Engineering Geology Laboratory

About the Laboratory

The Engineering Geology Laboratory (EGL) is an academic group of the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), which focuses on the application of geology in engineering practices. Its mission is to understand earth-structure interactions and investigate how the earth and earth processes impact human-made structures and human activities. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk from geohazards.

Laboratory Head

Sandra G. Catane, Ph.D. - Volcanology, Geohazards

In pursuing the EGL objectives, we train undergraduate and graduate students, publish articles in journals, collaborate with the academe and industry, organize local and international conferences and provide technical advice and support for the government, industry and community.

Contact Information

email: egl.upd@up.edu.ph
telephone: (02) 8981-8500 loc 3764
location: Room 021 (NIGS Basement)

Projects

Current research projects include landslide assessment and mitigation, development of early warning systems for landslides, tephrochronological studies on active volcanoes, rock engineering for geomechanical classification of slopes, and geotechnical and mineralogical studies on urban soils.

Research Activities for 2024

Papers published in International-Peer Reviewed Journals (1)

Catane, S.G., Flora, J.R.R., Carag, J.W.M., Capiño, J.B., Go, C.M.M., and Panganiban, A.L.L. (2024). Development in an environmentally critical coastal area: The risk perception on natural hazards and the New Manila International Airport by fishing communities in Taliptip, Philippines. Ocean and Coastal Management, 253, 107127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107127

International Conference Presentations (4)

Catane, S.G. and Callejo, G.P., 2024. Hydrovolcanic processes interpreted from dry to sub aqueous volcanic facies: a case study of the Late Miocene-Early Pliocene Saoit Volcanics, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Submarine Caldera Volcanoes Symposium. Kobe University, Japan, 6-7 March 2024.
Edulan, J.R.A., Catane, S.G., Tejada, M.L.G., Newhall, C.G., Sato, T., Chang, Q., Miyazaki, T. and Hanyu, T. (7 March 2024). Spatial geochemical variations of monogenetic cones and other volcanic centers in Macolod Corridor, Philippines. Submarine Caldera Volcanoes Symposium, Kobe University, Japan, 6-7 March 2024.
Lit, C., Peleo-Alampay, A., Catane, S., Tejada, M.L., 2024. A review on the explosive tephra deposit record in the Philippines on land and in the sea: example from Sulu Sea, Philippines. Submarine Caldera Volcanoes Symposium, Kobe University, Japan, 6-7 March 2024.
Santos, E.R.U., Catane, S.G., Tejada, M.L.G., Newhall, C.G., Sato, T., Chang, Q., Miyazaki, T. and Hanyu, T., 2024. Intra-eruption geochemical variations during the 1897 Mayon Volcano event. Submarine Caldera Volcanoes Symposium, Kobe University, Japan, 6-7 March 2024.

Local Conference Presentations (12)

Abuda, J., Catane, S., and Saturay Jr., R., 2024. Lithologically-constrained Temporal Rain-induced Landslide Prediction Models for the First District of Benguet, Philippines. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 5 December 2024.
Amper, A.L. and Catane, S.G., 2024. The Effects of Textural Variation on the Compressive Strength of the Limestone Units of the Carcar Formation, City of Naga, Cebu, Philippines. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4-5 December 2024.
Catane, S.G., Flora, J.R.R., Carag, J.W.M., Capiño, J.B., Go, C.M.M. and Panganiban, A.L.L., 2024. Risk Perception of Taliptip Fisherfolks on Natural Hazards and the New Manila International Airport. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4-5 December 2024.
Daita, T.J.E., Harpel, C.J., Catane, S.G., Newhall, C.G. and Marco, A.Q., 2024. Geologically young block-and-ash flow deposits of Isarog Volcano, Philippines, revealed from new 14C ages. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4 December 2024.
Edulan, J.R.A., Catane, S.G., Tejada, M.L.G., Newhall, C.G., Sato, T., Chang, Q., Miyazaki, T. and Hanyu, T., 2024. Monogenetuc cones of the Mt. Makiling-San Pablo volcanic field: volcanic processes and origin. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4-5 December 2024.
Fernandez, H.I., Catane, S.G. and Pinza, J.G., 2024. Arsenic Contamination in Shallow and Deep Aquifers in Lubao, Pampanga: Spatial Distribution and Probable Causes. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4-5 December 2024.
Lamoste, A. and Catane, S., 2024. Interpreting the Transport and Depositional Mechanisms of Debris Avalanches of Banahaw Volcano, Philippines using Morphometric Analysis. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4-5 December 2024.
Marco, A.Q., Catane, S.G. and Newhall, C.G., 2024. Constraining the spatial distribution of the Tinambac debris avalanche deposits of Isarog Volcano, Philippines through morphological analysis and field validation. Geocon 2024: Filipino Geologists - Bridging Geoscience, Technology, and Industry for a Better Philippines, Novotel Araneta, Quezon City, 4-5 December 2024.
Abuda, L.B., Catane, S.G., Saturay Jr, R.M., 2024. Hyperparameter tuning of ML models for landslide prediction. NIGSCON 2024: REACT: Resilient Earth, adapting to changing times. National Institute of Geological Sciences, NIGS Audio-Visual Room, Quezon City, 14-15 November 2024.
Bico, V.I.P, Pinza, J.D.G and Catane, S.G., 2024. The Lower Magat Forest Reserve: physical watershed characterization and implications to flooding and soil erosion susceptibility. NIGSCON 2024: REACT: Resilient Earth, adapting to changing times. National Institute of Geological Sciences, NIGS Audio-Visual Room, Quezon City, 14-15 November 2024.
Catane, S.G., Santos, E.R.U. Santos, and Newhall, C.G., 2024. Multiple Plinian tephra layers from the climatic phases of the 1897 eruption of Mayon volcano. NIGSCON 2024: REACT: Resilient Earth, adapting to changing times. National Institute of Geological Sciences, NIGS Audio-Visual Room, Quezon City, 14-15 November 2024.
Edulan, J.R.A., Catane, S.G., and Tejada, M.L.G., 2024. Origin, eruption mechanisms, and hazards from monogenetic volcanoes of Macolod Corridor, Philippines. Dusit Thani Resort, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Island, Philippines, 12-13 September 2024.