Geologic Hazards - Geologic Hazard Evaluation and Mitigation

Geologic Hazard Evaluation and Mitigation

Geologic hazards are typically evaluated by engineering geologists who are educated and trained in interpretation of landforms and earth process, earth-structure interaction, and in geologic hazard mitigation. The engineering geologist provides recommendations and designs to mitigate for geologic hazards. Trained hazard mitigation planners also assist local communities to identify strategies for mitigating the effects of such hazards and developing plans to implement these measures. Mitigation can include a variety of measures:

• Geologic hazards may be avoided by relocation.
• The stability of sloping earth can be improved by the construction of retaining walls, which may use techniques such as slurry walls, shear pins, tiebacks, soil nails or soil anchors. Larger projects may use gabions and other forms of earth buttress.
• Shorelines and streams are protected against scour and erosion using revetments and riprap.
• The soil or rock itself may be improved by means such as dynamic compaction, injection of grout or concrete, and mechanically stabilized earth.
• Additional mitigation methods include deep foundations, tunnels, surface and subdrain systems, and other measures.
• Planning measures include regulations prohibiting development near hazard-prone areas and adoption of building codes.

• Eisstoß Feb.2006 Vienna, Austria (Donauinsel)

• Glacier just above Grindelwald, Switzerland