Engineering Geology Course
Aims of the course
The principal objective of this course is to teach participants how to apply geological field skills to help solve engineering problems. This will be carried out by using guided field exercises, in which the participants learn by carrying out realistic project related work, in the field, whilst being supervised by experienced practitioners.
The exercises the participants will complete are related to:
- Coastal erosion and shore protection
- Dams
- Bridges
- Underground caverns
- Construction material assessment and reserve estimation
- Assessing landslide terrain with respect to hazards and construction
The engineering geological skills that participants will develop include:
- Geotechnical mapping for a range of purposes.
- The systematic description of geo-materials.
- Rock defect identification and measurement.
- Rock defect kinematic stability analysis using stereonets.
- Terrain evaluation using aerial photographs.
- 3D geological evaluation by structure contouring.
During the course, participants will develop an understanding of:
- The engineering geological environment as a product of the total geology geomorphological and anthropogenic history of an area.
- Geological processes and process rates.
- The different engineering implications of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic environments.
- The role of the engineering geologist in the investigation, design and construction of a project.
- How to communicate successfully with other geotechnical professionals, designers and constructors involved in ground engineering.
Who should attend
The course is designed primarily for engineering geologists involved in civil and mining projects, and also for geotechnical engineers with a sound understanding of geological principals. It is envisaged that participants will have at least 3 or 4 years industry experience and will be familiar with making geological observations, and wish to enhance and develop their engineering geological skills. This course is similar to the AGS Geology for Engineers course based in Adelaide, which is aimed at teaching geology to geotechnical engineers with a limited geological background. However this Engineering Geology Course places more emphasis on logging, mapping and developing models for engineering projects and evaluating the engineering characteristics of the ground through field observations.
Please contact Anthony Bowden to express your interest in this course and to discuss whether the Engineering Geology Course is suitable for you.
Phone: 0418 411 749
Email: [email protected]
Accreditation and Presenters
This course is approved by the Australian Geomechanics Society. The course is recognised by Engineers Australia as equivalent to 80 hours of CPD requirement.
Engineering geologists Fred Baynes, Phil Flentje, Mark Eggers, Anthony Bowden and Ian Shipway have developed and will present the course on behalf of the Australian Geomechanics Society. A teacher to participant ratio of 1 to 6, or better will be maintained throughout this course.
When and where
October 28 – November 5 2023, at the University of Wollongong, and field sites on the south coast of New South Wales.
Numbers
Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis or as per the waiting list managed by Anthony Bowden.
Registration fee
The fee includes course notes and transport for field trips. All transport to and from Wollongong before and after the course, accommodation and meal costs are additional to these course fees.
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for booking accommodation during the course. It is recommended that this be done immediately after registration to secure appropriate accommodation. Suggestions for suitable accommodation will be emailed to those registered.
Cancellation Policy
Fees will not be refundable if a participant is unable to attend. However, a nominated person may attend in their place. If at any time the course is cancelled, fees will be refunded in full.
Draft Engineering Geology Course Outline 2023
DAY 1 – WOLLONGONG
12.00pm Registration and course start.
Introductory lectures.
Field trip to observe major landslide protection measures at Mount Ousley.
Group dinner.
DAY 2 – WOLLONGONG
Field exercises: Engineering geological mapping to support a coastal erosion and shoreline protection project.
DAY 3 – WOLLONGONG
Lectures: Surface processes, geohazards and risk management.
Workshop: Terrain evaluation using air photos to support rail and dam projects in fluvial, karstic and deeply weathered igneous terraine.
Workshop: Desk top study to support the development of an underground cavern in granitic rock. (Field assessment to be completed on day 5).
Workshop: Desk top study to support the development of landslide prone land. (Field assessment to be completed on day 7)
DAY 4 – WOLLONGONG – BATEMANS BAY
Field exercise: Engineering geological mapping and construction material assessment for a proposed dam site on the Shoalhaven River.
Field exercise: Geotechnical assessment of a bridge site on the Shoalhaven River.
DAY 5 – NOVEMBER: BATEMANS BAY
Field exercise: Engineering geological mapping of two granitic headland sites and assessment of the most suitable conditions for a proposed underground cavern.
DAY 6 – BATEMANS BAY – WOLLONGONG
Field exercise: Evaluation of the suitability of using a basalt quarry to supply construction materials for a breakwater and the estimation of potential material reserves.
Student team presentations: Report and recommendations for the site of a proposed cavern.
DAY 7 – WOLLONGONG
Field trip to observe major rockfall and landslide protection measures above Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Field exercise: Engineering geological mapping of a major landslide complex at Bald Hill to support the planning of a proposed development.
DAY 8 – WOLLONGONG
Workshop: Evaluation of information from the desk top study (Day 3) and field mapping (Day 7) to identify hazards and to develop an engineering geological model to support the development of landslide prone land at Bald Hill.
Workshop: Analysis of structural geological data collected in the field on Day 5 to support the evaluation of design implications and construction considerations to reduce risk, for a proposed underground cavern.
DAY 9 – WOLLONGONG
Award of certificates; group discussion; comments from participants and closing.
12pm end of course.
DISCLAIMER:
This outline is subject to review and may change.
Course Registration
Members are required to log in to access the AGS member price, which is not transferable.
More information about logging in to this website can be found here.
Payment for this course can be made via two options:
- Credit Card is available and processed by Stripe. The Australian Geomechanics Society will not store or have access to your credit card information and Stripe adhere to strict security and PCI compliance for processing online transactions. Upon purchase, an email with their tax invoice will be sent to the buyer. Attendees will also receive an email with their tickets attached, as well as a link to download the tickets if they are misplaced.
- Alternatively, during the enrolment process, you can elect to receive a tax invoice to pay via EFT within seven (7) days. Please note that spots are not guaranteed until full payment has been received. Once payment is received, an email will be sent to the attendee with their tickets attached, as well as a link to download the tickets if they are misplaced.