineering geology as part of its mandate to promote the practice of engineering geology in Canada and to advocate for the profession. The purpose of the definition is to harmonize the various aspects of engineering geology and to encompass the extensive breadth of practice within the profession. The definition will be used to help inform the CGS membership, the public, and other interested parties on the importance of engineering geology and what it entails. The definition will also be used to help guide what initiatives the Engineering Geology Division undertake and support.

 

As part of the background information review completed by the EGD, information published by various organizations was consulted to identify existing definitions of engineering geology as well as the scope of practice. Organizations with definitions, documentation, and/or policies specifically related to engineering geology include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

 

 

In addition to the information available through the above organizations, various other publications including conference proceedings, journal articles, and opinion pieces were also reviewed. Based on the information reviewed, a general model definition reflecting engineering geology was developed by the EGD and is presented below.

 

“Engineering geology is the application of geology and geotechnics to engineering practice. The principal objective of engineering geology is to ensure that the geological and geotechnical factors affecting engineering works and geological hazards are appropriately recognized and adequately provided for to safeguard life and public welfare, infrastructure, and the environment against damage caused by geological conditions and processes.

 

Engineering geologists have specialized knowledge in geological sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis acquired through professional education and practical experience. Engineering geologists are qualified to apply such knowledge, skill, and judgment to a wide variety of civil and mining works, and the prevention and remediation of geological hazards. They complete geological and geotechnical studies, inspections and analyses of, and provide recommendations and geological design associated with natural and built environments. They also develop measures to prevent, mitigate, and remediate geological hazards. Engineering geologists are critical to and should be considered as the principal developers of the conceptual ground model for a given site.

 

(“Geotechnics” refers to applied scientific work involving soil and rock mechanics, hydrogeology, structural geology, geomorphology, seismology, and other subdisciplines of geology as applied to the solution of geological, engineering, and environmental problems.”

 

The EGD is seeking feedback from members of the CGS. Persons interested in providing feedback should direct their comments to Andrew Peach, Chair of the Engineering Geology Division – Canadian Geotechnical Society, via email at admin@cgs.ca using the Subject: CGS Engineering Geology Definition.







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