SHREE VENKATESHWARA HI – TECH ENGINEERING COLLEGE

GOBI – 638 455

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

TWO MARKS & 16 MARKS

CE8393 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

II – Year / IV – Semester B.E Civil Engineering

Batch (2015-2019) & (2013 Regulation)

 ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this course the students will be able to understand the importance of
geological knowledge such as earth, earthquake, volcanism and to apply this knowledge in
projects such as dams, tunnels, bridges, roads, airport and harbor as well as to choose types of
foundations.
UNIT I PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 9
Geology in civil engineering – branches of geology – structure of earth and its composition –
weathering of rocks – scale of weathering – soils - landforms and processes associated with
river, wind, groundwater and sea – relevance to civil engineering. Plate tectonics – Earth
quakes – Seismic zones in India.
UNIT II MINEROLOGY 9
Physical properties of minerals – Quartz group, Feldspar group, Pyroxene - hypersthene and
augite, Amphibole – hornblende, Mica – muscovite and biotite, Calcite, Gypsum and Clay
minerals.
UNIT III PETROLOGY 9
Classification of rocks, distinction between Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks.
Engineering properties of rocks. Description, occurrence, engineering properties, distribution
and uses of Granite, Dolerite, Basalt, Sandstone, Limestone, Laterite, Shale, Quartzite,
Marble, Slate, Gneiss and Schist.
UNIT IV STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICAL METHODS 9
Geological maps – attitude of beds, study of structures – folds, faults and joints – relevance to
civil engineering. Geophysical methods – Seismic and electrical methods for subsurface
investigations.
UNIT V APPLICATION OF GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS 9
Remote sensing for civil engineering applications; Geological conditions necessary for design
and construction of Dams, Reservoirs, Tunnels, and Road cuttings - Hydrogeological
investigations and mining - Coastal protection structures. Investigation of Landslides, causes
and mitigation.
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS OUTCOMES:
The students completing this course
1. Will be able to understand the importance of geological knowledge such as earth,
earthquake, volcanism and the action of various geological agencies.
2. Will realize the importance of this knowledge in projects such as dams, tunnels, bridges,
roads, airport and harbor
3. Can choose the types of foundations and other related aspects.
TEXT BOOKS:
1. Varghese, P.C., Engineering Geology for Civil Engineering Prentice Hall of India
Learning Private Limited, New Delhi, 2012.
2. Venkat Reddy. D. Engineering Geology, Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Lt, 2010.
3. Gokhale KVGK, "Principles of Engineering Geology", B.S. Publications, Hyderabad
2011.
4. Chenna Kesavulu N. "Textbook of Engineering Geology", Macmillan India Ltd., 2009.
5. Parbin Singh. A "Text book of Engineering and General Geology", Katson publishing
house, Ludhiana 2009.
REFERENCES:
1. Muthiayya, V.D. “ A Text of Geology”, Oxford IBH Publications, Calcutta, 1969
2. Blyth F.G.H. and de Freitas M.H., Geology for Engineers, Edward Arnold, London,
2010. 3. Bell .F.G.
3. "Fundamentals of Engineering Geology", B.S. Publications. Hyderabad 2011.
4. Dobrin, M.B "An introduction to geophysical prospecting", McGraw Hill, New Delhi,
1988.
 UNIT – I
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
1. Define Mohorovic and Gutenberg discontinuity. (May / June 2013)
The depth below the surface of the earth at which a striking change in the properties
of the material is observed is named as the mohorovic discontinuity.
The Gutenberg discontinuity occurs within earth’s interior at a depth of about (2900
km) below the surface, where there is an abrupt change in the seismic waves that travel
through earth.
2. What is spheroidal weathering? (May / June 2013)
The chemical decomposition associated with the frost action results in the formation
of rounded surfaces of the rock masses. The feature is called spheroidal weathering.
3. What is the composition and nature of the inner and outer core of the earth?
(Nov / Dec 2012)
o Inner core – resembles a solid metallic body.
o Outer core – resembles with a liquid like substance
4. What is meant by littoral drift? (Nov / Dec 2012)
Littoral drift is the process whereby beach material is gradually shifted as a result of
wave meeting the shore at an oblique angle.
5. Describe briefly, the layers of the interior of the earth. (May / June 2012)
The various layers of the earth are:
Crust – outer layer of the earth
Mantle – intermediate layer of the earth
Core – innermost layer of the earth.
6. List and describe any two coastal protection structures. (Nov / Dec 2012)
Gabion wall
Revetment
Retaining walls.
7. Name the earthquake belts in India. (April / May 2011)
Zone of maximum earthquake intensity
Zone of intermediate intensity
Zone of minimum intensity
8. What is weathering? Name the different types of weathering. (April / May 2011)
Weathering is defined as the process of decay, disintegration and decomposition of
rocks under the influence of chemical agents. The types of weathering are: Physical
weathering and chemical weathering.
9. Define the term aquifer and mention its types. (April / May 2011)
Aquifer is a rock mass, layer or formation saturated with ground water. It is capable
of yielding the stored water at economic costs when tapped.
Types of aquifer are:
Confined aquifer
Unconfined aquifer
Artesian aquifer
10. Explain the term plate tectonics and its significance. (April / May 2011)
It is a theory explaining the structure of the earth’s crust and many associated
phenomena as resulting from the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates which move
slowly over the underlying mantle.
11. What is meant by aquiclude and aquitard? (April / May 2011)
A rock body or formation which holds water but does not allow an easy flow of water
through it is called as an aquiclude.
Aquitard is the term which is used for an aquifuge or aquiclude which has become
leaky due to cracks or joints.
12. Explain the term chemical weathering. (April / May 2010)
It is the process of alteration of the rocks by chemical decomposition. Chemical
weathering is brought about by gases and moisture.
13. List the depositional landforms created by the river. (April / May 2010)
o Alluvial fans and cones
o Flood plain deposits
o Deltas
o Channel deposits
14. What is exfoliation? (Nov / Dec 2010)
The phenomenon of pealing of layers from rocks under the influence of thermal
effects and chemical weathering is called exfoliation.
15. Distinguish between chemical and physical weathering. (May / June 2009)
Physical weathering Chemical weathering
 It is the process of disintegration of the It is the process of alteration of the rocks
rocks into smaller fragments without by chemical decomposition.
causing any chemical change in the
product.
Temperature variation and organic Chemical weathering is brought about by
activity causes physical weathering gases and moisture.
16. What is perched water table? (Nov / Dec 2009)
The top surface of the water held in the perched aquifer is known as perched water
table.
17. How are river terraces formed? (Nov / Dec 2009)
They are bench like ledges or flat surfaces that occur on the side of many rivers.
Terraces are the remnants of the old valley floors, found on the present floor of a valley.
UNIT- 2
MINERALOGY
1. What are enatiomorphous forms of crystals? (May / June 2013)
It is composed of faces, placed on two crystals of same minerals such that the faces of
one crystal become the mirror image of the form faces on the other crystal. Eg crystals of
quartz.
2. Mention some examples of clay minerals. (Nov / Dec 2012)
This group has three members (kaolinite, dickite, ansnacrite) and a formula of
Al2si2o5 (OH) 4
3. List the properties of calcite. (May / June 2012)
o Chemical composition – CaCO3
o Form – crystalline
o Colour – white, pale , Colorless
o Transparency – transparent to opaque
o Lustre – vitreous
o Cleavage – perfect
o Hardness – 3
o Specific gravity – 2.7
4. Describe the Moh’s scale of hardness of minerals. (May / June 2012)
The hardness of a material is measured against the scale by finding the hardest
material that can scratch the given material. This hardness scale is referred as Moh’s
 scale of material.
5. Why are the symmetry elements of monoclinic system of crystallization? (Nov / Dec
2011)
o Plane of symmetry – 1
o Axis of symmetry – 1
o A centre of symmetry
6. What are the symmetry elements of normal class of isometric system? (April / May
2011)
o 3 are axes of four fold symmetry
o 4 are axes of three fold symmetry
o 6 are axes of two fold symmetry
Plane of symmetry: planes of symmetry at right angles to each other are termed as
principal (axial) planes. Planes of symmetry diagonal in position and bisecting the angles
between the principal planes are known as diagonal plane.
7. What are the physical properties of mica? (May / June 2010)
They are complex hydrous silicates of metals like potassium, magnesium, iron. Silica
tetrahedrons are arranged in sheets or layer and give a sheet like structure. Crystallise in
monoclinic crystallographic system generally black coloured, gree, white.
8. Write the crystallographic characteristics of the normal class hexagonal system.
(May / June 2010)
o Plane of symmetry – 7
o Axes of symmetry – 7
o A centre of symmetry
9. Describe about rock forming minerals and give examples. (May / June 2010)
o Orthoclase
o Microcline
o Albite
o Anorthite.
10. What is cleavage of minerals? Mention few types of cleavage. (May / June 2010)
The capacity of some minerals to split along certain plane is called cleavage types:
o Basal cleavage
o Prismatic cleavage
o Cubic cleavage
o Octahedral cleavage
11. What is centre of symmetry? (Nov / Dec 2010)
It is crystal possess like edges, faces and corners on opposite sides of the central point
in corresponding positions, it has a centre of symmetry.
12. Name ant two mica group minerals. (Nov / Dec 2010)
o Biotite
o Muscovite
o Chlorite
13. What is an ore mineral? (Nov / Dec 2010)
Ore mineral is defined as a mineral which contains a metallic element in a quantity
that can be exploited and extracted for use at an economical cost.
14. What is axis of symmetry? (Nov/Dec 2010)
Axis of symmetry is defined as the axis in a crystal about which if it is given one
complete turn, the same position repeats more than once.
15. What are the symmetric elements of orthorhombic system? (April / May 2010)
o Plane of symmetry – 3 in all, axial in position
o Axes of symmetry – 3 in all two fold symmetry
o A centre of symmetry
16. List the varieties of mica. (April / May 2010)
o Black mice (biotite)
o White mice (muscovite)
o Green mice (chloride)
UNIT 3
PETROLOGY
1. What is the mineralogical composition and texture of dolerite? (Nov / Dec 2012)
o Mineralogical composition – laradorite, Anorthite
o Texture – fine grained texure
2. Differentiate between the engineering properties of Shale and Quartzite.
(Nov / Dec 2012)
S.No Properties Shale Quartzite
1 Texture Fine grained rock Fine grained rock
Mud cracks, rain prints, ripple
2 Structure Granulose
marks
3 Varieties Calcareous shale, siliceous Chlorotic quartzite,
 shale, carbonaceous shale, micaceous quartzite,
alumn shale, oil shale felspathic quartzite
Mica, Feldspar,chlorite,
Kaolinite,
4 Composition cyanite, magnetite,
montmorilonite, Illite
hematite, graphite
3. List a few textures of igneous rocks. (May / June 2012)
o Equiranular
o Inequigranular
o Directive
o Intergrowth
o Intergranular
4. Distinguish between limestone and shale. (May / June 2012)
S.No Properties Shale Limestone
1. Texture Fine grained rock Fine grained rock
Mud cracks, rain prints, ripple
2. Structure Ooliticpisolitic
marks
Kaolinite, Montmorilonite,
3 Composition Calcite, Quartz,Feldspar
Illite
5. How are igneous rocks formed? (April / May 2011)
All rocks that have formed from an original hot, molten material through the process
of cooling and crystallization are defined as igneous rocks.
6. What are the agents of metamorphism? (April / May 2011)
o Physical agents: Heat uniform pressure and directed pressure.
o Chemical agents: gases and chemically active fluids.
7. Write any two sedimentary rocks. (April / May 2011)
Breccia ,Conglomerate, Sandstone, Shale, Limestone
8. Compare and comment on the strength of Igneous and sedimentary rocks. (April /
May 2011)
Igneous rocks are the first formed rocks and the hardest. Sedimentary rocks are
formed by the deposition of the sediments by the action of the weathering agents. Hence
igneous rocks have the highest strength.
9. Define the term metamorphism. Give example. (May / June 2010)
The changes that occur in the body of the rocks is due to the variations in heat
pressure, temperature etc. these changes are known as metamorphic changes and the process
is called metamorphism.
10. What are clastic rocks? (Nov/ Dec 2010)
They are mechanically formed or detrital rocks and include all those sedimentary
rocks and include all those sedimentary rocks that have been formed from pre-existing rocks
operation of four processes: weathering, erosion, transport, deposition.
11. Name any two types of metamorphism. (Nov / Dec 2010)
o Thermal metamorphism
o Dynamic metamorphism
o Dynamo thermal metamorphism
12. Explain graded bedding. (Nov / Dec 2010)
In some stratified rocks the component sediments in each layer appear to be sorted
and arranged according o their grain size, the coarsest being at the bottom and finest at the
top. Such an individual layer is said to be graded. When a sequence of rocks is made of such
graded layers, the structure is called graded bedding.
13. Differentiate between basalt and quartzite. (April / May 2010)
S.No Properties Basalt Quartzite
1. Texture Fine grained rocks Granoblastic
Plagioclase feldspar, Quartz,muscovite,
2. Composition
augite, hornblende biotite, feldspar
14. List the textures encountered in sedimentary rocks. (Apr / May 2010)
o Clastic texure, Non Clastic texure
o Coarse, medium and fine grained rocks.
o Crystalline, granular, amorphous
15. What is dolerite? Nov / Dec 2010
Dolerite is an igneous rock of typical hypabyssal origin having formed as shallow
sills and dykes.
UNIT- IV
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICAL METHOD
1. Differentiate anticline from syncline. (Apr / May 2011)
Anticline is the fold in which the strata are arched upward. The limbs dip away from
each other at the crest.
Syncline is characterized by downward warping of the strata. Synclines show limbs
 that dip towards each other at the trough.
2. Explain how a fold in the foundation can affect the stability of dam? (Apr / May
2011)
Dams when aligned along the axial region of the fold are unsafe.
3. What is a normal fault? (May /June 2012)
Normal fault is one in which the hanging wall has moved down with respect to the
foot wall.
4. What are joints in rocks? (May /June 2009)
Joint is defined as the divisional plane or fracture along which there is no
displacement.
5. What is attitude of beds? (Nov / Dec 2010)
Attitude of beds is the dip and the strike. Dip of a bed is defined as its inclination with
the horizontal. Strike of a bed is the direction of the line along which the bedding plane
intersects the ground surface.
6. What is the use of clinometers compass? (Nov / Dec 2010)
Clinometer compass is commonly used for the geological mapping and surveying.
7. Write any two uses of geological maps. (Nov / Dec 2010)
o Used for the location of rocks and their extent
o Exploration of ground water, coal, oil etc,
8. Distinguish between Normal and Reverse fault structures. (April / May 2011)
Normal fault is one in which the hanging wall has moved down with respect to the
foot wall.
Reversed fault is one in which the hanging wall has moved up with respect to the foot
wall.
9. What is fold? Name the parts of fold. (April / May 2011)
Fold is defined as the undulation that occurs on the surface of the rock as a result of
the stresses that acts on the rock. Parts of the fold are:
Limbs, axial plane, crest, trough.
10. What is true dip and apparent dip and beds? (Nov / Dec 2012)
Dip angle of a layer which is measured in a direction at right angles to the strike layer
is called true dip. Dip angle measured along any other direction with the strike of a layer
is called apparent dip.
11. What is an outcrop? (Dec 2008)
An exposure of solid rock on the surface of the earth is called an outcrop
12. What is dip and strike? (Nov / Dec 2008)
Dip of a bed is defined as its inclination with the horizontal. Dip is expressed in terms
of the angle which it makes with the horizontal.
Strike of a bed is the direction of the along which the bedding plane intersects the
ground surface strike of a bed is perpendicular to the dip direction.
13. Explain the bedding joint and mural joint structure. April / May 2011
Mural joint: These are three sets of joints mutually perpendicular to one another,
developed generally in igneous rock such as granite.
Bedding joint: sheet joints are seen in massive igneous rocks. These consist of
horizontal joints, which are closely spaced in the upper layers, and progressively farther
apart with the depth.
UNIT-5
GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
1. List the major causes of landslides. (April / May 2011)
Presence of water on the slopes.
Undercutting of the soil
Excavation of soil for laying roads rails etc.
Earthquakes
2. Explain the effect of joints in rocks where a tunnel is to be constructed. (May / June
2012)
Joints make the rocks weak. When numerous and extensive joints are present
grouting becomes a solution. Liming can also be provided in severe cases.
3. List some methods to prevent coastal erosion. (May / June 2012)
Sea wall
Groynes
Revetment
Gabion wall
Beach nourishment
Rip – rap
4. List the types of landslides. (May / June 2009)
Slide
Rock fall
Creep
 Topple
Flow slump
5. What is spillway of dam? (Nov /Dec 2010)
Spillway is a passage for the flow of surplus water from a dam.
6. What do landslides means?
A landslide is a geological phenomenon which includes a wide range of ground
movement, such as rock falls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows.
7. Explain the term stand up time tunneling. (Nov / Dec 2012)
Stand – up time is the amount of time a tunnel will support itself without any added
structures. Knowing this time allows the engineers to determine how much can be
excavated before support is needed. This longer the stand – up time is the faster the
excavating will go.
8. What are the geological conditions that influence the construction of roads in hilly
terrain? (Dec 2008)
Topography
Lithological character
 Attitude of beds
 Joint
 Fault
Ground water conditions
9. What is remote sensing? (Nov / Dec 2010)
Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon
without making physical contact with the object.
10. What is meant by aerial photography & Imageries?
The photographs of the earth taken from aircrafts are called the aerial photographs,
while the pictures taken from the satellites are called the imageries.
11. Define Satellite imageries.
The satellite imageries can either be read manually like aerial photographs, or with
the help of computers.
12. Define Aerial Photographs.
Aerial photographs of the region are taken by cameras placed in the aircrafts. Aerial
photos give three dimension of the photographed area. These photos contain a detailed
record of the ground at the time exposure.
13. What are the applications of remote sensing?
General geological mapping, mineral prospecting, petroleum exploration, ground
water exploration, engineering .uses of site rocks, disaster studies, coastal geological
studies.

PART – B
UNIT – I
1. Write elaborately on physical and chemical weathering of rocks. What is the significance
of weathering of rocks in civil engineering? (April / May 2015, Nov / Dec 2014, May
/June 2013)
2. Describe the geological work of sea and its engineering considerations.
3. Give a detailed account of the erosional and depositional landforms created by the action
of river. (Nov / Dec 2014, May /June 2014, Nov / Dec 2012)
4. Explain with neat sketches the interior of the Earth. (May /June 2014)
5. Describe the plate tectonics theory. (May /June 2013, Nov / Dec 2012)
6. Write an essay on the erosional and depositional features of wind. (May /June 2013)

UNIT – II
1. Describe the physical properties of common rock forming minerals. (April / May 2015)
2. Explain in detail about the pyroxene group of minerals. (April / May 2015)
3. Discuss about the chemical composition, physical properties, origin, varieties and uses of
quartz. (Nov / Dec 2014, May /June 2014)
4. Give a detailed account of the chemical composition, physical properties, origin,
occurrence, engineering behavior& uses of clay minerals. (Nov / Dec 2014, May /June
2014, Nov / Dec 2012)
5. Write an essay on the processes of ore minerals. (May /June 2013, Nov / Dec 2012)
a) Write a note on symmetry elements of a crystal.
b) Describe the axial relationship of the six crystallographic systems an
example for each one.
c) Briefly describe the feldspar group of minerals.
UNIT – III
1. Bring out the major distinguishing characters of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
rocks. (Nov / Dec 2012)
2. List the various field and laboratory tests carried out to determine the engineering
 properties of rocks. (Nov / Dec 2012, Nov / Dec 2014)
3. Write a note on chemical and mineralogical classification of igneous rocks. (May/June
2013)
4. Summarize the structures of sedimentary rocks.
5. Write a note on kinds of metamorphism.
6. Describe the structures and textures of igneous rocks. (May / June 2013, April / May
2015)
7. Describe the mode of formation classifications and structures of sedimentary rocks. (May
/ June 2014)
8. Describe the Petrological and engineering properties of following rocks. (May/June
2014, April / May 2015)
a. Granite e. Sandstonevi.
b. Limestone f. Dolerite
c. Gnesiss g. Marble
d. Conglomerate.
9. How rocks are classified? Describe the major distinguishing properties of the major types
of rocks. (Nov / Dec 2014)
UNIT – IV
1. What is meant by folds? Explain the engineering significance of folds.
(May / June 2013)
2. What is meant by faults? Explain the engineering significance of faults.
(May / June2014, April / May 2015)
3. What is meant by joints? Explain the engineering significance of joints.
4. Explain in detail the role of electrical method of subsurface investigation in civil
engineering practice. (Nov / Dec 2014)
5. Describe seismic refraction survey to be conducted for determining depth of bed rock.
(Nov / Dec 2014, May / June 2014)
6. Explain the influence of folds and faults on the design and construction of Dams and
Tunnels. (Nov / Dec 2014)
7. Write a note on attitude of beds. (May / June 2013)
8. Describe the engineering consideration on joints during construction.
9. Describe the parts of fold.
10. Explain how the Resistivity methods and Wenner configuration. Add a note on
applications In civil engineering. (April / May 2015)
 UNIT – V
1. Write in detail about the types of landslides and interpretation of Dams and Tunnels.
(Nov / Dec 2012)
2. Using case studies, describe the various aspects of coastal erosion and the various
methods of coastal protection. (Nov / Dec 2012)
3. Describe how remote sensing utilized for civil engineering projects. (May / June 2013)
4. Describe the geological conditions necessary for construction of dams and tunnels.
(May / June 2014, May / June 2013)
5. Using case studies, give a detailed account of the application of remote sensing in civil
engineering. (April / May 2015, Nov / Dec 2014, May / June 2014)
6. Illuaratrate in neat sketches about landslide and their types. What are the various
measures to control landslides? (April / May 2015, Nov / Dec 2014May / June 2013)