Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

This manual provides guidelines and instructions forperforming and documenting field work. The manual isa ready reference for anyone engaged in field-orientedengineering geology or geotechnical engineering. Themanual is written for general engineering geology use aswell as to meet Reclamation needs. The application ofgeology to solving engineering problems is emphasized,rather than academic or other aspects of geology. Themanual provides guidance for:

• Geologic classification and description of rock androck discontinuities

• Engineering classification and description of soiland surficial deposits

• Application of standard indexes, descriptors, andterminology

• Geologic mapping, sampling, testing, andperforming discontinuity surveys

• Exploratory drilling

• Soil and rock logging

• Acquisition of groundwater data

• Core logging

• Soil logging

• Investigation of hazardous waste sites

FIELD MANUAL

2

Although the methods described in this manual areappropriate for most situations, complex sites, conditions,or design needs may require modification or expansion ofthe suggestions, criteria, and indices to fit specificrequirements.

Many of the chapters in this manual will always needrevision because they cover material that changes astechnology changes. Critical comments, especially sug-gestions for improvement, are welcome from all users,not just the Bureau of Reclamation.

The appendix contains abbreviations and acronymscommonly used in engineering geology.