Geology Field Trip — Evening Presentation

Alistair Schofield and Andrew Campbell

The presentation and field trip will provide an introduction into the geological and geotechnical characteristics and challenges of the Newer Volcanics basalt. This field trip will complement the presentation and provide a hands-on opportunity to visit geological exposures and discuss important characteristics of these units in the company of some of Victoria’s most experienced geotechnical practitioners.  The trip will include the basalt exposures along the Eastern Freeway, hyaloclastite deposits associated with the Newer Volcanic Province basalt flows adjacent to the Darebin Creek, further examples of basalt exposures near Bulla, with a final stop to see the Rosette Rock and the Organ Pipes within the Organ Pipes National Park.

Alistair Schofield Technical Director – Engineering Geology GHD

Alistair has 20 years engineering geology and geotechnical engineering experience and has worked on a wide variety of dam, hydropower, tunnels and other infrastructure projects in the UK, UAE, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. He uses his engineering geological skills including geological and geomorphological mapping, extensive experience and knowledge of ground investigation techniques and proficiency in ground model development and geohazard assessments to provide input into site selection and design of new dams, tunnels and other infrastructure.

He was contributory author and editor of the International Association of Engineering Geology publication “Guidelines for the development and application of engineering geological models on projects”.  He also authored a paper published in the Australian Geomechanics Journal documenting the occurrence and importance of hyaloclastite deposits associated with the Newer Volcanic Province basalt flows.  Alistair was the first geologist to be awarded the coveted Jack Morgan Award.

Andrew Campbell Technical Director – Geotechnical, NZ/Practice Leader – ANZ Mott Macdonald

Andrew has 35 years’ experience on a wide range of civil, mining and geotechnical projects in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Asia and the Middle East.  He graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Melbourne University in 1988 and is a passionate believer in first defining a problem using a pencil and paper approach. By starting with the ground conditions underlying the site followed by a simple free-body boundary diagram to understand the loads that need to be accommodated and how the ground will respond to those forces, it is possible to develop a viable engineering solution without resorting to finite element analysis, which, if needed at all, should be an end process, not a starting point.  Observing full scale exposures helps to build an understanding of ground models in a given geological terrain and what problems might need to be addressed in investigation, design and construction.

Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.