Engineering geology is the application of geological data, techniques and principles to the study of rock and soil surficial materials, and ground water. This is essential for the proper location, planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering structures.
Engineering geology complements environmental geology , or hydrogeology .
Engineering geologists assess the natural foundations for buildings, bridges, dams, reservoirs, powerplants, pipelines, highways, canals, sewers, tunnels, mine adits and harbours. Design of these structures requires a thorough knowledge of the mechanical properties and stability of the rocks and sediments that will carry these structures. Engineering geologists need to anticipate the impact of subsidence, rains, floods, landslides, volcanoes and earthquakes on the foundations that bear these structures. They advise on land use and on the planning and location of new urban and industrial development in cities. They examine and report on waste disposal sites, and particularly those for the disposal of nuclear wastes.