Since middle 70's some researchers and lecturers from the Department of Geodynamic of the Faculty of Geology of the Complutense University of Madrid started activities in Engineering Geology providing advanced and postgraduate courses. From 2000, a new degree on Geological Engineer is provided in this Faculty.

The Engineering Geology Area (EGA) carries out teaching and research on geological materials and processes related with constructive and extractive activities, geological hazards prevention, urban planning and environmental implications.

The main research topics of the EGA are:

• Geological and geotechnical conditions for the project and construction of engineering works and buildings, such as dams, power, stations, bridges, tunnels, roads, railways, etc.

• Geological conditions for the project and exploitation of mineral resources: slope stability in surface mining, stability of underground mining excavations, dams and tailing ponds, etc.

• Site selection for waste disposal, including radioactive waste.

• Research on geological materials used for construction.

• Geological hazards evaluation and control in relation to engineering and buildings: earthquakes, landslides, subsidence, expansive soils, etc.

• Evaluation of geological and geotechnical conditions for urban and land use planning.