Planned economy presumes that all undertakings are premeditated and prepared in detail. The main condition for good planning is therefore reliable preparation of materials and a comprehensive knowledge of the problem, with due consideration of every factor involved.

The Istituto di Ricerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica (IRPI), of the Italian Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), designs and executes research, technical and development activities in the vast and variegated field of natural hazards, vulnerability assessment and georisk mitigation. We study all geo-hydrological hazards, including floods, landslides, erosion processes, subsidence, droughts, and hazards in coastal and mountain areas. We investigate the availability and quality of water, the exploitation of geo-resources, and the disposal of wastes. We research the expected impact of climatic and environmental changes on geo-hazards and georesources, and we contribute to the design of sustainable adaptation strategies. Our outreach activities contribute to educate and inform on geo-hazards and their consequences in Italy. <...>

While ancient man must have had some intuitive knowledge of geology, as evidenced by the feats of mining and civil engineering performed in the distant past, the present science of geology owes much of its origin to the civil engineers working in the eighteenth century. These engineers, while constructing the major engineering works associated with the industrial revolution, had the opportunity to view and explore excavations in rocks and soils. Some, intrigued by what they saw, began to speculate on the origin and nature of rocks, and the relationships between similar rocks found in different places. Their ideas and theories, based on the practical application of their subject, formed the groundwork for the development of geology as a science. Engineers such as Lewis Evans (1700–1756) in America, William Smith (1769–1839) in England, Pierre Cordier (1777–1862) in France and many others were the ‘fathers’ of Geology. <...>

The science of classification is called “taxonomy”; it deals with the theoretical aspects of classification, including its basis, principles, procedures, and rules. Knowledge tested in projects is called the “practical knowledge.” Surprisingly the rating and ranking systems have become popular in every part of life in the twenty-first century.

Rock mass classifications form the backbone of the empirical design approach and are widely employed in rock engineering. Engineering rock mass classifications have recently been quite popular and are used in feasibility designs. When used correctly, a rock mass classification can be a powerful tool in these designs. On many projects the classification approach is the only practical basis for the design of complex underground structures. The Gjovik Underground Ice Hockey Stadium in Norway was designed by the classification approach.