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Why petrographic classification of the rock insufficient in

the field of civil engineering?


While petrographic classification of rocks can provide valuable
information about a rock's mineral composition and texture, it may
not always be sufficient for civil engineering purposes. This is
because petrographic classification does not provide information on
the rock's physical and mechanical properties, which are important for
determining its suitability for construction purposes.
In civil engineering, it is essential to understand a rock's strength,
durability, and stability when it is subjected to various stresses and
loads. These properties are determined through various laboratory
tests, such as uniaxial compressive strength tests, tensile strength
tests, and point load tests, among others.
In addition, the behaviour of rocks under different environmental
conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles, can
also affect their performance in civil engineering applications.
Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of a rock's physical and
mechanical properties, as well as its behaviour under different
conditions, is crucial for determining its suitability for specific
construction purposes.
In points:-
1. Petrographic classification may not provide enough information
on physical properties
2. Different rocks with the same classification can behave
differently
3. Incomplete characterization of properties
4. Limited practical application in civil engineering construction.

What is soil? Describe briefly on alluvial soil, colluvial soil


and residual soil, what is talus deposit? How these soil play
a vital role in slope formation, write down the types of
slope?
Soil is a natural resource that forms from the weathering and erosion
of rock materials. It is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials
that provides a medium for plant growth and supports the terrestrial
ecosystem.
Alluvial soil is a type of soil that forms from the deposition of
sediments carried by rivers and streams. It is typically fertile and well-
drained, making it ideal for agricultural use.
Colluvial soil is a type of soil that forms from the deposition of
sediments at the base of slopes due to gravity, and it is usually rich in
minerals and organic matter.
Residual soil forms in place from the weathering of bedrock, and it is
typically found in areas where the underlying rock is hard and
resistant to erosion.
Talus deposit is a type of soil that forms at the base of slopes due to
the accumulation of rock debris that has been weathered and eroded
from the slopes above. These deposits typically have a steep gradient
and can be unstable, posing a risk to human settlements and
infrastructure.
Soils play a vital role in slope formation, as they influence the
stability of the slope and the movement of water through the system.
The type of soil present can affect the rate of erosion and weathering,
which in turn can affect the steepness and stability of the slope.
There are several types of slopes, including:
 Steep slopes - characterized by a steep gradient and a high risk
of landslides and erosion.
 Gentle slopes - characterized by a gradual gradient and a lower
risk of landslides and erosion.
 Convex slopes - characterized by a concave shape, with the
upper portion of the slope being steeper than the lower portion.
 Concave slopes - characterized by a convex shape, with the
lower portion of the slope being steeper than the upper portion.
 Complex slopes - characterized by irregular topography and
multiple slope angles, making them more challenging to analyze
and manage.

Understanding the properties and characteristics of different types of


soil and slopes is important for land management, engineering, and
environmental planning purposes.

Why most river mender on low gradient landform? In what


condition erosional and depositional rate becomes high.
Write down the stages of valley development.
Most rivers tend to meander on low gradient landforms because the
slow-moving water allows the river to erode and deposit sediment
more easily, which can cause the river to change its course over time.
On steeper gradients, the water flows more quickly, which can make
it harder for the river to erode the bedrock and instead the water will
carry the sediment downstream without depositing it.
The erosional and depositional rates become high when the river
experiences a sudden increase in flow velocity or discharge. This can
happen during periods of heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or other natural
events that increase the amount of water flowing in the river. When
the velocity of the water increases, it can erode the river banks and
bed more quickly and carry more sediment downstream, leading to
increased rates of deposition.
The stages of valley development are as follows:
 Youthful Stage: The river cuts down into the landscape, forming
a V-shaped valley with steep slopes and a narrow channel.
 Mature Stage: The river valley widens and flattens out as the
river erodes laterally and meanders back and forth across the
floodplain.
 Old Age Stage: The river meanders less and the floodplain
widens even more, creating a broad, flat valley with gentle
slopes and a wide, shallow channel.
 Rejuvenation Stage: The river is uplifted, causing it to erode
more deeply into the landscape and form a new, steep-sided
valley with a narrow channel, repeating the cycle of valley
development.

Explain why himalayan range is very prone to landslides


and earthquake? Most of the himalayan rocks show fragile
natue,why?
The Himalayan range is prone to landslides and earthquakes due to a
combination of factors, including its geological structure, tectonic
activity, and environmental conditions.
 Geological structure: The Himalayas are composed of a
complex mix of rocks, including sedimentary, metamorphic, and
igneous rocks, that have been folded and faulted over millions
of years. This has resulted in the formation of steep, unstable
slopes that are vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls.
 Tectonic activity: The Himalayas are located at the boundary
between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are
constantly colliding and pushing against each other. This creates
enormous stresses and strains in the Earth's crust, which can
trigger earthquakes and rock deformation.
 Environmental conditions: The Himalayas are subject to a
range of environmental conditions that can contribute to
landslides and earthquakes, including heavy rainfall, snowmelt,
and erosion. These factors can weaken the stability of rock and
soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides and other forms of
instability.
In addition to these factors, most of the rocks in the Himalayas are
highly metamorphic, which means that they have been subjected to
intense heat and pressure over time. This can result in a fragile,
fractured rock structure that is more susceptible to landslides and
rockfalls. Furthermore, the high altitude and harsh climatic conditions
in the Himalayas can exacerbate the effects of weathering and
erosion, further weakening the rock and soil stability.

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