GEOLOGY FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS

CHAPTER
1 GENERAL GEOLOGY
THE SCIENCE OF GEOLOGY
Geology is the study of the solid Earth. It includes the
investigation of the rocks forming the Earth (petrology) and of
how they are distributed (their structure), and their
constituents (mineralogy and crystallography). GEOLOGY
Geochemistry is a study of the chemistry of rocks and Natural Science which
the distribution of major and trace elements in rocks, rock deals with the study of
suites, and minerals. This can lead to an understanding Earth. Also known as
of how a particular rock has originated (petro genesis), Earth Science.
https://geology.com/articles/what-
and also, in the broadest sense, to a knowledge of is-earth-science.shtml 08/2020

the chemistry of the upper layers of the Earth.

The distribution of rocks at the Earth’s surface is found by making a geological

survey (that is, by geological mapping) and is recorded on geological maps. This
information about rocks is superimposed on a topographic base map. Knowledge of
the nature and physical conditions of the deeper levels of the planet can be gained
only by the special methods of geophysics, the twin science of geology; the term
‘Earth sciences’ embraces both. From the theory and methods of geophysics, a set of
techniques (applied geophysics) has been evolved for exploring the distribution of
rocks of shallower levels where the interests of geologists and geophysicists are most
intertwined.

Knowledge of the Earth at the present time raises questions about the
processes that have formed it in the past: that is, about its history. The interpretation
of rock layers as Earth history is called stratigraphy, and a study of the processes
leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks is called sedimentology. The study of
fossils (palaeontology) is closely linked to Earth history, and from both has come the
understanding of the development of life on our planet. The insight thus gained, into
expanses of time stretching back over thousands of millions of years, into the origins
of life and into the evolution of man, is geology’s main contribution to scientific
philosophy and to the ideas of educated men and women.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After careful study of this chapter, students should be able to do the following;
1. Determine the branches of Geology and the application of Geology in Civil
Engineering Practices
2. Identify the Earth System and Internal Structure
3. State the origin, occurrence of natural disasters and identify three plate
boundaries.
4. Classify the factors affecting groundwater and identify the importance of
groundwater in Civil Engineering
KEY TERMS:
Geological Engineering, internal structure, composition, theory, radioactive
decay, Earth’s system, Seismology, disasterTectonic plates, Hydrogeology,

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1.1 GEOLOGY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

RELEVANCE OF GEOLOGY TO CIVIL ENGINEERING

Most civil engineering projects involve some excavation of soils and rocks,
or involve loading the Earth by building on it. In some cases, the excavated rocks
may be used as constructional material, and in others, rocks may form a major part of
the finished product, such as a motorway cutting or the site f or a reservoir. The
feasibility, the planning and design, the construction and costing, and the safety
of a project may depend critically on the geological conditions where the
construction will take place. This is especially the case in extended ‘greenfield’ sites,
where the area affected by the project stretches for kilometres, across comparatively
undeveloped ground. Site investigation by boring and by testing samples may be
an adequate preliminary to construction in such cases.

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
Geological Engineering involves designing structures and solving problems
related to earth and its resources. It is concerned with mineral and energy
resources and exploration. Closely related to mining engineering, it involves the
location and extraction of minerals from the earth and the identification of new
resources of energy like geothermal energy for industrial use. Further, Geological
engineers also inspect geological conditions in areas or resource exploration for safety
and feasibility.

The work of geological engineers often includes protecting the environment

through proper waste disposal, water maintenance, erosion control and properly
designed tunnels dams, and caverns. Some geological engineers mitigate the impacts
of geological hazards like landslide, volcanic eruption and earthquakes.

Figure 1.1 Geological Engineering

Geological engineering is related to Civil engineering, Mining engineering,

Petroleum engineering and Environmental engineering which has common objective,
that is to understand the things human cannot control by applying safety designs for
geological structure, exploration of new resources and environmental protection.

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING AND

OTHER ENGINEERING SCIENCES
Civil Engineering. Safety
designs and economical
construction of structures

Mining Engineering. Safety

and economic factors in
mining deposition operating
and development

Petroleum Engineering.
Economic design for
extracting petroleum and
obtaining petroleum products

Figure 1.2 Geological engineering and Geophysical Engineering.

other engineering sciences Earth physical properties and
its engineering applications

Architecture. Project designs

City and Regional Planners

ROLE OF THE ENGINEER IN THE SYSTEMATIC EXPLORATION OF A SITE

 The investigation of suitability and characteristics of sites in design and
construction is the main concern of Civil Engineers
 Systematic exploration should be observed using the five stages of procedures;

1. Preliminary investigation
2. A detailed geological survey
3. Applied geophysical survey
4. Boring, drilling and excavation
5. Testing of soils and rocks

GEOLOGY AND CIVIL ENGINEERING RELATIONSHIP

 Civil Engineering works are carried out either on site or within the site. For these
reason, erosional and geological process which cause the stability of the rocks
and ground and their changes are important for civil engineers.
 Investigative questions should be considered in dealing with designs applying
geological considerations;
 Where is a geologically safe and economical engineering structure built?
 How to choose the communication and transportation infrastructure
route where geological conditions are convenient?
 How are the building bases constructed safely and economically in terms
of geological and geotechnical aspects?

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 How to create slope both safely and economically?

 2How is a safe tunnel and underground facility excavation done?
 How is location geological materials required for construction of dams
and road construction determined?
 What are the measurements and application methods for improvements
of ground conditions and controlling instability, infiltration, etc.?
 What are required geological and geotechnical conditions store urban,
toxic and radioactive waste?
 How are to identify, prevent or reduce geological hazards identified,
prevented and reduced?

APPLICATION OF GEOLOGY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING PRACTICES

1. Mapping. The preparation of geological map of

the area based on aerial photo and satellite
imagery interpretation and field observations.
Subsurface geological features are also The map of the Philippine
mapped. archipelago, drawn by the
Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo
Velarde (1696–1753) and
2. Exploration. Exploring the areas based on published in Manila in 1734,
different civil engineering techniques. is the first and most important
scientific map of the
3. Project Planning. Preparations of plans and Philippines.
geologic feasibility for developmental https://www.worldmapsonline.com/historical-
map-of-the-philippines-1734/ 08/2020
parameter reports, which are useful to the
project schedule.

4. Surface Water. Preparation of surface water mapping, study on the volume of

total runoff, drainage basin characteristics and sedimentary process.
Weathered areas, silting potential and erosion potential are also estimated
before planning any hydraulic structures.

5. Groundwater. It studies in detail the occurrence, movement, structural control

and hydro geological properties of rocks

6. Slope Stability. Geological parameters of possible slide regions are studied

7. Geological Structure. Field investigation is carried for selection of a

sustainable area. Sub-surface studies are conducted, sub-surface maps are
prepared as well as the conduct of in-situ tests for foundation materials,
supervise the construction methods and monitor the structure after completion
of work.

8. Tunnelling. The conduct of in-situ tests for estimation of weathered zone

thickness, depth of hard rock, structural features etc.

9. Earthquake. Studies the seismic nature of the project site. Examines the
seismic zoning map of the country, evaluates active and inactive faults and
keeps the historical record of the earthquake which serves as a guide in the
preparation of seismic design structures

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Kaybiang Tunnel is the Philippines' longest subterranean road tunnel. This

tunnel links the towns of Ternate, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas through a hole
under Mount Palay-Palay (aka Mt. Pico de Loro) www.travelling-up.com 12/2017

1976 Moro Gulf Earthquake and Tsunami is the deadliest earthquake to ever hit the Philippines
in terms of casualties, killing about 8,000 people.www.argis.com 08/2020

LESSON SUMMARY
 Geology is the study of the solid Earth.
 The relevance of Geology to Civil Engineering practice is the application of
feasibility, the planning and design, the construction and costing, and the safety
of a project which may depend critically on the geological conditions where the
construction will take place.
 Geological Engineering is involved in four other engineering sciences which
aims to design, explore and protect the environment.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
A. Write T if the statement if True and F is the statement is False. Write your
answer on the space provided before the number.
______ 1. Civil Engineering works are carried out only on site.
______ 2. Systematic exploration should be observed using five stages of
procedures.
______ 3. The interpretation of rock layers as Earth history is called
stratigraphy.
______ 4. Geology is a branch of Natural Science which deals with the study
of solid Earth.
______ 5. Geophysical Engineering deals with safety designs and economical
construction of structures.
______ 6. The safety of a project may depend critically on the geological
conditions where the construction will take place.
______ 7. The distribution of rocks at the Earth’s surface is found by making a
geological survey through applied geophysics.
______ 8. The Murillo-Velarde map of the Philippines was published in 1734.
______ 9. Slope stability studies where possible regions of soil slides.
______ 10. Mining Engineering deals with safety in project design deposition.

B. Briefly explain the importance of Geology to Civil engineering practice.

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