Examples of Infrastructure Objects Failure and Hazard in Terms to the Engineering Geological Model Importance—Kazbegi Municipality, Georgia

The engineering geological model, when generated and used correctly, allows to anticipate the geological conditions relevant to the project, to predict possible geological hazards and thus be an effective tool in project preparation. On the contrary, insufficient understanding and application of engineering geological models can lead to severe problems in projects during their construction and lifetime. The article presents examples of different infrastructural projects in the Kazbegi municipality in the Greater Caucasus in Georgia in terms of geological hazard and engineering geological model applied. In particular, two hydroelectric power plants are mentioned, which were less conveniently or inappropriately positioned in terms of geological hazards. In one case, the silt basin of Larsi hydroelectric power plant was seriously damaged by accumulations of debris flow and floods events, in the other case, the head building of Dariali hydroelectric power plant, especially its water intake and diversion pipeline, is endangered by repeating debris flows. Similarly, the importance of engineering geological model use also applies to other infrastructure projects like pipelines and roads in the given area. The new constructed tunnel very well eliminates debris flow and flood hazards for roads in the area and is an example of correct conceptual engineering geological thinking in the project. Generally, by using engineering geological models in initial stage of the project, it is possible to prevent catastrophic situations, or at least mitigate impact of geological hazard.