Celebrating Geologists Day

Every civil engineering project, whether it’s a dam, tunnel, reservoir, or roadway, begins with a fundamental question: What lies beneath? Geologists play a crucial role in answering this question, ensuring that infrastructure is built on a safe and stable foundation. At Schnabel Engineering, our geologists provide essential insights that guide engineering decisions, mitigate risks, and enhance public safety. In celebration of Geologists Day, we’re sharing thoughts from some of our talented geologists on why their work matters and how it impacts the world around us.

Ellen Engberg
Branch Leader, Seattle, WA

“Geology is essential to the success of every project because every load path eventually leads back to the earth! How the earth supports a structure, and how it limits or allows the flow of water under or around the structure is critical to dam engineering.”

I like to say that my job is to save lives. Working on the safety of large civil infrastructure projects affects every community that lives or works downstream of or behind a dam. That’s a lot of people who depend on the safe performance of a project!

One of the ways my work adds value is by assessing project risks and determining if they are lower than initially expected. This not only saves clients time and money but also allows them to reallocate resources to projects and studies that have a greater impact on overall safety. In doing so, I deliver more value to both the client and the communities they serve.

Sue M. Buchanan
Senior Scientist, Greensboro, NC  

“Applied geology and engineering is a partnership between two physical sciences. One provides information about the environment (surficial and subsurface) in support of the other who takes that information to construct a structure suitable for that specific environment.”

Using these principles can help create a safer environment for us all. A real-world example of this collaboration is the work I did with a group of geologists (from four Schnabel offices) on the Blue Ridge Parkway geohazards project.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited national parks in the US, and our task involved inventorying potentially unstable fill and cut slopes along the roadway in the North Carolina portion of the park. Information, including the location, size, and area of the most unstable slopes, was provided to the FHWA Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division and Parkway staff. The data will aid in addressing the condition of the slopes, but most importantly improve the safety of the park’s patrons.

Another project that highlights the impact of geology involved 3D modeling in a tunneling study. Our team integrated project structures, instrumentation data, historical construction records, geology, and hydrogeology into a single digital platform, helping us gain deeper insight into our client’s concerns. I used a 3D model to assist with my geological presentation in respect to the location of concrete-lined tunnels because recent ROV inspections found an uptick in cracks and spalling and the client was curious if the reason might be related to the local geology. We placed the present-day ROV crack imagery, historical tunnel crack maps (drawn during construction of the tunnels), geology cross-sections and tunnel maps, and tunnels together in the 3D model. With this, we were able to determine that geology was not the main reason for the cracked tunnels.

1. 1. 1. The location of the cracked tunnels is at an intersection to a closed construction access tunnel.
      2. The location of the cracked tunnels is within an area where, during the construction, the rock was mapped as highly folded and sheared and heavy seepage was observed.
      3. The construction techniques (blasting) and grouting at very high pressures may have also reduced the strength of the rock pre- and post-construction of the tunnels.

These three points were not previously known or understood prior to digging into the completion reports and creation of the 3D model.

Victor de Wolfe
Senior Associate Engineer, Tunnels and Underground Design

“Geologic understanding is essential to successful civil engineering projects because rock, soil and groundwater conditions control schedule and cost during construction as well as ongoing operations. Certain misunderstandings of the geology can result in inadequate design, potential project failure, highly expensive litigation, and loss of project revenue.”

I take great pride in seeing my work directly benefit my own community in Thornton, Colorado where I’ve worked on municipal well projects for the city since 2009. My efforts have resulted in additional water resources for the city as it grows, allowing flexibility of its water rights administration, a critical factor in Colorado.

In southern Colorado, I worked on a geologic ground model for a reservoir project featuring a three-mile-long dam. I was able to get a local well driller to help define the depth to shale. Upon analyzing the data, the foundation dropped deeply into two different aquifers. This required a groundwater model to help with the design of a deep and very expensive cutoff wall. Due to the higher costs, a reservoir screening study was conducted to identify a more suitable site.

Jason Holland
Project Scientist, Wilmington, NC

“I believe geologists and geotechnical engineers are indispensable to civil engineering projects. They provide crucial insights into Earth’s materials and conditions, which directly impact the design, construction, and longevity of structures.”

Site Selection and Stability: As an engineering geologist, I evaluate sites by analyzing soil and rock properties, groundwater conditions, and potential geological hazards. This ensures that structures and roads are built on stable ground, significantly reducing the risk of foundation failures.

Material Properties: My expertise in understanding the properties of construction materials, specifically soil and rock, can help us identify problematic slopes, suitability of ground conditions for road construction, and determine foundational loads for structures. Knowledge is essential for ensuring the durability, longevity and safety of the project.

Hazard Mitigation: Identifying areas prone to geological hazards and recommending measures to mitigate risks is a key part of my role. This includes determining the integrity of subsurface conditions to withstand earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls, and karst related issues.

Cost Efficiency: Conducting thorough geological surveys before the design and construction of a project can significantly reduce costs by preventing unforeseen issues and optimizing the use of natural resources.

Jessica Baker
Senior Scientist, Boise, ID

“Geology is a fundamental component of civil engineering—it’s quite literally the foundation of all civil projects! Neither discipline can succeed without the other. To deliver the best outcomes, geologists and civil engineers must collaborate closely.”

During my time with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), I focused on keeping the state’s major roadways safe from geohazards, particularly rockfall. Now, my work centers on dam safety, where I conduct subsurface investigations, review instrumentation data, and assess foundation conditions to ensure safe operations. I take pride in knowing that my work contributes to public safety—from protecting Colorado’s travelers to helping Idaho communities enjoy their reservoirs with confidence.

One memorable subsurface investigation revealed a soft zone and unexpected fluid loss—two findings no one wants to encounter. My detailed notes, observations, and thorough documentation prompted a reassessment of the investigation, ultimately shifting the project’s direction and enhancing overall safety.

Geology is more than just the study of rocks—it’s the key to building a safer, more resilient world. Our geologists at Schnabel Engineering exemplify the critical intersection of geology and engineering, ensuring that civil projects are not only structurally sound but also sustainable and safe for the communities they serve. On this Geologists Day, we honor their dedication, expertise, and the invaluable role they play in shaping the built environment. Here’s to the geologists who make every project stronger, safer, and more successful!