Careers in Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering

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Ethan Barton
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1 Careers in Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Luke Swain 19-Feb-15 / 1

2 Personal Background Education - University of Birmingham Studied between 2002 and 2005 for a degree in Geology Studied part time between 2007 and 2010 for a Masters degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Management Post Graduation Career White Young Green (Summer Placement) Soil Mechanics (Geotechnical Contractor) Parson Brinckerhoff (Engineering Consultants) Network Rail (Client Organisation) 19-Feb-15 / 2

3 Opportunities for Geologists Oil and Gas Contaminated Land and Environmental science Geotechnical Engineering Engineering Geology Academic/Research Hydrogeology Teaching Marine Geology Mining/Quarrying Waste Management 19-Feb-15 / 3

4 Opportunities for Geologists Engineering Geology An Earth Sciences degree with provide the basic academic background for a Career in Engineering Geology Engineering geologists are concerned with the detailed technical analysis of earth material and the risk assessment of geological hazards. Their role is to ensure that geological factors affecting engineering works are identified and dealt with. They assess the integrity of soil, rock, groundwater and other natural conditions prior to major construction projects. They also advise on procedures required for such developments and the suitability of appropriate construction materials. Engineering geologists are also involved with analysing sites and designs for environmentally sensitive developments, such as landfill sites. By monitoring development areas and analysing ground conditions, they ensure that structures can be secure in the short and long term. 19-Feb-15 / 4

5 Opportunities for Geologists Geotechnical Engineering This will require some further education / experience to provide the relevant Civil Engineering background Geotechnical engineering is a civil engineering discipline that is concerned with building on, in, or with soil and rock. Geotechnical engineers design dams, embankments, cuts, foundations, retaining walls, anchors, tunnels, and all other structures directly interacting with the subsoil, both onshore and offshore. Risk assessment associated to geohazards such as landslides or earthquakes is another responsibility of geotechnical engineers. Geotechnical engineering is based on soil and rock mechanics and testing. Analytical methods play a major role in today's design but are more and more replaced by numerical methods. Geotechnical engineering shares common interests with other disciplines such as structural engineering, engineering geology, material science, or petroleum engineering. Geotechnical engineering is a truly multi-disciplinary field offering training and research possibilities ranging from material testing and analytical methods to non linear numerical modelling of multiphysics problems. 19-Feb-15 / 5

6 The Engineering Industry Regulators Programme Management Clients Design Build Surveys Consultants Contractors Demolish Investigations Health And Safety Construction Management Project Management Quantity Survey 19-Feb-15 / 6

7 The typical day - Client Current Role Senior Asset Engineer (Geotech) for Network Rail Responsible for the management of Geotechnical assets on the London North Western Route (Crewe to London Euston and subsidiary routes) This involves: Management of Geotechnical Assets Evaluation of earthworks Approval of proposed geotechnical structures Risk based approach to developing schemes Overseeing of geotechnical construction projects Geotechnical Emergencies 19-Feb-15 / 7

8 The typical day - Consultant Previous Roles Geotechnical Engineer at Parsons Brinckerhoff Worked within a team of Civil Engineers and provided Geotechnical input to Civil Engineering Projects This involved: Geotechnical Design Planning and Management of Geotechnical Investigation Production of design documents including Approval in Principle, Detailed Design Drawings Working with Contractor on Design and Build Contracts, Geotechnical project management, Desk studies 19-Feb-15 / 8

9 The typical day - Contractor Previous Roles Assistant Geologist at Soil Mechanics & Bureau Veritas This involved: Management of Ground Investigations Logging of soil and rock samples Monitoring of sites Investigation for contaminated land purposes 19-Feb-15 / 9

10 The typical day Days will be variable Site work is vital to undertaking the role Reporting of factual data Building of Ground Models Interpretation of data to produce design parameters Undertaking of Geotechnical Design Interface with other disciplines / companies Opportunity for travel 19-Feb-15 / 10

11 The typical day Current Project Harbury Cutting Emergency Landslip 19-Feb-15 / 11

12 The typical day Current Project Harbury Cutting Emergency Landslip 19-Feb-15 / 12

13 The typical day Current Project Harbury Cutting Emergency Landslip 19-Feb-15 / 13

14 The typical day Current Project Harbury Cutting Emergency Landslip 19-Feb-15 / 14

15 The typical day Current Project Harbury Cutting Emergency Landslip 19-Feb-15 / 15

16 The typical day Current Project Harbury Cutting Emergency Landslip 19-Feb-15 / 16

17 Transferable Skills Why does a an Earth Sciences degree provide so much benefit? Many possible career paths Versatile skill sets learned during the undergraduate course Recognition of differing geologies for building ground models The history of the earth plays a key role in understanding how soil/rock deposits will act in engineering solutions Site works allow for an appreciation of how to identify key features for engineers Maths/Science dominated modules will aid any further development required 19-Feb-15 / 17

18 Graduates in Engineering Geology / Geotechnical Engineer 2015 The construction industry is versatile is a significantly better place to be than in 2008 A degree is a fantastic starting point and provides a good platform to start a career from Graduate Schemes vs General Post graduate experience Contractor / Consultant / Client?? 19-Feb-15 / 18

19 Breaking into the sector Must prioritise getting industry experience Importance of a good CV without errors Have a long term goal and make sure that your career choices are focused towards it Don t rush into further education unless you are sure about the industry it may lead you to Start looking/applying for jobs in your final year Consider what your favoured lifestyle (sector selection will have a big impact on your personal life) Try and make every project/experience a learning opportunity 19-Feb-15 / 19

20 Further Qualifications There are many good post graduate degrees out there. I would suggest trying and industry before confirming you want to specialise within it Keeping a good Continuous Professional Development record is a must Chartership is important for your career and so ensure you know and understand the criteria that you need to achieve and work towards it. Accreditation as a Chartered Geologist or Chartered Scientist is a sign to clients, regulators, employers and the general public that you are a competent professional who can demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills and experience, and that you are bound by a strict code of professional conduct. (Geological Society of London) 19-Feb-15 / 20

21 Closing Slide 19-Feb-15 / 21

EARTHwork. Choices after Higher Education

EARTHwork. Choices after Higher Education EARTHwork Choices after Higher Education EARTHwork Direct entry to geoscientific employment If you are an undergraduate student at university, and want to make decisions about your future career then this