Western Philippines University

College of Engineering and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

GEO101A Geology for Civil Engineers

A lecture manual presented to the

College of Engineering and Technology
Western Philippines University
San Juan Aborlan Palawan

___________________

Jaysoon D. Macmac, CE
Faculty of Civil Engineering

May 2020
 Table of Contents

Title Page i

Table of Contents ii

Chapter 1: General Geology 1

a. Geology in Civil Engineering 1
b. Branches of geology, Earth structure and Composition. 1
c. Elementary Knowledge on Continental Drift and plate tectonics. 4
d. Earth processes, Weathering, Work of rivers, wind and
sea and their engineering importance-origin. 4
e. Occurrence of earthquake, Mode of occurrence, 9
Prospecting, Ground Water and Importance in civil engineering. 9

Chapter 2: Mineralogy 11
a. Elementary Knowledge on symmetry elements 11
of crystallographic systems.
b. Physical properties of minerals, study of the
following rock forming minerals (Quartz, feldspar,
Augite, Hornblende, Biotite, Muscovite, Calcite, Garnet). 11
c. Properties, Process of formation of all minerals,
Coal and Petroleum, their origin and occurrences. 16

Chapter 3: Petrology 17
a. Classification of rocks, Distinction between 17
Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks
b. Description, occurrence, properties and
distribution of the following rocks: Igneous rocks
(Granite, Syenite, Diorite, Gabbro, Pegmatite,
Dolerite and Basalt), Sedimentary rocks (sandstone,
Limestone, Shale, Conglomerate and Breccia),
Metamorphic rocks (Quartzite, Marble, Slate, Gniess and Scist). 18

Chapter 4: Structural Geology and Rock Mechanics 24

a. Attitude of beds, outcrops, Geological maps and Study of
structures. 24
b. Folds, Faults and Joints. Their bearing on Engineering
Construction. 24
c. Rock Mechanics, Physical properties and mechanical properties
of rocks, porosity, permeability, density, strength, hardness,
elasticity, plasticity, dynamic and property of rocks. 27
d. Types of wave theory, factors influencing wave velocity,
static and dynamic moduli of elasticity and grouting. 27

Chapter 5: Geological and Geophysical Investigation in

Civil Engineering 29
a. Site investigations
b. Geological methods
c. Exploration techniques
d. Geophysical methods
e. Seismic and electrical methods
f. Direct penetration
g. Core boring

ii
 h. Logging of cores
i. Geological condition necessary for construction of dams, tunnels,
building and road cutting.
References 30

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