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Geosciences & Engineering Geology 

Understanding Deep ground analysis to build with confidence 

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Ground conditions influence every phase of a project, from first ground break to decades of operation. Understanding geology, groundwater, terrain processes and geohazards early reduces uncertainty, protects communities and strengthens long‑term resilience. From seismic risk and soil liquefaction to slope instability and coastal erosion, what lies beneath shapes outcomes at every stage. The better it is understood, the more confidently projects can move forward. 

Jacobs applies geoscience and engineering geology to identify and characterize ground conditions across complex onshore and offshore environments. Through site investigation, terrain mapping, hydrogeological and seismic assessment, slope monitoring and advanced ground modeling, we translate complex data into clear, practical insights. By defining risk early and informing design decisions, we work with clients to deliver infrastructure that performs safely under every day and extreme conditions — today and into the future. 

Tunnel engineering solutions 

Safe, buildable tunnels start with understanding uncertainty - and designing for it 

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Terrain_Evaluation-geology_hydrogeological_characterization

Terrain evaluation, geology and hydrogeological characterization

Delivering engineering geology, geomorphology and hydrogeology services supported by onshore and offshore site investigation, ground characterization and advanced modeling. We translate complex ground data into practical design insight, informing decisions that protect communities and long-term asset performance.

Geohazard_Assessment

Geohazard assessment

Assessing natural geohazards, including seismic hazard, capable faulting and soil liquefaction, to support infrastructure that performs as expected even under extreme conditions. By identifying and quantifying risk early, we educe uncertainty and strengthen long-term resilience.

Slopes_landslides_and_erosion

Slopes, landslides and erosion

Managing and assessing landslides, slope instability and coastal or river erosion using monitoring, analysis and protection measures. Jacobs’ approach safeguards infrastructure and protects communities while reducing long-term risk across changing environments.

offshore_and_marine_geosciences-west_nile_dela

Offshore and marine geoscience

Supporting confident field planning, informed options selection and early design of marine and coastal infrastructure with offshore geohazard and ground condition assessments. We support clients to navigate complex seabed conditions and subsea risks, strengthening project certainty from the outset.

Understanding geosciences and engineering geology

Explore the fundamentals of geoscience, engineering geology and geomorphology — from ground models and geological hazards to the ground conditions shaping resilient infrastructure projects.

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Geoscience studies the Earth’s surface materials and processes, including soil, rock, groundwater and landforms, to inform planning, design and risk management of development and infrastructure. Engineering geology and geomorphology are specialist disciplines of geoscience. 

Engineering geology applies geological science to understand ground conditions, so development and infrastructure are suited to the geological conditions of a site and can be designed and built safely. 

Engineering geomorphology considers the site, situation and influence of landforms and geohazard processes in the planning, design, construction and whole life resilience of civil engineering and development projects. 

A ground model is a conceptualization or a verified detailed representation of subsurface conditions that integrates geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological data to support design decisions and manage adverse ground risk. 

Landslides and slope instability are assessed through site investigation (survey, mapping and intrusive ground investigation); monitoring (remote sensing and in-situ sensors); stability analysis to evaluate failure mechanisms; and hazard and risk assessment; to inform management and mitigation solutions. 

Soil liquefaction occurs when water-saturated, loose soils temporarily lose strength and behave like a liquid during intense ground shaking, such as an earthquake. This happens because the shaking increases pore water pressure between soil particles, reducing the soil’s ability to support loads. 

Liquefaction typically occurs in low-lying, waterlogged areas with sandy or silty soils—such as riverbanks, coastal regions or reclaimed land—when they are subjected to strong or prolonged seismic activity. 

 

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    Designing systems for new tunnels including conceptual, preliminary and final design, as well as construction support services.

  • Tunnel Systems Retrofit & Modernization

    Retrofitting existing tunnel systems including inspection, testing, evaluation, design, construction support services and commissioning.

  • Fire Strategy & Emergency Planning

    Developing fire strategies, provision of advice, coordination with stakeholders and authorities, and development of concept of operations and emergency response plans.

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    Performing numerical fire smoke systems modeling using 3D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis and 3D evacuation modeling tools, as well as simplified 1D modeling tools.

  • Code Compliance & Safety Assurance

    Evaluating code compliance using NFPA 502, NFPA 130, ASHRAE 217 and international tunnel safety codes and standards.

  • Fire & Life Safety Design for Underground Infrastructure

    Developing design and fire life safety provisions for road, railway tunnels, funicular tunnels, dry and wet culverts and special tunnels.

  • High-Speed Rail Aerodynamic Modeling

    Performing aerodynamic modeling for high-speed rail using specialist software, CFD and pressure transient analysis tools.

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    Performing sound noise tunnel modeling using specialist software.

  • Fire Testing

    Full-scale fire tests in road and railway tunnels.

  • Tunnel Safety Standards Development

    Developing standards for NFPA and ASHRAE to support safety, performance and industry best practices.

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