News

News, announcements, policy updates, spotlighted websites, software updates and other info that may be of interest to practicing geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, geophysicists, hydrogeologists and related professions.

Wisconsin_Rockslide_WXOW
Geologic Hazards

Video: Rockslide Damages Wisconsin Home

March 1, 2011 rockman Comments Off on Video: Rockslide Damages Wisconsin Home

Wisconsin_Rockslide_WXOW A 50-ton boulder caused severe damage to a La Crosse, Wisconsin home after a rockslide event near the appropriately named Cliffwood Lane.  Residents in some adjacent houses were asked to evacuate as well.  Click through for the news coverage of the rockslide. [Source and Image: WXOW. Hat tip to USGS]

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Portion of a failed 38-ft high modular block MSE retaining wall.
Failures

Retaining Wall Failure and Rebuild 6041

February 24, 2011 rockman Comments Off on Retaining Wall Failure and Rebuild 6041

Another case study from RetainingWallExpert.com, this one for the failure of a 38-ft high geogrid-reinforced modular block MSE retaining wall. They note that the failure of the retaining wall follows their typical recipe, ‘Just Add […]

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Rockman's Ramblings

Engineering Geologists vs Geological Engineers vs Geotechnical Engineers

February 23, 2011 rockman 5

So what’s the difference between Engineering Geologists, Geological Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers?  That’s not the beginning of a geeky joke.  But in most professional circles in this industry, it’s a question where the nuances of the answer seem to be lost on people.  My degrees were in Geological Engineering, but I’ve been practicing as a Geotechnical Engineer for most of my professional career.  But I get called a geologist, geotech, Civil Engineer, dirty guy…and probably some other things behind my back.  I try to explain to people what the differences are, but I’ve struggled over the years to find the right words.

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