Rock weathering &

Soils
Factors, Processes, Classification, Engineering
Considerations
 Introduction

Rock weathering is the mechanical or chemical breakdown

of solid rock(bedrock) in response to the atmosphere, water and
organic matter. Most rocks form under conditions vastly
different from those on the earth’s surface. By contrast, in the
near-surface environment, low temperatures prevail, there is
little or no confining pressure, and water, oxygen and organic
matter are abundant. Therefore, rock at the surface undergo
both physical and chemical changes.
 Outline of Topics
 Factors Controlling Weathering

 Processes of Mechanical Weathering

 Processes of Chemical Weathering

 Classification of Weathering Grade

 Soil Profiles
 Factors Controlling Weathering
 Role of Water
 its amount is the primary agent controlling the type of
weathering. If available, chemical weathering will take
place. In its absence, mechanical weathering will prevail.

Water availability can be related to:

- climate (humid vs arid)
- elevation(high altitudes ice formation)
- latitude (high latitude also yields water in a frozen
state)
This is why mechanical weathering prevails in the desserts
and rapid chemical weathering in the tropical regions.
Factors controlling…
 Water’s role in chemical weathering is that of a universal
solvent. Water provides oxygen for reaction and mobility
for the ions. An increase in temperature also yields an
increased rate of reaction. Without water, elevated
temperatures do not have this effect.

- therefore high chemical weathering occurs in the

tropics

- mechanical weathering in arid regions

Factors controlling…
 Topographic Expression
 When mechanical weathering prevails, sharp angular
topography develops. Because water is scarce,
carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite) are not subject to
solution but persist as resistant rocks.

 By contrast, when chemical weathering prevails, rounded

topography develops. The outcrops are more rounded
and soil accumulation is deeper than in arid region.
Rock weathering….
 Processes of Mechanical Weathering (see Endogenic vs
Exogenic Processes)

 Processes of Chemical Weathering (see Endogenic vs

Exogenic Processes)
Classification of Weathering Grades
 Weathering leads to a general disintegration of rock
through changes in mineral composition, increase in
void space, and weakening of interparticle bonds(Ebuk
et al 1993). The degree of disintegration depends on the
original composition and texture of the rock, as well as
the processes and rates of weathering.

 The engineering properties of weathered rock can be

significantly different compared to fresh rock. The
engineering description of a rock must include its
degree of weathering in both qualitative & quantitative
terms.
Classification of
Weathering Grade
 Most classifications are based
on a comparison of the
properties for fresh and
weathered rock.
 The Geological Society of
London (1995) proposed six
grades of weathering. Other
classifications do not include
residual soil.
 Engineering properties have
been related to these grades
for different rock types
 But these properties have
great variability for different
rock types
 Soils & Soil Profiles
 Definitions:

 Soil (practical orientation):

In civil engineering, soil is the earth material that can be
disaggregated in water by gentle agitation
In construction, it is the material that can be removed by
conventional means

 A consequence of weathering is the formation of soil

profile…
 Soil Profiles
 In soil science, agronomy and agriculture, soil consists of
the thin upper layers of the Earth’s crust, formed by surface
weathering that can support plant life. It is an end result
brought about by the downward percolation of water.

 The solid, continuous mass of rock below the soil or

exposed at the earth’s surface that must be removed by
blasting is called the bedrock.

 Other terms for soil and bedrock are:

unconsolidated (overburden) material
consolidated material
 Soil Profile
The three major horizons:

Horizon A: rich in organic matter is the topsoil of the zone of

leaching from which downward percolating water
has some clays and soluble ions.

Horizon B: is the subsoil or zone of accumulation. Clays are

more prevalent and organic matter is less abundant.

Horizon C: this marks the transition from the soil profile to the
unweathered parent material below.
End of Topic