Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology

Engineering geology is concerned with the application of geologic knowledge in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring soils and rock, for use in the design of civil engineering. Engineering geology services typically include evaluation of parameters critical to slope stability, seismicity, fault investigations, ground water studies, professional geotechnical opinions and input for Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs). Additionally, understanding a project location's geology assists the Civil and Geotechnical Engineers with the evaluation of soil settlement and collapse, bearing capacity, liquefaction, seepage, infiltration, and soil/bedrock heave. In adverse soil conditions, Engineering Geologists provide Geotechnical Engineers with pertinent geologic information for the design of soil improvement methods, including; dewatering, underpinning, grouting and stabilization fill designs.

Hydrogeology focuses on the interaction between groundwater flow through aquifers and shallow soils, and often includes the flow of water in the unsaturated zone above the water table beneath the ground surface.  Whereas the presence or flow of very shallow water is commonly an important consideration in civil engineering projects, the understanding of deeper aquifer flow is required in studies concerning groundwater supply or contamination.

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.’s experienced and licensed professional staff of geologists, engineering geologists, and hydrogeologists can evaluate and address potential geologic and seismic factors affecting the location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of our client’s projects.

Some of our most common Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology services are included below.

Engineering Geology

• Geologic/Seismic Hazard Assessment
• Liquefaction Analysis
• Site-Specific Ground Motion Hazard Analysis
• Fault Rupture Hazard Investigations
• Slope Stability Assessment
• Landslide Investigation and Mitigation Design
• Rock Rippability Studies
• Surface Mining Resource and Reclamation