The Engineering Geology Section is the non-profit professional representation in one of the most important fields of application for geoscientists. In accordance with the constellation typically encountered in professional practice, the section has been jointly supported by DGGV together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geotechnik e. V. (DGGT) since 1970. The Engineering Geology Section has about 500 members, the majority of them through DGGT.
The purpose of the section is to promote and develop the application of geoscientific methods in urban and regional planning, in the construction industry, mining industry (including stone and earth) and environmental engineering. This is done by, among other things:
- Holding continuing education events such as conferences, symposia, workshops, forums for Young Engineering Geologists, and field trips;
- Providing an information network for technically and professionally like-minded people in the form of newsletters, via the Internet, in GMit and scientific publications, especially in the journal GEOTECHNIK published by the DGGT;
- Establishment of working groups for the elaboration of guidelines and technical standards (DIN, CEN, ISO) relevant to geotechnical engineering in the sense of geo-compatibility and sustainability; the Section currently has 11 working groups, including the working group “Geothermal Energy”, which is jointly supported by the FH-DGG;
- Specification of geoscientific requirements and representation of the corresponding interests in professional accreditation, e.g. vis-à-vis DIHKs, chambers of engineers, EU Commission;
- Networking with the international professional community, e.g. through association with the IAEG – International Association for Engineering Geology and The Environment based in Paris and through European partner countries at the biennial “Engineering Geology Conference”.
Members of the DGGT and DGGV (including the Hydrogeology Section FH-DGG) can join the Engineering Geology Section. The fee for membership in the Section is 11,00 EUR / year. This – comparatively modest – amount also includes membership in the IAEG. Applications can be made via the FI-DGGT & DGGV office.