Engineering Rock Mechanics

Questions and answers: geological setting 23

geological environments will have different characteristics and we can
anticipate many of the features present. Also, certain factors will be
critical for certain engineering projects. For example, for studies of
storing pressurized gas in an unlined cavern, we are critically concerned
with potential gas leakage via natural fractures in the rock mass.

(a) there can be no standardized geological information for different
engineering projects, because there will be different emphases on
different rock properties depending on the engineering objectives, a
subject we cover in Chapters 11 and 12;
(b) it is important to consider the interaction between the rock mass and
the engineering structure, a subject we cover in Chapter 14.
Emphasis is placed on these points in the definition of engineering
geology (based on the Association of Engineering Geologists 1969 defin-
ition) given in the Glossary of Geology4: "The application of geologic
data, techniques, and principles to the study of naturally occurring rock
and soil materials or groundwater for the purpose of assuring that
geologic factors affecting the location, planning, design, construction,
operation, and maintenance of engineering structures, and the develop-
ment of groundwater resources are properly recognized and adequately
interpreted, utilized, and presented for use in engineering practice."

Q2.6 The quotation at the beginning of the Glossary of Geology4 is
that: "It is not really a mark of distinction for a geologist's writing
to be so obscure that a glossary is required for its comprehension."
Discuss this in the context of engineering rock mechanics.

There are two immediate corollaries:

A2.6 The authors agree with the general sentiment in this quotation,
especially when the geological information is being supplied for en-
gineering purposes. It is important that the reader with an engineering
background can understand the content and will interpret the text with
the same meaning as the writer having the geological background. At
the same time, it is necessary to have a glossary so that all the technical
words are defined.

42.7 When considering the geological setting for a rock engineer-

ing project, would an engineer expect information relating to all

potential geological hazards to be avaifable?

A2.7 Yes, nowadays the engineer should ensure that such information
is made available. In the same paper3 as referenced in Q2.5, Fookes
explains that:

"Sometimes you hear something said like, 'rocks and soils

were not made to a BS [British Standard]'. I interpret this as

meaning that every rock and soil is different and cannot be

Bates R. L. and Jackson J. A. (eds) (1980) Glossary of Geology. American Geological

Institute, USA, 749pp.