GEOE 410 Engineering Field Geology

Credits: 6

Instruction and practice for both team and independent work involving field techniques for geological engineering. Field work is conducted for five weeks at numerous sites throughout the Black Hills. The field mapping section teaches construction of engineering stratigraphic columns, geologic maps, and structural cross-sections. Field techniques are taught for rock strength assessment, hydrologic analysis of surface and groundwater, and performing engineering site characterizations. Slope stability computer models are used to analyze field data and design engineered slopes in rock and soil. Excel is used extensively for analysis of collected field data and hydrologic data. Written engineering reports accompany all columns, maps, sections, and generated models. Topics and field sites change frequently. One week is devoted to engineering stratigraphy and geologic mapping. Remaining weeks are devoted to engineering problems including surface and ground-water hydrology, geotechnical evaluations and modeling of rock and soil slopes, site characterizations, and field use of laser scanning and photogrammetry. Most projects require construction of a geologic map. Arrangements for transportation and room and board are made through the Black Hills Natural Sciences field station.

Prerequisites: CEE 346/346L, GEOL 331/331L , and GEOL 322/322L
Notes: A minimum grade of “C” is required for graduation with a Geological Engineering B.S.

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