engineering geology services landslide evaluation

Engineering Geology

Geological Engineering for Safer, Smarter Projects

Engineering Geology is essential to the success and safety of today’s complex infrastructure, land development, and environmental projects. At SOCOTEC, our team of licensed engineering geologists and hydrogeologists delivers trusted geological insight to help clients assess, plan, and mitigate geologic and seismic risks. We work across industries such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, transportation, mining, land development, and more, tailoring our approach to the unique challenges of each site and project phase.

Understanding subsurface conditions is critical. Natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and groundwater fluctuations can significantly impact the planning, design, and performance of a project. With SOCOTEC, clients gain a team of experienced professionals who apply the latest scientific methods and engineering principles to deliver comprehensive evaluations rooted in technical rigor and real-world experience.

Our Engineering Geology services are designed to support informed decision-making, improve project efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. Whether identifying active fault lines or evaluating landslide hazards, we help clients confidently navigate geologic complexities—protecting their investment and advancing public safety.

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Talk to our experts

Mike PUTT, Engineering Geology expert

Mike PUTT

Principal Geologist

Principal Geologist

mputt@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (949) 753-7070

Comprehensive Engineering Geology Services

We offer a wide range of engineering geology consulting services, led by experienced engineering geologists, hydrogeologists, and geological engineers. Each service is tailored to meet client needs across the entire project lifecycle:

We conduct advanced assessments to identify fault activity and evaluate seismic hazards:

  • Fault location studies
  • Fault trenching and age dating
  • Seismic hazard analysis   
  • Liquefaction and dynamic settlement evaluations
  • Tsunamis and seiche evaluations
  • Site response spectra analysis

Our geological feasibility studies provide early insight into site constraints and potential hazards, helping developers and engineers make informed decisions during the planning phase:

  • Earthquake fault zone hazards
  • Seismic hazard zones
  • Landslides, geologic structure, and slope stability
  • Earthwork and grading constraints
  • Groundwater
  • Site response spectra analysis
  • Seismic design coefficients

We evaluate geologic hazards to support safe and effective site development and risk mitigation.

  • Faulting and seismic hazards assessment
  • Landslide, mudflow, debris flow, and rockfall studies
  • Flooding studies
  • Erosion potential
  • Compressible peat and organic soil deposits
  • Expansive soils
  • Dam evaluations

We assess groundwater flow, aquifer conditions, and pore pressure dynamics to support water resource management, construction dewatering, and environmental assessments.

  • Evaluation of depths to groundwater, groundwater transport, and flow rates
  • Installation and monitoring of wells and piezometers
  • Analysis of hydraulic conductivity, storage capacity, and transmissivity
  • Aquifer characterization
  • Aquifer drawdown pump testing
  • Groundwater resource potential studies
  • Construction dewatering studies
  • Mitigation of groundwater hazards

Our experts perform comprehensive landslide investigations, from field reconnaissance and subsurface exploration to stability modeling and slope stabilization design.

  • Review of topographic maps and stereoscopic aerial photographs
  • Geologic mapping and field
  • Subsurface exploration
  • Installation, monitoring, and analysis of slope inclinometers
  • Slope stability analysis
  • Landslide and slope stabilization
  • Construction monitoring

Trusted Approach, Proven Expertise

SOCOTEC’s engineering geology practice is distinguished by deep technical knowledge, attention to detail, and a multidisciplinary perspective. Our process is driven by precision and purpose:

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Field Investigation & Mapping

We conduct detailed geological mapping and aerial photo interpretation to define surface and subsurface conditions.

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Subsurface Exploration & Testing

Our engineering geology laboratory supports advanced soil and rock testing, supported by borehole logging, trenching, and geophysical surveys.

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Data Integration & Risk Assessment

We synthesize geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeologic data to produce accurate engineering geological maps, risk assessments, and design recommendations.

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Collaborative Planning

We partner with clients and project teams to integrate geological findings into broader planning and engineering strategies—aligning project goals with real-world conditions.

Our engineering geologists, hydrogeologists and geotechnical engineers are skilled in communicating complex findings clearly, enabling stakeholders to confidently move forward. Whether for a new infrastructure corridor or a hillside residential development, our geology and engineering teams bring actionable insights to every phase of the project.

Engineering geology is more than understanding the ground—it’s about building safely, sustainably, and smartly in a changing world. SOCOTEC brings unmatched professionalism and reliability to every engagement, ensuring our clients benefit from accurate geological studies, expert evaluations, and tailored recommendations that mitigate risk and enhance long-term performance.

Want a clear understanding of geologic or seismic conditions?

Our team is here to help!

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Talk to our experts

Mike PUTT, Engineering Geology expert

Mike PUTT

Principal Geologist

Principal Geologist

mputt@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (949) 753-7070