69

1
BULLETIN of the International Association of ENGINEERING GEOLOGY |
de" I'Assoeiation Internationale de GEOLOGIE DE L'INGENIEUR N ~ 1 9 B9--72 KREFELD 1979 J

ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL M A P S A T A S C A L E 1 : 25 000 F O R R E G I O N A L PLANNING

PURPOSES

LES C A R T E S G t ~ O T E C H N I Q U E S A U 1 9 25 000 P O U R LES BESOINS I)E LA P L A N I F I C A T I O N DE

L'AMtS~NAGEMENT DU T E R R I T O I R E

LOZINSKA-STI~PIEr~ H., Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. Warsaw University, Poland

Summary
In the present p a p e r are described the principles of compilation of complex engineering-geological maps at a scale 1 : 25 000 for
regional planning of u r b a n areas and their agglomerations.
The engineering-geological maps are d e v e l o p e d for the n e e d s of administrative units or for particular geological regions.
Because of the requirem~.nts of the necessary data to be supplied for regional p l a n n i n g purposes a n d for the selection of the suitable
localization of the i n v e s t m e n t s as well as because of the several scientific subjects to be t a k e n into account (evaluation of geological
conditions: lithogenesis of soils; evaluation of hydrogeological conditions: evaluation of g e o d y n a m i c processes: their occurrence and
activity; evaluation of physical a n d mechanical properties of soils: a n d a complex evaluation of engineering-geological conditions), the
most a p p r o p r i a t e scale is 1 : 50 000. For very complex engineering-geological conditions it is necessary to increase the m a p scale to
1 : 25 000.

T h e complex research p r o b l e m s are p r e s e n t e d in the form of an atlas of analytical maps.

A complex estimation of the usefulness of the terrain and the possibility of its i m p r o v e m e n t for industrial purposes is an essential
c o n t e n t of the synthetic m a p of engineering-geological conditions.
In the p a p e r a section of an engineering-geological m a p is given as an example of the m a k e - u p of the map. Criteria for the geological
divisions and the graphical form of p r e s e n t a t i o n of the data are given.

R6sum6

L'article ddcrit les p r o b l e m e s c o n c e r n a n t la m e t h o d o l o g i e de la mise en ceuvre de levds g d o t e c h n i q u e s complexes au 1 : 25 000, pour

les besoins de la planification d ' a m e n a g e m e n t du territoire. Les cartes g e o t e c h n i q u e s pour la planifications du territoire sont
dlaborees, soit p o u r des unites administratives, soit pur des regions geologiques particuli6res. Du fait de la necessite de fournir des
d o n n e e s indispensables a la planification d ' a m e n a g e m e n t s rdgionaux, et pour le choix de la meilleure localisation d'investissements,
c o m m e aussi ~ cause de l ' i m p o r t a n c e de la p r o b l 6 m a t i q u e scientifique /~ p r e n d r e en c o n s i d e r a t i o n (evaluation des conditions
geologiques, lithogenL'se des sols, evaluation des conditions hydrogO.ologiques, evaluation des processus g e o d y n a m i q u e s , leur
existence et leur activit6, e v a l u a t i o n des proprietes physiques et m e c a n i q u e s des sols, e v a l u a t i o n complexe des conditions
geotechniques), les 6chelles les plus aptes g l'dlaboration des cartes sont 1 : 50 000, et 1 : 25 000 p o u r les conditions geologiques plus
compliquees.
T o u t e la p r o b l e m a t i q u e est p r e s e n t e e sous la f o r m e d ' u n atlas des cartes analytiques. L'O,aluation c o m p l e t e des aptitudes du terrain
p o u r l ' a m e n a g e m e n t est l'objet de la carte synthdtique de geologie de Fingdnieur. L'article c o n t i e n t un f r a g m e n t de la carte
geotechnique, c o m m e exemple de son elaboration, il passe en revue les crit?xes de la division des formations, et il d o n n e une formc
graphique de p r e s e n t a t i o n des resultats des recherches.

Engineering-geological maps for regional planning purposes are pre-
pared either for each administrative unit of the country or for definite,
economically important geological regions. Frequently the maps are
included in a system of sheets.
As evaluation of engineering-geological conditions deals mainly with
large areas, and there is also a need to present the indispensable data on
the geological environment for regional planning purposes, proper
land utilization and choice of investment localization (thus it involves
vast research problems), engineering-geological maps at a scale of
1 : 50 000 are most useful for regional planning purposes. For areas of
more complex geological conditions and so, of more complex
engineering-geological conditions, maps at a scale of 1 : 25 000 are
prepared.
The content of engineering-geological maps is first of all determined by
a number of factors that form a whole geological environment and
even, with regard to influence of human activity, an engineering-geolo-
gical environment. The factors of a geological environment that must
be studied and shown on the maps include mainly:
-- topography of the area
- - morphogenesis
- - lithogenesis of deposits
- - hydrogeological conditions
- - geodynamic processes
- - physical and mechanical propoerties of rocks and soils.
All the above-mentioned factors are interrelated and influence one
another in a natural geological environment translk~rmed due to human
investment activities.
The method of graphic presentation of particular geological factors and
so, the content of analytical maps (showing a single factor only) and nfa
synthetic map (showing a total evaluation of engineering-geolugical
conditions), the accuracy of area documentation, the depth of investi-
gated zone and the discrimination of the most important engineering-
geological problems, should be strictly connected with the current
 70
necessities of regional planning, eventually with a phase of investment
projects.
Accomplishment of a proper evaluation of engineering-geological
conditions of the area should be supported by a complex
engineering-geological survey. The latter includes collection of all
archival data (boreholes and auger holcs) of the area, their analysis and
a thorough study of the literature describing the area of interest. Then,
according to a prepared "'key" a photo-interpretation shouM be done
to prepare a working geological map of distinctive geomorphological
d e m e n t s . Complex engineering-geological mapping of the area, that is
field studies and observatkms, should supply data for the geological
units and geomorphologic elements recognized.
The data of previous boreholes, geophysical and other studies, and
sometimes deeper boreholes specially drilled, should enable determina-
tion of a general model of the geological structure of the area.
On the otherhand, more detailed studies are limited to a zone of 5 - - 6 m
depth; for this purpose penetration holes, 5 - - 6 m deep, are drilled.
Localization of the holes should be strictly related to the working
geological map and not more than 8 - - 10 holes per 1 km-" should be
done, on average. Field amt hydrogeological observations, as weI[ as
observations of geodynamic processes, together with data collected
during mapping, are necessary for the preparation of a complex
evaluation of engineering-geological conditions of the area.
Preparation of a synthetic map of engineering-geological conditions is
the most suitable way of representating a geological environment and
its complexity. The m a p is a picture, at a definite scale, of the
recognition and interpretation of a geolocial environment together
with its estimation to a definite depth, by which a proper method of
regional utilization of the area and the choice of localization of
settlements and real investments is possible.
Evaluation of engineering-geological conditions of a vast and
differentiated area must result in its subdivision into spatial units of
varying order.
Description and evaluation of the engineering-geological environment
of the area must be based on classification of regional units, differing
from one another in the sum of geological, geomorphologicat.
hydrogeological, engineering-geological and utilization conditions.
A proper evaluation of engineering-geological conditions is possible by
successive, gradual synthesis of analytical data that allows, by m e a n s of
consecutive approximations, reconstruction of a spatial model of
engineering-geological conditions and its changes in time and in space.
A model, created in this way, of the engineering-geological environ-
ment allows conclusions to be drawn on the quantitative evaluation of
the more important factors for spatial planning purposes of this
environment:
-- by determining the morphogenesis and Ikhology of deposits there
is a possibility of determining the bearing capacity of soils
- - by determination of the occurrence of groundwater levels, their
dynamics and fluctuations
-- by determination of topography to present differentiated gradients
of the area
- - by determination of the occurrence of geodynamic processes, their
evaluation of prognosis of development
-- by determination of a local source of building raw materials and
conditions of their exploitation.
To obtain the necessary information of the area for regional planning
purposes, the data collected during studies should be analysed
thoroughly to present each particular factor of a geological
environment on a separate analytical map.
A documentation map, prepared on a topographic base presents by
conventional symbols not only the location of documentation points
(boreholes, penetration holes, natural exlx)sures, places of raw
material exploitation) but also gives information about their depth. It
allows, in particular, determination of the degree of previous documen-
tation of the area. During further research work the documentation
map enables correct planning for the further studies.
Recognition of geomorphological conditions of the area is presented on
a geomorphological map, of which for evaluation of engineering-
geological conditions, a significant part is based on a knowledge of the
development of palaeogeographic relations and associated deposi-
tional processes of the elements created. It facilitates an analysis of
physical and mechanical propertics of soils that form these elements.
So, a geomorphological map is the first division of a geological
environment into spatial units of various origins, and so. into units with
varying engineering-geological features.
An evaluation of hydrogcological conditions is presented on a
hydrogeological map. It should describe particular water levels and
their dynamics presented for example by isolines. It is a map of great
significance for regiomd planning purposes, to make proper decisions
on water supply and the appropriate administration of water resources.
For building planning purposes a m a p is prepared with isolines
representing depth to the first groundwater level. Hydrogeological
maps for regional planning purposes should also contain another
information such as: infiltration conditions, soil permeability, extent of
flood watcr, water aggressiveness to concrete, and water chemistry.
An cvaluation of engineering-geological conditions for planning
purposes must be preceded by realization of a geological m a p that is a
fundanlental element of knowledge on the geological environment. A
geological map presenting lithology and stratigraphy of deposits in the
area studied, enables connection of physical and mechanical properties
of various soil types of different origins and lithology, and even allows
one to draw conclusions on these properties on the basis of only few
analyses.
The problems of geodynamic processes according to their intensity,
proportion and quantity are presented either on a separate map or are
marked by conventional svmbols on a geomorphological or on a
geological map. A similar method can be used to describe a local source
of building raw materials. But one should always determine areas of
existing exploitation of each particular type of raw material, and point
out the direction further studies should take and possibilities for
exploitation of local sources of building raw materials, describing their
features, depth of exploitation and eventually, their reserves.
Thus, the information on analytical m a p s is good enough to prepare nol
only a synthetic m a p of engineering-geological conditions but also it
describes each particular element of a geological environment and is
necessary to decide on detailed location of investiments.
A fragment of a synthetic engineering-geological map for regional
planning purposes, accompanied by explanations, is presented on
Fig. 1.
Engineering-geological conditions of the area presented on Fig. i are
determined, first of all. by soil-water conditions. Therefore, soil con-
ditions arc a principal criterion of elements on a map of engineering-
geological conditions. Soil conditions, namely type of soil and its physi-
cal state determine in principle the usefulness of an area and its evalua-
tion for regional planning purposes. Hydrogeological conditions are
the next factor with a decided influence on the engineering-geological
evaluation of the area. Depth of the groundwater level is presented on
an isobath map whereas on a synthetic map only areas of shallow
occurrence of groundwater (from 0 to 2 m from the surface) are marked
in which, regardless of type and state of the soils, engineering-geological
conditions are unfavourable. Similarly, flood areas, that is the areas
periodically flooded by rivers, have been included in the areas of un-
favourable engineering-geological conditions.
Morphological criteria such as slope gradients or varying local altitudes
and a criterion of active geodynamie processes are less important
although they m a y play an important part in evaluation of local
engineering-geological conditions. Therefore, a synthetic m a p also
contains areas of gradients over 12 % as well as steep escarpments and
slopes. Moreover, areas of recent fluvial channel treatment, areas of
active aeolian processes, zones of ravine erosion and slides are marked.
The processes mentioned, due to their local occurrence, are presented
on an engineering-geological map but they are not a main criterion of
engineering-geological zoning,
Soil evaluation, from the view-point of building purposes, is based on
classification of soils, on estimation of compaction of loose ground, and
of the degree of plasticity of cohesive soils. O n the grounds of the above
mentioned parameters an evaluation of bearing capacity of soils from
the surface down to 2 m is done for a direct founding of objects.
The analysis that included not only type and state of soil but also its
origin and occurrence, permitted the discrimination of two main
engineering-geological regions:
I. regions of engineering-geological conditions favot, rable for direct
founding of structures
II. regions of engineering-geological conditions unfavourable for
direct founding of structures.
Both regions, due to soil type and their state, are divided into areas of
bearing soils with permissible unit loads over 2 kg/cm-', areas of
weakly-bearing soils with permissible loads from 1 to 2 kg/cm-" and
areas of non-bearing soils with permissible loads smaller than
1 kg/cm".
lfydrogcological conditions have a decisive significance in the
evaluation of engineering-geological conditions of a n area. Accepting a
 71

EXPLANATIONS
I. Regions of e n g i n e e r i n g - g e o l o g t c ~ conditions favourable :or
direct founding
kreas of bearing cohesive soils~ over Z m thick /~ ~ boundary o f perlodic,illy flooded

Areas of hearing cohesive sofia, up to 2 m thick overlying Illll, ..... p. . . . . . . . l y a n d p e r i o d i c a l t , w e t w i t h a g .... dwater
bearing loose soils I ,II l l , level from 0 to 2 m

Areas of bearing loose soils, over 2 = thick ..... arena of present fluvial treatment

Areas of bearing loose soils, up to 2 m thick, overlying areas of a c t l v e aeolian processes

bearing cohesive soils

II. ~agions of enginaerlng-geologtcal conditlons unfavourabie landslides

for direct foun~lng

Areas of non-bearing ori;anogenio and a n t h r o p o g e n i c soils ravine erosion

Areas of weakly-bemiring cohesive and ~li!;htl~ cohesive ~rrrrn~ steep escarps

Area& of w~akly t~arinc loose so~lu slopes wlth gradients over q2

Fig. l: Synthetical engineering-geological map for spatial planning purposes

mean (for most buildings) founding depth from the surface or at
1 . 5 - 2.0 m below, the synthetic map includes the areas that are
permanently or periodically wet with groundwater level at depths from
0 to 2 m. These areas are also included in the areas of unfavourable
engineering-geological conditions. The same class includes also the
areas flooded periodically, so-called "flood" areas that are exposed to
the action of rivers during high water levels before construction of
protective works (e.g. dams).
Besides, occurrence of geodynamic processes is presented on the map;
a m o n g them the following areas are distinguished:
- - areas of active aeolian processes d e m a n d i n g rapid protection
- - a r e a s of present fluvial treatment
- - development zones of ravine erosion
I zones of slide occurrence.
Areas with gradients of slopes over 12 % arc also marked as susceptible
to development of such geodynamic processes as wash, flowage or
landslides but with levelling.necessary for direct founding.
Zones with escarpments of steep slopes are also marked as areas of the
potential deveh)pment of surface soil movements due to disturbance of
present slope equilibrnm in particular.
It should be emphasized that the evaluation of engineering-geological
conditions described includes as main criteria of evaluation of the area
for building purposes, the groundwater conditions. Ecological-biologi-
cal factors, present type of land use, type of farming and factors
resulting from environment protection and of its raw materials as well
as plans of regional land use have not been taken into account. The
method of presentation of area evaluation deals only with the geologi-
cal environment and is based on criteria of distinguished engineering-
geological elements.
The method of analysis of a geological environment and evaluation of
engineering-geological conditions for regional planning purposes
should be treated as a study preceding all decisions for the regional use
of the area. It permits collection of all existing information, to carry
through complex engineering-geological analyses and their evaluation
with the required accuracy necessary to determine tile appropriate
locality fi)r an investment. As a result of this considerable tm~e sa',mg is
 72

possible during allocation of an investment but first of all a proper
project of type, locality and number of engineering-geological analyses
may be formed in every phase of planning and realization of
investments. It creates not only suitable project possibilites by a
considerable time saving during engineering-geological analysis but
also and above all, reduces the number of studies to those that are
necessary for the given type of construction work. Therefore. there are
real economic effects either as a smaller number of analyses, or in their
direction and time saving. In many cases such as linear buildings
(roads, pipelines etc.}, it allows for investment realizati~m without
engineering-geological studies. In particular, it prevents taking a wrong
decision regarding the use of the area and the choice of an inconvenient
locality for building objects from a view-point of the geologic environ-
ment.

J BULLETIN of the International Association of ENGINEERINGGEOLOGY

de" I'Association Internationale de GEOLOGIEDE L'INGENIEUR N ~ 1 9 72--75 KREFELD 1979
I

SOME P R O B L E M S C O N N E C T E D WITH E N G I N E E R I N G G E O L O G I C A L S U R V E Y S FOR R O A D

BUILDING

QUELQUES PROBLEMES RELATIVES AUX LEVI2S GI2OTECHNIQUES POUR LA CONSTRUC-

TION DE ROUTES

FALKOWSKI E., LOZI~ISKA-STEPIEN H., Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Warsaw
University, Warsaw, Poland

Summary
T h e p a p e r deals with some principles of engineering-geological surveys for road building. O n account of the linear n a t u r e of a road, the
surveys usually comprise areas differing in geological a n d hydrogeological conditions a n d assignable to several g e o m o r p h o l o g i c a [
units or regions.
T h e surveys a n d the design are highly complex and t i m e - c o n s u m i n g w h e n a road passes t h r o u g h different g e o m o r p h o l o g i c a l re~gions or
units. T h e p a p e r presents an a t t e m p t at m a k i n g the surveys less t i m e - c o n s u m i n g , on condition that all the d a t a necessary for design are
provided. T h e m e t h o d o l o g y of complex engineering-geological surveys is discussed and an example of an e n g i n e e r i n g - g e o l o g i c a l m a p
for road building is given.
It should be stressed that the s h o r t e r m e t h o d of surveying is c o n n e c t e d with a t h o r o u g h geological analysis. T h e analysis should m a k e
possible a reduction in the scale a n d time of d o c u m e n t a t i o n works (drilling a n d earth works), e l i m i n a t i o n o f the casual distribution of
d o c u m e n t a t i o n points a n d at the same time a m o r e a p p r o p r i a t e evaluation of engineering-geological c o n d i t i o n s .

R6sum6
L'article traite de quelques principes des lev6s g~otechniques p o u r la c o n s t r u c t i o n de routes. E t a n t d o n n 6 le caract6re lineaire d ' u n e
route, lcs 6tudes p o r t e n t en g6n6ral sur des aires d o n t les caractSres g6ologiques et h y d r o g 6 o l o g i q u e s s o n t diff~rents et qui p e u v e n t
6tre rattach6es a plusieurs unitSs ou r6gions g 8 o m o r p h o l o g i q u e s . Les l e v i s et le projet c o n s t i t u e n t une 6 t u d e c o m p l e x e et de longue
dur6e q u a n d la route dolt passer & travers plusieurs r6gions ou unit6s g ~ o m o r p h o l o g i q u e s . Aussi, I'article p r 6 s e n t e un essai de
r~duction du t e m p s passe aux 6tudes pr61iminaires, ~ condition que toutes les d o n n 6 e s n6cessaires "~ l ' ~ t u d e du projet soient fournies.
O n discute la m 6 t h o d o l o g i e des lev6s g~otechniques complexes et on d o n n e un e x e m p l e de carte g E o t e c h n i q u e destinSe "~ la
construction d ' u n e route.
II faut souligner que la m 6 t h o d e de lev6 la plus b r b v e est li6e "~une analyse g6ologique complete. Cette a n a l y s e p e r m e t t r a i t de r6duire
l'6cheIle et la durSe des travaux de d o c u m e n t a t i o n (forages, t e r r a s s e m e n t s ) , d'61iminer une r 6 p a r t i t i o n fortuite des points de
d o c u m e n t a t i o n et, en m 6 m e temps, de mieux appr6cier les conditions g6otechniques.

Projects involving documentation as well as design of linear objects
crossing various geological regions and geomorpholo~cal units, are
extremely complex and long processes at some stages of
accomplishment.
Thus any attempt at shortening the time is really valuable and may
provide a considerable saving of time and in turn, may result sometimes
in a measurable financial-economical benefit.
In this case, analysis of the subject and finding more adequate research
methods are needed; they should allow a quick and correct
engineering-geological documentation of the geological environment
for planning needs of linear objects such as road building.
Progress in geological works during recent vears enables, to a high
degree, a shortening of time needed for pre'paring engineering-geo-
logical documentation. A method of presenting the results of studies is
also important; it makes use of engineering-geological documentation.
prepared for road building, more efficient. A need to find a quick,
efficient, method of research and presentation of results, is supported
by many attempts to unify the contents and style of the documentation.
It is generally known that roads usually cross many and varied geo-
morphological units. Thus, an obvious conclusion can be drawn that
only a knowledge of morphogenesis and lithogenesis of these units and,
against their background, of water, soil and raw material features,
permits illustration by a proper scheme of the individual sections of the
road from an engineering-geological point of view. A principle of
discussing firstly the general aspects of morphogenesis and lithogenesis
of the area and then, the detailed divisions of more and more minor
geomorphologic units is still outstanding for the recognition and
evaluation of engineering-geological conditions. Within these units a
regularity of origin and structure as well as of transformations, allows
the determination of the complete soil-water conditions. Engineering-
geological units are distinguished with more and more accuracy.