I am a practising Geological Engineer with specializations in Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology. But I choose to call myself and my new website Geopractitioner. Why?
As practised in Canada and parts of the USA, Geotechnical Engineering used to be one of the four major divisions of Geological Engineering, together with Engineering Geophysics, Mineral Exploration and Environmental Engineering.
Since my early Geotechnical Engineering training as a Geological Engineer, my 30 years of subsequent experience in Geological Engineering has embraced the general understanding of geology, rock, soil and water, as well as the the uncertainties inherent in engineering characterization, design and construction in/of earth materials. I have also a background in mineral exploration, especially exploration geophysics. I am an international authority on the characterization of bimrocks, complex mixtures of hard rocks and weak rocks/soils. I have understanding in fluvial and coastal geomorphology and ocean engineering. And I am well experienced in air photo analysis. I am licensed/chartered/registered as an engineer and geologist in three countries.
So: what am I? A Geological Engineer? Certainly – but I have a background that is far broader than Rock Engineering. An Engineering Geologist? Yes – but I am very comfortable with Geotechnical Engineering to the extent I have two graduate degrees in the field.
Being such a generalist, practised and practising in a variety of “geo” areas, I thus consider myself a Geopractitioner. Indeed my most recent paper flies my new flag (Geopractitioner approaches to working with anti-social melanges). And, it is with the broad perspective of a Geopractitioner that I identify, approach and help solve the broad problems of my clients. Or at least those that retain me….
