ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Credit Hours : 2 (2, 0)

Course Code: CEE105  
PREREQUISITES: None
 
Text BOOKS:
1. A Geology for Engineers by F.G.H.Blyth.
2. Principles of Physical Geology by Arthur Holmes.
 
Reference Books
1. Structural Geology by Marland P. Billings.
2. Essentials of Geology by Reed Wicander and James S. Monroe
 
 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of course are to introduce the student to geology and to

the effect of geology on the design and construction of civil
engineering and constructed facilities. Students will learn engineering
elements of rock and geologic processes from an engineering
perspective.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOS)

Understand the basic concept of geology (C1-PLO1).

Understand and identify the properties of common rock forming minerals
and rock types (C2-PLO2).
Apply acquired knowledge in Civil Engineering Projects (C3-PLO3).
 Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

 PLO-1
Engineering Knowledge - Apply knowledge of mathematics, science,
engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of
complex engineering problems.
 PLO-2
Problem Analysis - Identify, formulate, research literature and analyse complex
engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of
mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.
 PLO-3
Design/Development of Solutions - Design solutions for complex engineering
problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs
with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and
environmental considerations.
 COURSE OUTLINE

Introduction to Geology. Rocks and Minerals (main groups, igneous,

sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, importance of minerals and ores, rock
cycle).
Weathering and Erosion (agents of weathering, weathering classification, cycle
of erosion, erosion types, land forms, mass wasting, formation of meanders and
ox-bow lakes).
Structural Features (dip, strike, folds, faults, joints, unconformities, effects of
structural features on civil engineering projects).
Earthquakes (definition and technical terms, causes, classification, measuring of
earthquake intensity).
Landslides. Glaciers and Glaciations. Tunnelling. Engineering Applications.
 INTRODUCTION

Geology is the study of the Earth, it grips knowledge of geological materials

(characteristically soils and rocks) and the processes that formed them and that currently
transform them.
 Engineering geology is the application of the science of geology to the technology of
ground engineering.
Engineering Geology is the application of geological knowledge to the design,
construction, operation and maintenance of civil engineering structures and facilities
The subject requires a comprehensive knowledge of geology, as well as an understanding
of engineering properties and behavior of the geological materials.
It is one of the rapidly growing fields of engineering reflecting society’s developing
interest managing risk and creating a safer world.
 INTRODUCTION

It is mainly concerned with the application of geology to civil and mining
engineering practice.
The purpose is to ensure that geological factors affecting the planning, design,
construction and maintenance of engineering works, and the development of
groundwater resources are recognized, adequately interpreted and presented for
use in engineering practice.
 INTRODUCTION

The foundation supporting a civil engineering structure is the most important

element of the structure, and will have an effect on the quality, safety and
construction costs of the project.
Usually, the geotechnical properties of the foundations are determined through
engineering geological surveys and ground investigations, prior to construction
and will, in some cases, guide the planning and design. .
 INTRODUCTION

The field of Geological Engineering encompasses a wide range of

activities including the geological characterization of complex
foundations of major buildings and structures, development of natural
resources (water, hydroelectricity, forestry, oil and gas).
Investigation and assessment of groundwater movement and quality,
Engineering safety of major infrastructure (dams, reservoirs,
pipelines, roads and railways).
 INTRODUCTION

The assessment of geohazard risk (landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the

stability of natural dams). It also includes aspects of such fields as project finance
and insurance, land-use planning, forensic geological engineering, and the
application of geological knowledge to the repair and preservation of cultural
heritage sites.
 INTRODUCTION

In engineering geology basic knowledge is required of the following

Soil mechanics
Hydrology
Foundation engineering
Concrete and road stone technology
Mining technology
Seismology
 ROCKS AND MINERALS

A mineral is solid inorganic material of the Earth that has both a known
chemical composition and a crystalline structure that is unique to that
mineral.
Mineral Characteristics [natural , inorganic ,solid , definite composition and
crystal structure ]
A rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals that have been
cohesively brought together by a rock-forming process.
 CIVIL ENGINEERS

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of different infrastructures,

such as buildings, dams, highways, bridges and airports.
After the infrastructure is designed, civil engineers supervise the construction
from conception to completion.
Civil engineers sometimes specialize in different types of infrastructure.
 GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERS

Geological engineers study the earth’s components to analyze and report

whether or not the site is safe to design different infrastructures.
They report their findings to civil engineers and managers, then work with
them throughout the infrastructure design process
 GEOLOGICAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERS

In many cases, geological and civil engineers work together to decide what
materials to use and how to stabilize the structure.
The process ensures the ground the infrastructure is built on can support it
safely.
After careful analysis of the geology of the location, geological engineers
prepare reports and work with civil engineers to help select the best materials to
use and suggest areas that require additional support.
Geological and civil engineers sometimes work together, but have very
different responsibilities. While geological engineers study the earth’s inner and
outer surface to evaluate potential infrastructure construction sites, civil
engineers design the infrastructure to be built.
 ENGINEERING

It is the application of scientific knowledge and mathematical methods to

practical purposes of the design, construction or operation of structures,
machines, or systems
 EXTRA SLIDES

A much greater knowledge is required of site investigation practice such as

boring
engineering geophysics
sampling
photogeology
lab in situ testing
engineering geological mapping