HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEEERING GEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Engineering Geological Research

Engineering geology is a science dedicated to researching, studying and solving engineering and environmental problems that may be the result of the interaction of geology and human activity. Engineering Geology is also engaged in predicting, developing preventive measures and mitigating the consequences of geological hazards.

As a part of engineering geological scientific and professional research, we work on:

• Identification of geological materials and their definition in space
• defining the physical and mechanical properties of geological materials and matter
• Analysis of relevant geomorphological, lithological, structural and hydrogeological features of the area
• Determination of geological material and engineering parameters which are affecting the stability of slopes, surface or underground codes
• Identification and determination of geological hazard processes (such as sliding, flow of materials, different forms of seeding)
• Defining of geological conditions and features which affects these geohazard processes
• Defining of all geological features that affect on the construction, exploitation of objects and mines, or act on environmental changes
• Creating of models describing and defining engineering geological features with the aim of defining behavior in natural conditions or after construction
• Prediction of changes in all of the specified properties over time
• Producing of engineering geological maps of different scales and purposes
• proposing of preventive and remedial measures, or measures to improve terrain characteristics and environmental preservation measures

This conclusions are based on: existing literature and data, previous scientific knowledge and field research. Field prospection, mapping and research is made by use of various equipment such us:

• Field measuring instruments (Schmidt's hammer, PLT, profiler, pocket peneterometer, wing probe, precise GPS, field tablet)
• laboratory tests
• bezkontaktna mjerenja (laserski daljinomjer, sustav za bezkontaktno mjerenje diskontinuiteta)
• Remote recording and measurements
• geophysical research
• surface coring (field equipment for rock and soil sampling)
• shallow soil drilling and coring (COBRA)
• specialized Software

Applied usage of engineering research results:

• spatial plans and plans of different scales
• Evaluation of suitability and defining of terrain for the the construction of capital infrastructure facilities (roads, bridges, viaducts, underground spaces, railways, dams, storage facilities for hazardous waste)
• Selection of solutions or construction in accordance with geological environment with a goal to improving safety, durability and economy of facilities, and in particularly environmental protection.
• base for geotechnical design of different operations and buildings
• Engineering reports, analyzes and studies of different purposes (construction, water management, electric equipment, mining, forestry, agronomy and other)
• Recording, researching and defining of geodynamic processes and phenomena
• producing of Maps of geohazard liabilities and other geological processes, risk and hazard valuation

We are trying to introduce a new procedures and methods in engineering researches. New instruments for in-situ measurements, sampling and testing, as well as newer specialized software and computer equipment are systematically purchased.

In this research group we have eight engineering geologists, of which five of them have a PhD in science. Currently research and professional work is focused on several basic topics:

• Application of terrestrial and aerial remote sensing methods in engineering geology
• Defining of the characteristic engineering geological features of materials in areas of vulnerable geohazard processes
• Producing of engineering geological maps, liabilities and hazard maps
• use of statistical data
• Researching and monitoring of landslides and denudations
• Research works for construction and remediation of construction buildings of all types