¿Geological Engineer = Engineering Geologist? Interesante presentación

Interesante presentación de Dr. Edmund Medley, Ingeniero consultor estadounidense que explica con humor las diferencias entre un geólogo, un geotécnico, un ingeniero geólogo y un ingeniero geotécnico.

¿Geological engineer = Engineering Geologist?

Esta claro en paises donde hay una cultura de especialización fuerte las diferencias, y la oferta de títulos universitarios al respecto, están bastante claras y definidas.

Geological Engineers = Engineering Geologists? 

Geologists

• Extraordinary range of disciplines: “Something Geologist”.  

• Geology specialties spawned by engineering/society needs

• Think in x, y, z, t; often in K, S, and T; less often in σ, ε, φ, E

• Geologists know many odd geology words

• Many Geologists may not realize engineering significance of their work

• A few geologists involved in practical  problems A few geologists involved in “practical” problems

• May be licensed as Professional Geologists

Engineering Geologists

• Often from diverse geology backgrounds, may be on Career #2

• Often, great mappers!! 

• Think in x, y, z, t; often in K, S, and T; less often in σ, ε, φ, E 

• May know many odd geology words

• Must simplify geology for geotechnical engineers (KISS)

• Often licensed as Professional Geologists, rarely Engineering Geologists

Geological Engineers = Geotechnical Engineers?  

Engineers

• Many species: Something Engineers

• Much math, sciences for the background (not love); know  σ, ε, φ..

• Do not map, (rarely survey, even) and rarely think in x.y,z,t…

• Solve practical problems; society cannot exist without Engineers!!

• Generally know few geology words, and don’t care

• Often required to be Professionally Licensed

Geotechnical Engineers

• A Something Engineer, mainly from Civil Engineering backgrounds

• Generally Soils Engineers; rarely understand Rock 

• Often think in σ, ε, φ, E… some may not think in x, y, z ,t

• Probably do not map; may not even sketch well

• Often practical, even heroic, problem solvers in rock/soil/water

• May not think of geological aspects of engineering problems

• Know few geology words, so may miss significant information

• Generally licensed Civil Engineers, may be Geotechnical also

Geological Engineers Are a Breed Apart…  

Geological Engineers

• Engineers with both Geology and Engineering educations 

• MM   ith  R   I d t i   h it any with Resource Industries heritages

• Often think in σ, ε, φ, E, K, S, T, x, y, z, t…

• Recognize good geology maps but may not map well

• Translate geology for engineers and engineering for geologists

• Often dual-licensed as Engineers and Geologists

• May also be Engineering Geologists and/or Geotechnical Engineers

Geological Engineers are elephants…