Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Project development

Functional groups

Geology Unit

Goal

The goal of the Geology Unit is to provide technical expertise in the areas of geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, aggregate quality, and geophysics as applied to transportation related projects and activities.

Products the unit provides

  • Groundwater Control
    • Permanent Dewatering Systems: Analysis and design
    • Construction Dewatering: Analysis and aquifer properties for bid documents
  • Vibration & Noise Control
    • Construction-Related Vibrations and Noise: Analysis and control recommendation
    • Traffic-Induced Vibrations and Noise Complaints: Analysis and control recommendation
  • Geologic Investigations
    • Karst/Sinkholes: Analysis, investigation, mitigation/design recommendation, and ponding guidance for construction stormwater permit compliance
    • Rock Slopes/Excavation: Analysis, recommendation, design and vibration control
    • Rock Fall Management: Analysis and control recommendations
    • Environmental Documents: Environmental Notification Memo (ENM), Early Coordination Response Memo (ECR), Planning Environmental Linkage Study (PEL)
    • Potentially-Acid-Producing Rock: Analysis and recommendation
  • Geophysical/Subsurface Investigations
    • Electrical, Seismic & GPR: Surveying, interpretation, and reporting
    • Rock Classification
  • Aggregate Quality
    • Aggregate Sources/Samples: Analyses, investigations, and recommendations (Bituminous/concrete aggregate (BA, CA), base, riprap, gabion, backfill/bedding, dimension stone/architectural)
    • Pavement and Structures: Aggregate-related failure investigation
    • Riprap: Assessment and Quality Control Plans for Specifications 2511 and 3601
    • Training: Lithological summary for district (and consultant) aggregate lab personnel

What to expect from the unit

  • Prompt response to inquiries and requests for assistance and products
  • Delivery of high quality products, resources and training in a timely fashion
  • Expertise and leadership on Project management teams (PMT), technical working groups (TWG), technical advisory panels (TAP), scoping and other project/research related groups
  • Assistance with subject matter-related specifications
  • Construction support

What you need to provide to the unit

  • Project schedule, number, and charge ID (if applicable - see Geotechnical Engineering Request Form)
  • A-priori information (plans, profiles, cross sections, layouts, etc.)
  • Private property access (if necessary)
  • Traffic control and maintenance related assistance (if necessary)

What the unit expects from you

  • The items listed above
  • Early planning and project coordination