Geological Engineering

Geoenvironmental Engineering covering urban land use and zoning using our Knowledge-Based GIS Thematic Mapping and Vulnerability Mapping Approaches as Decision Support Tools (DSTs) in responding, linking and developing integrated and sustainable solutions to challenges of urban environment. Urban and rural land use planning requires a complete understanding of the ground conditions on which all types of infrastructure are founded. The problems associated with unsuitable ground conditions for infrastructure development in topographically higher and lower areas have similar financial and safety implications. In topographically higher areas, varying material properties and weathering profiles are among the factors that often result in structural cracking due to ground settlement. For instance, water seepage, particularly during the rainy season, is a major problem for properties that are located on sloping areas with vertical material variations, typical of the ground condition found in some parts of Windhoek. Seasonal flooding frequently affects infrastructure such as houses and other services that are located in topographically low areas typical of the conditions associated with the some of the northern part of Namibia and eastern part of Katima Mulilo. However, all these problems can be avoided if they are identified before the policy, plan, programme or projects implementation and construction so that appropriate mitigation measures and relevant engineered structures such as retaining walls, drainage systems and flood defences are put in place.

We at Risk-Based Solutions have developed System Methodologies (SM) that are in line with our objective-goal-driveof promoting Local Knowledge-Based Solutions (LKBS). Within our Geo-Engineering Service Unit, we have the capacity and intellectual resources to assist central, regional, local as well as private and public companies and individuals in addressing challenges of infrastructure development associated with both urban and rural land use planning process. The following five DST layers are among our products that we provided within the GeologicalEngineering:

• A Superficial Geotechnical layer that will indicate the geotechnical parameters of each lithology;
• A Solid Geotechnical layer that will indicate the geotechnical parameters of each lithology;
• A Geomorphology layer showing all the geomorphic features;
• A Constraint layer showing all the constraints that have an influence on various infrastructural developments; and
• An Opportunity layer that will indicate the infrastructural development opportunities in the different areas mapped.

We use our Knowledge-Based GIS Thematic Mapping and Vulnerability Mapping Approaches as Decision Support Tools (DSTs) in responding, linking and developing integrated and sustainable solutions to challenges of ground engineering particularly for urban environment and big infrastructure development such roads, mines, fuel deport, dams, power stations etc.