A Residential Training Program on Engineering Application for Geologists

Landslide disaster risk reduction activities are multidisciplinary and such work involves geological and engineering aspects. Therefore, understanding of each field to both the engineers and geologists helps immensely in decision making which finally provide a platform for achieving sustainable development goals. Therefore, comprehensive training on engineering aspects for geologists attached to NBRO is necessary to strengthen the overall landslide disaster risk reduction strategies.

By considering the above facts, a residential training workshop was organized by Landslide Research and Risk Management Division (LRRMD) on 9^th and 10^th November, 2018 at the auditorium of the National Institute of Cooperative Development in Polgolla, Katugasthota. Dr. Udeni Nawagamuwa, Senior Lecturer of the University of Moratuwa and Dr. J.S.M Fowze, Director, Geotechnical Division of Central Consultancy Engineering Bureau attended as resource persons of the training workshop. The subject fields covered during the workshop are, Civil engineering aspects in construction field, Geotechnical Investigations, Identification of different types of soils, Surveying and levelling, Civil Engineering Projects and the role of Architectural/Structural Drawings, Different types of foundations and their selection/design according to soil types and test results like SPT data, Slope Stability analysis including Building structures on slopes and Site specific structural mitigation designing.

More than 70 geologists participated in the workshop. The workshop was successfully completed with a high appreciation by all the participants for organizing such a valuable event. In line with the workshop conducted, LRRMD is planning to conduct a series of workshops in future with a view to providing thorough understanding in each field in future.