Provides experienced guidance for recognizing, understanding, and mitigating geologic hazards

Uses general concepts rather than rigorous mathematical analyses

Explains methods for predicting the likelihood of slope failure and methods for slope stabilization

Considers ways to recognize geologic conditions underlying ground subsidence, collapse, and expansion

Guides in understanding the sources and effects of earthquakes and methods for earthquake-resistant design

Geologic hazards pose the greatest threat to human safety for any geotechnical undertaking, but it is ultimately the engineer's ability to recognize and cope with these hazards that will determine the safety of life and property. Armed with Geologic Hazards: A Field Guide for Geotechnical Engineers you will be able to properly recognize, understand various geologic hazards, and provide safe and economical construction. Eminent expert Roy E. Hunt thoroughly examines the potential for slope failures, earthquakes, ground subsidence, collapse, and expansion. Using a clear conceptual approach, he explains what measures are available to minimize or eliminate the risks associated with each of these geologic hazards.

The book sets forth the basis for recognizing, understanding, and treating geologic hazards, using general concepts rather than rigorous mathematical analyses. The author covers the prediction of slope failures through recognition of geologic and other factors that govern failure, the treatment of slopes that are potentially unstable and pose a danger to some existing development, the design and construction of stable cut slopes and sidehill fills, and the stabilization of failed slopes. He provides the foundation for determining the potential for surface movements and for preventing or controlling their effects. A section on earthquakes summarizes and links all of the aspects of earthquakes including their causes, characteristics, and surface effects. It provides a thorough grounding in how to recognize hazard potential and minimize the consequences.

There is no field within geotechnical engineering in which the state of the art is changing so rapidly. Providing the latest information, this resource is a useful tool for designing new projects and redesigning old ones.

INTRODUCTION

LANDSLIDES AND OTHER SLOPE FAILURES
Introduction
Slope Failure Form Characteristics
Assessment of Slopes
Treatment of Slopes
Investigation: A Review

GROUND SUBSIDENCE, COLLAPSE, AND HEAVE
Introduction
Groundwater and Oil Extraction
Subsurface Mining
Solution of Rock
Soil Subsidence and Collapse
Heave in Soil and Rock
References
Further Reading

EARTHQUAKES
Introduction
Earthquake Elements
Surface Effects on the Geologic Environment
Earthquake-Resistant Design: An Overview
Investigation: Important Structures in High-Hazard Areas
References
Further Reading

APPENDIX. THE EARTH AND GEOLOGIC HISTORY
Significance to the Engineer
The Earth
Global Tectonics
Geologic History
References
Further Reading