Geol Soc Training Guide WP5

Geol Soc Training Guide WP5

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRAINING GUIDE FOR

ENGINEERING GEOLOGISTS

IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

October 1994

This document has been produced by a working group under the auspices of

the Education and Training Committee of the Geological Society of London.

CHAIRMAN

Mr Andrew Bowden

MEMBERS

Ms Ruth Allington

Mr Rodney Chartres

Mr Stephen Handsley

Mr George Reeves

Mr Gordon Robson

Please address any comments on this draft document to:

Mr Andrew Bowden

c/o L G Mouchel and Partners Ltd

West Hall

Parvis Road

West Byfleet

Surrey

KT14 6EZ

T H E G E O L O G I C A L

S O C I E T Y

TRAINING GUIDE FOR

ENGINEERING GEOLOGISTS

IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART 1 THE TRAINING GUIDE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1The role of the Geological Society in training geologists

1.2Objectives of the Training Guide

1.3Admission to the Scheme

1.4The Structure of the Training Guide

1.5Training Supervisors

1.6The Log Book

PARTS 2 TO 9

THE TRAINING OBJECTIVES

2.0 COLLECTION AND COLLATION OF DATA

2.1Introduction

2.2Retrieval of Information

2.3Collation, Synthesis and Interpretation of Existing Information

3.0 PLANNING OF GROUND INVESTIGATIONS

3.1The Geotechnical Parameters required

3.1Planning the Investigation

3.3 Evaluation of Possible Techniques

4.0 FIELD EXPERIENCE

4.1Introduction

4.2Mapping and its Interpretation

4.3Description and Classification

4.4Ground Investigation

4.5Construction Experience

5.0 LABORATORY EXPERIENCE

6.0 ANALYSIS OF DATA

7.0 GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN

7.1 Principles of Geotechnical Design

7.2Geotechnical Parameters in Design

7.3Geotechnical Design Methods

8.0 MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION

9.0 PROFESSIONAL MATTERS

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR EMPLOYERS

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHARTERED STATUS

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRAINING GUIDE FOR

ENGINEERING GEOLOGISTS

IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Geological Society is responsible for awarding the title of Chartered Geologist to those of its members who it considers have adequate education, training and experience to merit the title. In order to maintain (and improve) standards of those applying for the title it is desirable to set down guidelines for the necessary training. Such training is not mandatory but will greatly assist the member in obtaining Chartered status.

There are many specialisations within the geological profession and therefore one training guide cannot be made to apply to all. This Training Guide has been produced for Engineering Geologists working within the civil engineering and construction industry.

The aim has been to specify training guidelines in a broad range of subjects including some which are rightly considered part of other geological specialisations such as hydrogeology and geophysics. It is essential that the Engineering Geologist gains some experience in these fields but an in-depth knowledge is not required unless the Trainee considers the majority of his/her work to be in these disciplines. A working knowledge of geology is required of all Trainees starting their training and most will have a first degree in the Earth Sciences. Those without an education majoring in geology should contact the Geological Society for advice on what further education is needed.

This Training Guide sets out a number of training objectives which are worded in general terms so that a wide range of different experience will meet these objectives. A company may wish (and is encouraged) to write its own more specific training guide which must include the core objectives and should be submitted to the Geological Society for approval. Much of the Training Guide is appropriate for Engineering Geologists working outside the fields of civil engineering and construction, however, some modification may be necessary.

The Guide is set out in terms of the various stages of an investigation and construction project. It is intended that every Trainee will fulfil the core objectives and a number of others listed in each section. Completion of every objective is not required. A detailed description of the use of the Guide is in Part 1 with detailed objectives being placed in Part 2. Instructions to Employers who wish to make use of the Training Scheme are in the Appendix.

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRAINING GUIDE FOR

ENGINEERING GEOLOGISTS

IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

PART 1 THE TRAINING GUIDE

1.0INTRODUCTION

1.1 THE ROLE OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY IN TRAINING GEOLOGISTS

The Geological Society is the Chartered body recognised by the Department of Trade and Industry as the designated authority for Geology in the UK under the terms of the European Community Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications. As such it is responsible for scrutinising the qualifications of candidates for Fellowship and for validating as Chartered Geologists those Fellows it considers meet its standards for qualifications and experience. In common with other such bodies the Geological Society is responsible for facilitating the practising of geology in the UK to the highest possible technical and professional standards. In this professional role, the Society has an obligation to guide the development of young geologists in their careers and, in particular, to ensure that those who wish to qualify for Chartered status receive the best possible training.

There are many different disciplines in the profession of geology which may to some extent be interrelated. Many of the geologists working in the civil engineering industry are referred to as Engineering Geologists and use their geological skills in such fields as site investigation, soil and rock slope stability analysis, mapping of geotechnical hazards and foundation design amongst others. They may also be involved in the related disciplines of engineering geophysics, hydrogeology, mineral exploration and investigation of contaminated land. Whatever their speciality, all require good training if they are to become competent professionals and it is with this aim in mind that the Geological Society has produced this Training Guide for Engineering Geologists.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING GUIDE

The Training Guide for Engineering Geologists has been produced to outline the type of experience and training it is desirable for young Engineering Geologists working in the civil engineering and construction industry to obtain between graduation and their application for Chartered Status. While the Training Guide is intended primarily for Engineering Geologists in this industry much of its content will be applicable to Engineering Geologists working in other industries. In these circumstances some modification of the Guide will probably be required. The objective of the Guide is to encourage Trainee Engineering Geologists to gain broad experience in the profession and also to gain sufficient geological experience to meet the general requirements for Chartered Status as applied to the discipline of Engineering Geology. It is anticipated that the Guide will form the basis for a formal structured training scheme within an organisation.

The Scrutineers of applications for Chartered Status have been instructed to use the criteria listed below to assess whether or not the experience claimed by any applicant for Chartered status is essentially geological in nature and therefore contributes to the period of experience for Chartered Status. In the context of this Training Guide the criteria set out below should be applied to Engineering Geology. The Geological Society require that the applicant's period of relevant experience should include most, if not all, of the following:

1)The understanding and interpretation of geological problems in three dimensions

2)The understanding and interpretation of problems in terms of geological processes acting over geological time.

3)The preparation and use of maps conveying a variety of geological information at a variety of scales.

4)Recognition, description and classification of geological materials in hand specimen, field conditions (at outcrop and in borehole samples) or for some specialist fields, in laboratory samples, combined with an appreciation of the processes by which these materials have arrived at their present state.

5)Acquisition, observation and description of field data (at outcrop, in boreholes or by, for example geophysical/geochemical surveys) including an appreciation of the conditions under which the data were collected or how they arrived in their present state.

6)Interpretation of data obtained from field or laboratory testing or monitoring installations or indirect methods of site investigation (for example, geophysical techniques and remote sensing) . Routine data collection and processing in itself is not adequate experience.

7)Evaluation of possible and likely spatial and temporal variations in geological conditions using the geological data described above.

8)The assimilation and interpretation of existing geological reports, memoirs or other written material concerning a site or area in the context of a desk study (this may include the formulation of conceptual or mathematical models and the recognition of the underlying assumptions or uncertainties involved in these processes).

9)The presentation of oral and written technical reports of a geological nature.

It is intended that in fulfilling these requirements the exercise of the above should form at least 50% of the usual working hours over the period of experience claimed. For those where it is less the length of experience required will be commensurably longer. (Paper 13/1 of the Fellowship and Validation Committee).

The major contribution of an Engineering Geologist to an engineering project is an ability to study critically a new site, to derive an understanding of the processes which have led to the formation of the surface and subsurface conditions, and to plan an investigation with the final construction in mind. In order to do this an Engineering Geologist must be conversant with methods of geotechnical analysis and design and construction. Therefore, in addition to the above those applying for Chartered Status as Engineering Geologists are expected:-

10) To understand the principles and methods of geotechnical analysis and design and to be able to convey the concepts to non-geotechnical personnel.

The Training Guide is written with the intention that those complying with the Training Guide should meet these criteria.

The Training Guide is not mandatory but anyone completing a significant portion of each of sections 2 to 9 to the standard indicated and satisfying Scrutineers as to their general competence in Engineering Geology based on the above criteria should be able to meet the requirements for Chartered Status. No relaxation of the 5 years experience required for obtaining Chartered Status is possible for those following this Guide but the completion and submission of the log book will normally obviate the need to submit a written report of experience and training with the application.

The Training Guide is not intended as a substitute for further education and the Engineering Geologist is encouraged to undertake an MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Foundation Engineering, Hydrogeology, Soil Mechanics, Rock mechanics or other related subject during his/her early career. Most of the relevant subjects are covered by MSc courses but these do not form a substitute for practical on the job training and experience which are essential for achieving Chartered Status.

1.3 ADMISSION TO THE SCHEME

The Training Scheme is administered by the Geological Society of London and is open to all Associate Members of the Geological Society who are practising geology as applied to excavation and construction and who have a realistic prospect of eventually satisfying the requirements for Chartered Status as set out in the Rules for Admission and the guidelines above. Those without formal qualification in geology will be accepted providing they are employed (or are otherwise active) in engineering geology. Such Trainees will, however, normally have to study some basic geology in order to meet the above requirements. The booklet entitled "Rules for Admission and Guidance Notes for Fellowship" is printed by the Geological Society and sets out the requirements for joining the Society and the qualifications required for Associate and Chartered Status. The requirement for Associate Status is for a degree in geology or cognate subject or to be active in some geological discipline.

The Training Guide assumes a working knowledge of geology; anyone joining the scheme without this knowledge should seek advice from the Society on what further geological education will be required.

1.4 THE STRUCTURE OF THE TRAINING GUIDE

The Guide indicates the topics that should be included in the work experience of Engineering Geologists in their early years. It is not intended that all of the topics mentioned should be covered. Not only would this be impractical from the point of view of the time necessary to achieve this but few organisations would be able to provide the necessary practical experience in all the areas mentioned. However the Guide has been sub-divided into sections which reflect the several stages of a project from desk study to design and all Trainees are expected to cover a significant number of items from each section. It is all too common for young Engineering Geologists to be confined to data collection exercises without gaining the necessary design experience to put this work into perspective. Some aspects of training and experience are regarded as highly important or essential and these are indicated in each section. Where the Trainee's experience is in some way out of the ordinary, the details may be varied but the general concepts should be covered by all (secondment may be necessary to achieve this.) In this context it is perfectly acceptable for individual organisations to produce their own training schemes, using this document as a basis. Company training schemes should be submitted for approval to the Geological Society.

The sections are:

Collection and Collation of Data

Planning of Ground Investigation

Field Experience

Laboratory Experience

Analysis of Data

Geotechnical Design

There are also two general sections that relate to all of the above, these are:

Management, Administration and Communication

Professional Matters (further education, codes of conduct,health and safety, etc.)

Each section is subdivided into the broad subjects areas. Some guidance on the applicability of these subjects is given followed by a specific paragraph describing the level of training and achievement that is required. In some instances this is followed by a list of specific technical items, but these are examples and experience of only a few of these items will be necessary to fulfil the requirements.

Opposite each subsection, on the facing page, is a table for detailing training objectives and for recording the experience gained. The experience gained will be endorsed by the Trainee's Supervisor who will date and initial the relevant column as each standard is achieved.

The definitions used for the standards are as follows:

ApAppreciation a general understanding of the activity

KKnowledge knowing how it should be done (and capable of demonstrating this)

EExperience actually performed by the Trainee usually under supervision

AbAbility able to perform the activity without supervision and able to direct others successfully.

In addition, where a particular item is regarded as being a necessary component of a Chartered Engineering Geologist's experience this is indicated by * if essential and ~ if recommended. The objectives marked by * are the core objectives. Experience in these subjects is expected to be obtained. In exceptional circumstances a good working knowledge may suffice but the omission of a number of these would bring into question the adequacy and breadth of the training obtained. These symbols have been used sparingly and the requirements of each section have been drafted in general terms as it is intended that a wide variety of training and experience should be able to satisfy the broad objectives of each section. Additional notes on any other relevant experience and training received may be included at the end of any section.

An example is given below of the completion of the record of attaining training targets:

Training Objectives / Comment
Ap / K / E* / Ab~
Core Logging / 5.7.91
AJB / 5.9.91
AJB / 5.7.92 AJB / 5.7.93
AJB / AJB
5.7.93 Supervising a team of 3 geologists

1.5 TRAINING SUPERVISORS

All Engineering Geologists participating in this training scheme will have a Training Supervisor who must be approved by the Geological Society. Such a person must be a Chartered Geologist, usually with significant experience. Wherever practical, the Training Supervisor will be a practising Engineering Geologist who is in the same organisation as the Trainee and who is fully committed to the aims of the Training Guide. Both the organisation and the Trainee may recommend in confidence other Training Supervisors outside the organisation concerned.

Once the Training Supervisor has been appointed the Supervisor and the Trainee are jointly responsible for the implementation of the scheme and the Geological Society will not be involved further unless problems arise.

It may be necessary for the Training Supervisor to be changed during the training period. This must be carried out with the involvement and approval of the Geological Society.

Where the Training Supervisor is not in the same organisation as the Trainee it is recognised that there may be problems of confidentiality. Whilst the Supervisor is bound by his code of conduct not to disclose any information obtained, it is recognised that the Trainee may not be permitted to disclose any such confidential information and the Supervisor must make any necessary allowances for this.

The Training Supervisor should have formal contact with the Trainee on a quarterly basis, throughout the training period which shall last for a minimum of 5 years. These meetings should preferably be face to face, but telephone and mail contact is acceptable, provided direct contact is made at least annually. These contacts should be used to discuss the training and experience that the Trainee is receiving and to make any recommendations to the employing organisation which are thought necessary, either directly or through the Geological Society. In exceptional circumstances, such as either the Supervisor or the Trainee working in remote locations/overseas, it may be necessary for this contact to be achieved entirely by mail, but this very limited supervision is considered undesirable (and must be approved by the Geological Society in advance).

The Trianing Guide will play a fundamental role in recording the progress of the Trainee and the Training Supervisor will inspect it quarterly, dating and initialling the grade of experience that has been reached, adding comments where appropriate and discussing progress and problems with the Trainee. The Trainee will produce a quarterly report of the order of 1500 words on the achievments of the past quarter and will submit it to the Supervisor before each meeting. Any lectures or training courses attended during the period are to be reported separately (500 words each) with an emphasis on the content and value to the Trainee of the course attended. Attendance at the course is to be authenticated by the employer, Supervisor or course organiser in Section 2 of the Geological Society's Log Book which is issued to all Associate Members.