The application of engineering geology to dam construction or what experience has taught us, by Otto Horsky, Pavel Blaha. Repronis Ostrava, Czech Republic, 2011. hardback, €62, ISBN 978-80-7329-278-2.
Viewed through the eyes of two highly experienced practitioners, this book is a fascinating insight into engineering geology practice and its application to dam design and construction in Eastern Europe. Both authors have been involved in the investigation of dams since the late 1960s and therefore bring a unique perspective to the complex art of ground characterization and its development over the past 50 years. The two authors, Otto Horsky and Pavel Blaha, are engineering geologist and engineering geophysicist respectively and the book reflects this, with strong detailed chapters on the methods used to carry out engineering geology surveys, and engineering geophysics and engineering geology mapping. The chapters on intrusive survey work and testing are not as comprehensive and are a little outdated, especially health and safety related issues. The book is packed with case histories from Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Spain and Cuba, which are of great interest even though most are from the 1970s to 1980s.
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 46, 256, 12 April 2013,