Core values, competences and issues in engineering geology: a European perspective

Abstract

AbstractCore values and competences in engineering geology have been specified in the document of the Joint European Working Group of the three international geo-engineering societies ISSMGE, ISRM and IAEG. The implications of that document are far-reaching, bringing new opportunities but also challenges to engineering geology. Focusing on Central Europe, in particular on Germany, a number of current issues in engineering geology are addressed. These include the organizational setting of engineering geology as a learned society, education and the promotion of young talent, technical specifications or standards and professional matters. Certain problem areas are identified with strategies, and specific measures are proposed for appropriate solutions on a consensual basis with geotechnical engineers in the spirit of the current Federation of International Geo-engineering Societies (FIGS) formation process.