Role of Engineering Geological Modelling in Rock Slope Engineering

Mark Eggers

About the presentation

This talk will be given in two parts. First up, in my capacity as the IAEG VP for Australasia I will give a brief update on the International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment both nationally and internationally. This will include some comments and observations on the state of engineering geology in Australia. I will be interested in hearing any feedback on engineering geology issues from WA members.

The second part will be a technical talk focusing on the interaction of engineering geology and rock mechanics in the slope design process. The premise of the discussion is that this interaction is best managed through the application of an engineering geological model. The relationship is illustrated with a slope engineering design flowchart which reflects the changing role of engineering geology in rock engineering. The approach illustrated provides two key advantages. Firstly, it is critical that the key engineering questions and design objectives are established at the start of the overall design process. This allows the engineering geologist to focus the model in the right areas rather than take a more generic approach. Secondly, it is important that the geological history of the project area is sufficiently understood to allow the key geological factors controlling ground behaviour and potential slope instability mechanisms to be identified and characterised. This knowledge feeds into how the overall engineering geological model should be formulated, guides selection of the most applicable analytical methods and supports engineering decisions made in design. While illustrated using rock slope engineering, the approach is generally applicable to most areas of geotechnical engineering.

About the Speaker

Mark Eggers, Principal and Director at PSM, Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Canterbury NZ, IAEG VP for Australasia

Mark is a Principal and Director at Pells Sullivan Meynink where he undertakes engineering geological and design studies for rock engineering projects in both the civil and mining industries. Other professional interests include landslide risk assessments, engineering geomorphological studies, terrain analysis and land-use capability assessments. Mark has been practising for over 30 years throughout Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Africa. He is the Australasian Vice-President of the IAEG for the term 2015 to 2018.

Mark is passionate about fostering strong links between academia and industry. In 2012 Mark was awarded an Erskine Fellowship at the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand. Normally reserved for senior academics, Mark was the first non-academic to be awarded this position in the 55 year history of this fellowship. Subsequently he was appointed as an Adjunct Associate Professor at UC where he continues to contribute to research and teaching. Mark teaches into several post-graduate courses at the University of New South Wales and co-teaches the field based Geology for Engineers and Engineering Geology courses for the AGS.

Venue location

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.