Michelle G.

Sentino BSCE II

Engineering geology vs. Geotechnics

Engineering geology is the application of geology to engineering study for the purpose of
assuring that the geological factors regarding the location, design, construction, operation and
maintenance of engineering works are recognized and accounted for.

Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical recommendations, analysis, and

design associated with human development and various types of structures. The realm of the
engineering geologist is essentially in the area of earth-structure interactions, or investigation of
how the earth or earth processes impact human made structures and human activities.

Engineering geology - commonly pursued subject paper in civil engineering ( mostly) , paper
deals with what is the role of earth and sciences about earth in brief .
Geotechnical engineering - a higher education in civil engineering specialising in the role of soil
or sand in construction purpose or for basic research in depth .

Geotechnical engineering is the discipline within civil engineering related to the performance of
soil mechanics, including their subsurface conditions, determination of the physical, mechanical,
and chemical properties that will influence the project under consideration, and the assessment
of the risks that may be created by the conditions of the site. After necessary evaluation, design
of the earthworks is carried out, and subsequently supervision of the site, foundation, and
construction is carried out. Geotechnical engineering is also related to coastal engineering,
which is involved with the design and creation of harbors, quays and marinas. Ocean
engineering is also concerned with geotechnical engineering, and it deals with anchor systems
for oil platforms and other offshore structures.

Responsibilities of Geologists vs. Geotechnical Engineers

Geoscience is a general term for a variety of specialized fields, including geologists who pay
close attention to the earth's crust and core to discover our planet's past and how we fit into the
environment of the future. Geotechnical engineers are engineers with a geological background
whose expertise it is to use that knowledge to design buildings and structural foundations that
adhere to the area's geological offerings. Both of these professionals have a strong background
in soil, rock and groundwater studies, only for different reasons.

Geologists
Geologists have a variety of functions that range from working as educators to geoscientists.
These men and women spend time at geological sites running tests and surveys, collecting
samples and performing ground assessments. They might be studying the area for a
construction team or as researchers looking for earth science information. Often these scientists
are looking at the relationship of humanity to the environment over centuries and eons by
studying the rocks, formations, fossils and other materials.

Job responsibilities of a geologist include:

● Collaborating with other geoscientists or environmental students

● Investigating data and aerial photos for information
● Preparing analysis reports
● Presenting findings to students, clients or other experts

Geotechnical Engineers
Geotechnical engineers are experts at what can happen to the land to make it hazardous or
become a problem when trying to build something on it. They might look at how climate affects
things such as landslides, earthquakes or soil erosion. They might be hired by energy
companies to help discover new oil or gas fields or information on areas where fracking might
be possible. They are vital in the preparation of structures like railroad tracks, bridges, tunnels,
or other roadways. Their knowledge of geology and engineering is very important to making
sure things get built properly.

Job responsibilities of a geotechnical engineer include:

● Consulting other geo and engineering professionals

● Supervising on site construction of structures
● Creating reports of pretesting as well as ongoing assessments
● Ensuring environmental soundness of operations throughout projects

The practice of engineering geology is also very closely related to the practice of geological
engineering and geotechnical engineering. If there is a difference in the content of the
disciplines, it mainly lies in the training or experience of the practitioner.

It is important to understand the roles of the engineering geologist and geotechnical engineer
when considering, generally, how land is to be used. This is especially the case for Malibu
because of its relatively complex geology. Geology commonly is defined as the scientific study
of earth history, essentially how the earth came to be as it is. The geologist employs the
scientific method which essentially requires first, the observation and classification of physical
conditions, second, the formation of a hypothesis to explain those conditions, and third,
experimentation to demonstrate, through repeated results, whether the hypothesis is valid.
The engineering geologist applies the principles of geology to civil works, which once meant
structures such as dams, bridges, roads, and large buildings, together with the grading of the
earth such structures require, but now it is extended to any structures, and in particular when
considering Malibu, structures associated with residential development. On the other hand, the
engineer is an artist in the sense that art is defined as the application of knowledge such as
mathematics, and the known physical characteristics of materials, to design some object having
a specific use. For example, the engineer who designs a bridge using concrete and steel girders
is no less an artist than a painter who uses canvas and oils to create a picture of that bridge.

Developing land to be safe requires the expertise of both the engineering geologist and the
geotechnical engineer. The geotechnical engineer is a civil engineer specializing in the
determination of the mechanical characteristics of earth materials. In simple terms, the
engineering geologist determines where in a building site specific kinds of earth materials occur,
and the geotechnical engineer, once called the "soils engineer," tests those materials to
measure their physical characteristics, particularly their strengths, in order to determine how
they will perform in relation to certain proposed construction. An important aspect of this duality
concerns geologic hazards. For example, the geologist's investigation indicating that a landslide
might occur would be complemented by the geotechnical engineer's investigation to determine
how that condition could be remedied. In such circumstances, the geotechnical engineer may,
with minimum involvement, indicate that development of the property is not feasible.

The practice of engineering geology is also very closely related to the practice of
geological engineering and geotechnical engineering. If there is a difference in the
content of the disciplines, it mainly lies in the training or experience of the practitioner.