Preface

Engineering geology is the application of geology to engineering study for assuring that the geological factors regarding the location, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering works are recognized and accounted for. Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical recommendations, analysis, and design associated with human development and various types of structures. The realm of the engineering geologist is essentially earth-structure interactions or investigation of how the earth or earth processes impact humanmade structures and human activities.

Engineering geology studies may be performed during planning, environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value engineering and construction phases of public and private works projects, and during post-construction and forensic phases of projects. Works completed by engineering geologists include geological hazard assessments, geotechnical, material properties, landslide and slope stability, erosion, flooding, dewatering, and seismic investigations. Engineering geology studies are performed by a geologist or engineering geologist that is educated, trained, and has obtained experience related to the recognition and interpretation of natural processes, the understanding of how these processes impact humanmade structures (and vice versa), and knowledge of methods by which to mitigate hazards resulting from adverse natural or human-made conditions. The principal objective of the engineering geologist is the protection of life and property against damage caused by various geological conditions.

The practice of engineering geology is also very closely related to the practice of geological engineering and geotechnical engineering. If there is a difference in the content of the disciplines, it mainly lies in the training or experience of the practitioner.

In addition to a comprehensive introduction to engineering geology topics, this book focuses on subjects closely related to geomechanics, geotectonics, swelling soils, and dams.

Our thanks and gratitude go to Ms. Romina Rovan, Author Service Manager at IntechOpen, for her help and support during the work on this book.

> **Essa Lwisa** Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE

> > **Hasan Arman** Department of Geology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE

Section 1 Introduction
