Development of engineering geology in western United States

Geologic concepts and scientific-technical guidance for the planning-design and construction of engineered works was recognized in Europe by the 1800s and by the early 1900s in North America. This early geologic knowledge and experience provided the rudimentary principles that guided practitioners of the 19th century in serving the emerging projects in western United States. Case studies review the scientific-technical lessons learned and the legacy of geologic principles established in the planning and construction of major civil, mining, and military engineered works in the western states. These contributions to GeoScience knowledge and engineering geology practice include:• s and aqueducts across active fault zones, beneath young volcanic features, groundwater-charged faults, and land subsidence mitigation. versial foundation design, Folsom and Auburn dams, Golden Gate Bridge. tive underground construction chambers, safety dependent geologic setting. ic mapping as database management leasing, maintenance railroad trackway. ay Great Salt Lake, geo-risks calculated, mitigated ‘as-constructed’. r powerplants seismic design. Land-Use, on-going processes, acceptable geo-risks. ng Insurance, insureeʹs responsibilities. ing technique/method to mitigate risk, preferably based on extensive database, evaluation of characteristics and historical origin adverse features/conditions that constitute a geo-risk.