GEOLOGY FOR

CIVIL ENGINEERING
GEO 122
COURSE
DESCRIPTION

Fundamentals of geology applied to civil engineering problems.

Topics include rock and mineral types, soil properties, rock
mechanics, geologic structures, active tectonics and earthquake
hazards, slope stability and landslides, groundwater, rivers and
flood hazards.
COURSE OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student must be able to :

1. Describe and explain the role of geology in the design and construction
process of underground openings in rock.

2. Apply geologic concepts and approaches on civil engineering projects.

3. Identify and classify rock using basic geologic classification systems.

4. Use geologic literature to establish the geotechnical framework needed

to properly design and construct heavy civil works rock projects.

5. Utilize backgrounds in engineering and earth science to provide

solutions to engineering problems within the context of the natural world
COURSE OUTLINE
Intended Learning Outcomes

 Define and explain the role of geology in

the design and construction process of
I. GENERAL GEOLOGY
underground openings in rock.

 Geology in Civil Engineering

 Identify and apply the different geologic
concepts and approaches on civil
1. Branches of Geology
engineering process.
2. Earth Structure and Composition
3. Elemental knowledge on continental drift and plate  Describe the importance of ground water
tectonics
in Civil Engineering.
4. Weathering – work of rivers, wind and sea and
their engineering importance
5. Origin and occurrence of earthquake – mode of
occurrence – prospecting
6. Ground water – Importance in Civil Engineering
COURSE OUTLINE
Intended Learning Outcomes

 Identify and classify rock using basic

geologic classification system
II. MINERALOGY

1. Elementary knowledge on symmetry elements of

crystallographic systems
2. Physical properties of minerals
3. Study of the following rock forming minerals –
Quartz family. Feldspar family , Augite, Homblend, Biotite,
Muscovite, Calcite, Garnet
4. Properties, process of formation of all minerals –
coal and petroleum – their origin and occurrence in India
COURSE OUTLINE
Intended Learning Outcomes

 Identify and classify rock using basic

geologic classification system
III. PETROLOGY

1. Classification of rocks – Distinction between Igneous,

Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks
2. Description – Occurrence, properties and
distribution of Igneous, Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
3. Igneous rocks – Granite, Syenite, Diorite, Gabbro,
Pegmatite, Dolerite and Basalt
4. Sedimentary Rock – Sandstone, Limestone, Shale,
Conglomerate, and Breccia
5. Metamorphic Rocks – Quartsite, Marble, Slate, Gneiss
and Schist
COURSE OUTLINE
Intended Learning Outcomes

 Define Structural geology and rock

mechanics
IV. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND ROCK MECHANICS

1. Attitude of Beds – Outcrops – Geologic Maps

2. Study of structures – folds, faults and joints – their
bearing on Engineering Construction
3. Physical properties and mechanical properties of
rocks – porosity – permeability – density – strength – hardness
– elasticity – plasticity.
4. Dynamic property of rocks – types of wave theory
- factors influencing wave velocity – statics and
dynamics moduli of elasticity - grouting
COURSE OUTLINE
Intended Learning Outcomes

 use the geologic literature to establish

the geotechnical framework needed to
V. GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION
properly design and construct heavy civil
IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
work rock project.
 Identify the different geological and
1. Site investigations
geophysical investigation applied to
2. Geological methods
Civil Engineering.
3. Exploration techniques  Utilize background in engineering and
4. Geophysical methods – direct penetration – core
earth science to provide solutions to
boring – logging of cores
engineering problems within the context
5. Geological condition necessary for construction of
of the natural world.
dams – tunnels – building – Road cutting.
Course Requirements
 Attendance - 5%
 Seatwork - 5%
 Class Recitation - 5%
 Reporting - 15%
 Quiz - 20%
 Midterm Exam - 25%
 Final Exam - 25%

Total - 100%

Passing Rate - 60%

Importance of Geology in Civil
Engineering
In all types of heavy construction jobs such as building, towers,
tanks, dams and reservoir, highway bridges, tunnel, slope
protection and so on, full geological information about the site of
construction and about the natural materials of construction is very
important.
 Why Study Geology?
Planning Designing Construction
Build safe and reliable structures Innovate engineering designs Improve structures for sustainability and cost-
effectiveness.
 Seating Arrangement

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