Geological

Considerations in
Design
Presented by:
Khrisna Thea I. Millan
Reynaldo Samulde
Jeverly Alvarez
•
What is Geology?
from the Greek ge “earth" and logia, “study of, discourse.
• Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the
structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. It
includes the study of organisms that have inhabited our planet. An
important part of geology is the study of how Earth’s materials,
structures, processes and organisms have changed over time. There are
many forms of geology, including economic geology, planetary geology,
and engineering geology.

• A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and

liquid matter that constitutes the Earth as well as the
processes and history that has shaped it. Geologists
usually engage in studying geology. Geologists,
studying more of an applied science than a theoretical
one, must approach Geology using physics, chemistry
and biology as well as other sciences.
 Importance of Geology
Geology helps ensure a safe and cost-effective design for construction
projects. Gathering geological information for a project site is important in
the planning, design, and construction phase of an engineering project.

Conducting a detailed geological survey of an area before commencing a

project will reduce the overall cost of the project. Common foundational
problems in dams, bridges, and other buildings are typically directly related
to the geology of the area where they were constructed.
 Need for Understanding the Geology

• For quality control of construction materials, such as sand,

gravel, or crushed rocks, an engineer with a geological
background is needed. The knowledge of the nature of the
rocks in a specific area is necessary for tunneling and
determining the stability of cuts and slopes.
 Need for Understanding the Geology
• Geological maps also help in planning projects. If
geological features, such as faults, joints, beds, folds,
or channels are encountered, suitable remedies should
be incorporated. Geological maps provide information
regarding the structural disposition of rock types in a
proposed area. Topographical maps are essential for
understanding the advantages and disadvantages of all
possible sites.
Example of Geologic Map
 Need for Understanding the Geology
Hydrological maps provide information regarding the
distribution of surface water channels and the occurrence
and depth contour of ground water. Knowledge of ground
water is necessary for excavation works. Understanding
soil erosion transportation and deposition by surface
water helps in soil conservation, river control, and coastal
works. In geologically-sensitive areas, such as coastal belts
and seismic zones, knowledge of the geological history of
the area is very important
 SOIL
Soil is a thin layer of loose material found on the
surface of the earth. It comes from broken rock
particles and decayed bodies of living things like
plants and animals. Soils can make or break
construction projects. Engineers and soil scientists
measure soil strength to see how easily a soil changes
shape or shifts, to see whether it will bear the weight of
structures.

Soils can make or break construction projects.

Engineers and soil scientists measure soil strength to
see how easily a soil changes shape or shifts, to see
whether it will bear the weight of structures.
 Kinds of Soil
Clay is a soil mixture which is made up of very fine
rock particles. It soaks up and holds water easily. It is
sticky
when wet. Tiny roots of plants cannot spread out and
grow well in clay. Clay is used for making vases, pots
and jars.
Sand is formed from broken rocks. It is made up of
small grains of rocks. The particles of sand are larger
than the particles of clay. There are more air spaces
between the particles of sand so water runs through
easily and dries up easily. Sand is not good for most
plants. It is used for construction of buildings, roads
and bridges.
Humus is a kind of soil that is very rich with decayed
matter, especially dead plants. It is fertile and good for
plants.
Loam is a mixture of sand, clay and humus. It is the
best kind of soil for plants.
Gravel is composed of small pieces of rocks found
along riverbanks or along other bodies of water.
The particles of gravel are larger than the particles
of sand. Gravel is used in building houses, bridges
and roads.
Silt is a solid, dust-like sediment that water, ice, and
wind transport and deposit. Silt is made up of rock
and mineral particles that are larger than clay but
smaller than sand. Individual silt particles are so
small that they are difficult to see.
 Conclusion
In conclusion, the types of soil in the Philippines are important geological consideration in
Philippine architecture.
• An architect must be able to know and understand well the characteristics of such types of
soil. This will be the basis of how you can start on planning and constructing a building.
• An architect considers the soil of the site before planning and construction.
• Lastly, geology is an important consideration on architecture for one can learn the structure of
Earth which
one can start building.
Monitoring house design and construction will enable you to correct poor practices as they
happen so
that your house will better protect your family and belongings in an emergency. The expense
involved in building a stronger house is little compared to the added security and protection it
gives to you and your family.
Thank You