Berkey Engineering Geology

It may be said by some that engineering geology developed
gradually as an inevitable process. This is partly true. It is generally
agreed, nevertheless, that the great disaster in 1928 which resulted
from the failure of the St. Francis Dam in southern California
brought home to the public the importance of coordinating geological
observation and interpretation with engineering construction.
Before the failure of the St. Francis Dam, the application of geological
interpretation to dams, tunnels, and other forms of major
engineering construction was optional with the engineer in charge;
after the failure, geological assistance became a requirement—by
law or by the rules of accepted engineering practice.

Not all geologists were prepared either by training or temperament
to accept the responsibility which this new situation imposed,
and several years passed before experienced and competent geologists
were trained to meet adequately the sudden demand for geological
advice in engineering. However, engineers concerned with
such problems soon learned that in New York City there was a
geologist who was not only a competent and well-known scientist,
but also possessed in full measure the desired type of experience.
In the era which followed the catastrophe of the St. Francis Dam,
leadership in the field of engineering geology was assumed by Professor
Berkey; this is largely described in the memorial volume on
Application of Geology to Engineering Practice published by the
Geological Society of America and known as the Berkey Volume.
During this period many great dams were constructed, several large
cities built aqueducts, important bridges were erected, and other
forms of construction requiring geological advice were undertaken.
As a member of the Board appointed by President Coolidge to
pass upon the plans and designs of the Hoover Dam, Professor
Berkey assured the engineers that the rock of the walls along the
Colorado River at the site was safe for large outlet tunnels. He also
advised upon the suitability of the rock floor to hold the highest dam
in the world. The dam itself now stands as a silent witness to the
value of his good judgment.

The enormous dam across the Columbia River at Grand Coulee
and the large reservoir in Grand Coulee itself constituted another
of the major projects on which Berkey advised. Here again the rock
floor was subjected to close scrutiny. The material itself, as well
as every crack and fracture, was examined on a completely exposed
surface to ascertain that the concrete when poured would form a
dam inseparable from the rock beneath.