Republic of the Philippines

University of Eastern Philippines

University Town, Northern Samar
College of Engineering

ES215B

GEOLOGY FOR CIVIL

ENGINEERS
(Written Report)

Prof. Ric L. Gonzaga, MCE

Subject professor

Group 1:
Abiena, Sophia Nicole
Goco, Carlos Miguel
Montes, Paulo L.

2024-2025
I. Introduction/Overview of the Topic
This presentation will introduce concepts of general geology in preparation for
succeeding discussions of the modules. It includes classifications of various fields of
engineering geology and categorization of its branches; the procedural approach for
the scientific method of engineering geology; and the role of geology and engineering
geology as a profession in relation to civil engineering works.
At the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define Geology;
2. Classify the different branches of geology and its application to civil engineering;
3. Determine the tools of the geologist; and
4. Find out the role of Engineering Geology to Civil Engineering Structures.
Objectives:
• Understand the role of geology in assessing construction sites and projects.
• Apply geological knowledge to address engineering challenges and risks.
• Identify key tools and methods used by geologists in their studies.
• Recognize the phases where engineering geology is crucial, from planning to
post-construction.
• Explore the opportunities and importance of engineering geology in future
careers.

II. Discussion
What is Geology?
• Geology is the study of the earth (geo means earth, and ology means study of).
• According to Oxford Languages Dictionary, Geology is a science that deals with
the earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that
act on it.
• According to Ireland Geological Survey, the word geology means 'Study of the
Earth'. Also known as geoscience or earth science, Geology is the primary
Earth science and looks at how the earth formed, its structure and composition,
and the types of processes acting on it.
• Geology is the field of knowledge concerning the present and past morphology
and structure of the earth, its environments, and the fossil record of its
inhabitants. It is also defined as the study of earth, the materials of which it is
made, the structure of these materials and the effects of the natural forces
acting upon them. It is significant to civil engineering because all work
performed by civil engineers involves earth and its features.
▪ It has vast subjects such as but not limited to all the rocks, soil, water bodies
of the earth and the development of life. Geology gives importance to civil
engineering fields, the study of which helps in the systematic and efficient
exploration and investigation of the crust for mineral deposits.
Significance of Geology to Civil Engineering:
• It is significant to civil engineering because all work performed by civil engineers
involves earth and its features.
• According to Civil Wale, Geology provides knowledge about the site used in the
construction of buildings, dams, tunnels, tanks, reservoirs, highways and
bridges. Geology helps to identify area susceptible to failures due to geological
hazards such as earthquake, landslides, weathering effects, etc.
What is Engineering Geology?

• Engineering geology is the application of geology to engineering studies for the

purpose of ensuring that the geological factors regarding the location, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering works are recognized
and accounted for.
• Engineering geology provides geological and geotechnical recommendations,
analysis, and design associated with human development and various types of
structures.
• Engineering geology has a significant role in mitigating the effects of natural
hazards such as erosion, floods, landslides, and subsidence. It is also essential
in water exploration, mineral exploration, and environmental protection.
• Engineering geology studies may be performed during the planning,
environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value
engineering, and construction phases of public and private works projects, as
well as during the post-construction and forensic phases of projects.
Branches of Geology

BRANCHES OF GEOLOGY

PHYSICAL/DYNAMICAL HISTORICAL

The Subject Matter Concerned Its Industrial and Commercial Application

Geochemistry
Geodesy Economic Geology
Geomorphology Agricultural Geology
Geophysics Engineering Geology
Mineralogy Hydrology
Oceanography Mining Geology
Paleontology Petroleum Geology
Petrology Military Geology
Physiology
Stratigraphy
Structural Geology

Two Main Subdivisions:

1. Physical/Dynamical Geology
• It deals with all aspects of Earth’s physical properties and the natural
processes which bring about the change in the Earth’s physical landscape.
• It focuses on the present-day structure, composition, and properties of
Earth’s components.
• A physical geology specialist is a geologist who studies rocks, minerals,
processes such as weathering, erosion, and glaciation.
• It overlaps other disciplines such as geophysics, geochemistry, and
mineralogy.
Roles of Physical Geology in Civil Engineering:
A. It reveals the constructive and destructive processes of the physical agents at
particular site/place.
 B. It helps in selecting a suitable site for different kind of projects after studying the
effects of these processes.
2. Historical Geology
• It deals with the evolution of Earth and its life through time.
• It focuses on geologic principles and techniques as well as how scientists
apply these to unravel Earth’s history, e.g., observation and interpretation
of rocks and fossils.
• Apart from providing a scientific basis for understanding the evolution of
Earth over time, historical geology also provides important information
about ancient climate changes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes that
can be used to anticipate the sizes and frequencies of future events.

Subdisciplines of Geology
1. Geochemistry
• It is the study of the chemistry of rocks and of the waters and atmosphere.
• It studies the chemical composition, properties, and behavior of soils, rocks,
water, and atmosphere.

2. Geodesy
• It is the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth’s size,
shape, orientation, mass distribution and how these change with time.
• By using global positioning system (GPS) which are network of satellites
orbiting the earth, geodesists can monitor the movement of a site 24 hrs. a day.
• Application in engineering: geodetic measurements determine the 3D
movements of reference points of a dam.

3. Geomorphology
• It is the study of the Earth’s landforms both on land and on the seafloor, their
origin and development.
• Application in engineering: evaluation of near surface ground conditions is
considered for design and construction of man-made structures.

4. Geophysics
• It is the application of the principles of physics to the study of the earth.
• It deals with phenomenas such as the movement of the Earth’s crust and the
temperature of its interior.
• Application in engineering: geophysical methods provide accurate data about
the structure of the subsurface which is a valuable information in the field of
engineering.
5. Mineralogy
• It is the study of minerals (crystalline elements or compounds that make up
rocks), including their formation and properties.
• Application in engineering: it enables them to classify rocks for different
purposes, e.g., flooring, foundation rock.

6. Oceanography
• It is the study of the oceans and their basins.
• It studies the physical, chemical, and biological features of the ocean, including
its ancient history current condition, and its future.

7. Paleontology
• It comes from the Latin “paleos” which means ancient, and “ontos” which means
life.
• It is the study of the life of past geologic periods and the evolution of plants and
animals in which remains or traces are found in the rocks.

8. Petrology
• It is the systematic study of rocks especially their origin.
• It delves into the processes of how these rocks are formed (e.g. rock cycle).
• Application in engineering: based on their suitability, rocks can be used as
foundation for dams, tunnels, and others.

9. Physiography
• It embraces the fields of geomorphology, meteorology, climatology, and
oceanography.
• Meteorology (science dealing with the atmosphere and its phenomena,
including weather)
• Climatology (study of climate and how it changes over time)
• Application in engineering: houses should be designed based on the climate
they live.

10. Stratigraphy
• It is the study of layered rocks, chiefly those of sedimentary origin. These layered
rocks are formed from sediments which are formed from igneous rocks through
weathering, erosion, and the like.
• Application in engineering: civil engineering projects involving cutting railway
tunnels across mountains need knowledge of stratigraphy to tell the layer of
rocks and their nature.
11. Structural Geology
• It deals with the position including the form, arrangement, and internal structure
of rock bodies, and with tectonic geology interprets the forces causing them to
be deformed or broken.
• Application in engineering: basis of construction projects for buildings, bridges,
dams, roads, etc.; serves as tool for prevention and mitigation in the control of
geological risks.

Industrial and Commercial Application of Geology:

• Economic Geology is a broad field, involving the commercial and industrial uses
of the resources of the earth.
• Agricultural Geology is the study of soils, especially of their depletion and
erosion.
• Engineering Geology is the application of the geology to engineering study for
the purpose of assuring that the geological factors regarding the location,
design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are
recognized and accounted for
• Hydrology is the study of surface and underground water.
• Mining Geology is geology applied to the finding and extraction of metallic
deposits (ores) and nonmetallic resources such as coal, building stones, clay,
etc.
• Petroleum Geology is the study of the origin and occurrence of petroleum (oil)
and natural gas.
• Military Geology is the application of geologic knowledge to warfare.

Tools of the Geologists

Geologists employ various supports of their work with the utilization of the different
tools,

• Plane table
Surveying Instruments • Transit
• Theodolite
• Brunton compass
 • Dip Needle
• Magnetometer
Geophysical Instruments • Pendulum and Gravimeter
• Seismograph
• Geiger and Scintillation counter

• Petrographic microscope
• Electron Microscope
• Phase Microscope
Optimal Instruments
• X-ray diffractometer
• Spectrometer

• Topographic maps
• Geological maps
Maps and Literature • Profiles
• Cross Sections
• Block Diagrams

Plane Table A plane table (plain

table prior to 1830) is a device
used in surveying site
mapping, exploration
mapping, coastal navigation
mapping, and related
disciplines to provide a solid
and level surface on which to
make field drawings, charts
and maps. The early use of
the name plain table reflected
its simplicity and plainness
rather than its flatness.

Objectives of Plain Table

1. To carry out small scale
Surveying
surveying rapidly.
Instruments
2. To run the survey lines
between stations that have
 been previously fixed by other
methods of surveying.
3. To locate the topographic
details.

Transit In surveying, a transit level

comes in handy precise
reading of horizontal and
vertical angles. It is commonly
used for excavating,
landscaping, and laying
foundations. For
professionals, a transit level is
a versatile and invaluable
precision instrument for
various tasks. For beginners,
this optical instrument might
seem complicated to use and
set up.
Theodolite A theodolite is a precision
optical instrument for
measuring angles between
designated visible points in
the horizontal and
vertical planes. It consists of a
moveable telescope mounted
so it can rotate around
horizontal and
vertical axes and provide
angular readouts.

Uses:
• Measuring horizontal and
vertical angles
• Locating points on a line
• Prolonging survey lines
• Finding difference of level
or elevation
• Setting out grades and
curves

Brunton Compass A Brunton compass, properly

known as the Brunton Pocket
Transit, is a
precision compass made
by Brunton,
Inc. of Riverton, Wyoming. The
instrument was patented in 1894
by Canadian-born geologist
David W. Brunton. Unlike most
modern compasses, the Brunton
Pocket Transit utilizes magnetic
induction damping rather than
fluid to damp needle oscillation.
Geologists use Bruntons
for general navigation (like a
regular compass, the Brunton
has a needle that points to
magnetic north) as well as to
measure the strike and dip of
rock layers.
 Dip Needle Dip Needle, or Inclinometer,
instrument for measuring
the inclination, or dip, of
the Earth’s magnetic field. It
consists essentially of a
magnetic needle pivoted at
the centre of a graduated
circle. The assembly is
mounted such that the
needle swings vertically
rather than horizontally, as
does a compass needle.
When the instrument is
placed with the plane of the
circle in the magnetic
meridian of the Earth, the
needle points in the direction
of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Geophysical
Instruments
Magnetometer A magnetometer is a device
that measures magnetic
field or magnetic dipole
moment. Different types of
magnetometers measure the
direction, strength, or relative
change of a magnetic field at
a particular location.

Pendulum and Gravimeter

Gravimetry is the
measurement of the strength
of a gravitational field.
An instrument used to
measure gravity is known as
a gravimeter and pendulum.
For a small body, general
relativity predicts gravitational
effects indistinguishable from
the effects of acceleration by
the equivalence principle.
Thus, gravimeters can be
 regarded as special-
purpose accelerometers.
Many weighing scales may
be regarded as simple
gravimeters.

Seismograph Seismograph, instrument that

makes a record of seismic
waves caused by
an earthquake, explosion, or
other Earth-shaking
phenomenon. Seismographs
are equipped with
electromagnetic sensors that
translate ground motions into
electrical changes, which are
processed and recorded by
the instruments’ analog or
digital circuits.

Geiger Counter/Scintillation Geiger–Müller or GM Counter

and Scintillation Counter are
two commonly used devices
to detect and quantify the
radiation. The GM counter
can detect all kinds of
radiations such as alpha, beta
and gamma rays, whereas
the scintillation counter can
detect only ionizing
radiations.
 Petrographic Microscope Petrographic Microscope -
The polarizing microscope or
“petrographic microscope” is
used mainly in geological
studies for geological
specimens but also in
medicine and biology. This
type of microscope differs
from the normal one by using
a polarized light, in which the
light waves vibrate in one
direction. Unlike the ones
from normal light that vibrate
in random directions. It’s used
in anisotropic materials (like
minerals) because of their
birefringent optical properties
– they have several refractive
indices. When studying a
specimen the light has to pass
through a polarizer (polarizing
Optimal filter) and then in some cases
Instruments
through an analyzer – to
increase the quality of image
contrast.

Electron Microscope - an
Electron Microscope
electron microscope is an
instrument that uses a beam
of electrons to magnify a
specimen. It has a higher
resolution power of up to
100,000X. It is mainly used to
observe the internal structure
of cells and the ultrastructure
of surfaces.
X-ray Diffractometer
X-ray Diffractometer- An X-
ray diffractometer, or XRD
machine, is a device for
analyzing and measuring the
structure of materials.

Spectrometer Spectrometer - In the

broadest sense a
spectrometer is any
instrument that is used to
measure the variation of a
physical characteristic over a
given range; i.e. a spectrum.
This could be a mass-to-
charge ratio spectrum in the
case of a mass spectrometer,
the variation of nuclear
resonant frequencies in an
NMR spectrometer or the
change in the absorption and
emission of light with
wavelength in an optical
spectrometer.

Phase Microscope

Phase Microscope is an
optical microscopy technique
that converts phase shifts in
the light passing through a
transparent specimen to
brightness changes in the
image.
 Topographic Maps Topographic maps - A
topographic map is a detailed
and accurate illustration of
man-made and natural
features on the ground such
as roads, railways, power
transmission lines, contours,
elevations, rivers, lakes and
geographical names.

Geologic Maps Geologic Maps - Geologic

maps are uniquely suited to
solving problems involving
Earth resources, hazards,
Maps and and environments. Geologic
Literatures maps represent the
distribution of different types
of rock and surficial deposits,
as well as locations of
geologic structures such as
faults and folds. Geologic
maps are the primary source
of information for various
aspects of land-use planning,
including the siting of
buildings and transportations
systems.

Profile
Profile is a representation of
the relief of the terrain that is
obtained by cutting
transversely the lines of
topographic map.
Cross Sections A cross section is a diagram
representing the geologic
features intersecting a vertical
plane, and is used to illustrate
an area’s structure and
stratigraphy that would
otherwise be hidden
underground.

Block Diagrams Block Diagrams – A block

diagram is a visual
representation of a system that
uses simple, labeled blocks that
represent single or multiple
items, entities or concepts,
connected by lines to show
relationships between them.
Geology and Engineering Geology as Profession

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth's materials, processes, and history.
Geologists examine rocks, minerals, fossils, and landforms to understand the Earth's
structure, evolution, and natural processes. Engineering Geology is a specialized
branch of geology that focuses on the application of geologic principles to engineering
projects. Engineering geologists assess geological conditions at construction sites,
transportation routes, and other infrastructure projects to ensure their stability and
safety. They evaluate factors like soil and rock properties, slope stability, groundwater
flow, and geological hazards to provide recommendations for design and construction.
By analyzing the geological characteristics of a site, they help engineers make
informed decisions and develop strategies to prevent potential problems that could
arise during or after construction.
In the realm of Engineering, Geology plays a crucial role in providing the
foundational understanding of the Earth's materials and processes. Engineers heavily
depend on geologists to analyze the subsurface conditions of a construction site. For
instance, when planning the construction of a new building, bridge, or roadway,
engineers collaborate with geologists to assess the soil composition, rock types, and
geological formations present at the site. This information is essential for determining
the most suitable foundation design and construction methods, ensuring the stability
and safety of the structure over time.
Engineering Geology takes this collaboration a step further. Engineering
geologists apply their specialized knowledge to identify potential geological hazards
that could impact engineering projects. They evaluate the risk of landslides, soil
erosion, groundwater seepage, and other geological factors that might jeopardize the
integrity of infrastructure. By conducting thorough geological assessments, they
provide engineers with recommendations to mitigate these risks and implement
appropriate measures to enhance the durability and longevity of the project.
Furthermore, the expertise of engineering geologists is instrumental in
managing the environmental impact of engineering projects. They assess how
construction activities might affect the local ecosystem, water quality, and geological
formations. By considering these factors, engineers can design projects that minimize
disruption to the environment and adhere to sustainable practices.
In summary, Geology and Engineering Geology are integral components of the
Engineering profession. They offer insights that guide the design, construction, and
maintenance of infrastructure projects while also ensuring the safety, stability, and
sustainability of those projects in the face of geological challenges. The collaboration
between geologists and engineers exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of modern
engineering, where scientific understanding and practical application converge to
create innovative and resilient solutions.
III. Summary

• Geology is the field of knowledge concerning the present and past

morphology and structure of the earth, its environments, and the fossil record
of its inhabitants.

• Engineering geology is the application of the geology to engineering study for

the purpose of assuring that the geological factors regarding the location,
design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are
recognized and accounted for.

• Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical

recommendations, analysis, and design associated with human development
and various types of structures.

• Tools of the Geologists: Surveying Instruments, Geophysical Instruments,

Optimal Instruments, Maps and Literature.

• Engineering geology studies may be performed during the planning,

environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value
engineering and construction phases of public and private works projects, and
during post-construction and forensic phases of projects.

Conclusion

To sum it up, geology provides us knowledge about the site used in the
construction of buildings, dams, tunnels, tanks, reservoirs, highways and bridges.
Geology helps to identify are susceptible to failures due to geological hazards such as
earthquakes, landslides, and weathering affects. An engineering geologist applies
geological sciences to engineering processes, utilizing them to solve problems in
engineering while also taking all geological factors into consideration. This topic holds
the key to the future. Students who specialize in this topic will have more opportunities.

Feedback
After working with this topic, Group 1 can tell that it is important to study these
fundamentals — the definition of geology, its branches, various tools used by
geologists, so that students can better understand the complex topics as they go on
deeper on rocks, soil properties, rock mechanics, tectonic and earthquake hazards
and so on.
IV. Self-Assessment
I. Identification:
1. “Geo” means _______ and “logy” means ______.
2. __________ is the field of knowledge concerning the present and past morphology
and structure of the earth, its environments, and the fossil record of its inhabitants. It
is also defined as the study of earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of
these materials and the effects of the natural forces acting upon them.

II. True or False:

3. Geology deals with the position of rock bodies and with tectonic geology, interpret
the forces causing them to be deformed or broken.
4. Mining geology applies to the finding and extraction of metallic deposits (ores) and
nonmetallic resources such as coal, building stones, clay, etc.
5. Geochemistry is the study of layered rocks, chiefly those of sedimentary origin.

III. Enumeration:
6.-8. Give at least three (3) Tools of the Geologists.
9.-10. What are the two (2) Main Subdivisions of Geology.
ANSWER KEY:
Answer keys:
1. Earth, study of
2. Geology
3. False
4. True
5. False
6.-8. (choose 3)
· Plane table
· Transit
· Theodolite
· Brunton compass
· Dip Needle
· Magnetometer
· Pendulum and Gravimeter
· Seismograph
· Geiger and Scintillation counter
· Petrographic microscope
· Electron Microscope
· Phase Microscope
· X-ray diffractometer
· Spectrometer
· Topographic maps
· Geological maps
· Profiles
· Cross Sections
· Block Diagrams
9. Physical Geology
10. Historical Geology
V. References
Al-Saafin, A. An Overview of Engineering Geology.

https://www.scribd.com/doc/51324277/An-Overview-of-Engineering-Geology-

PPT

Barakat O. O., (2022, August 23). Engineering Geology. LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/engineering-geology-geotech4all-1f?trk=pulse-

article

Brunton Compass: What is It and How to Use a Brunton Compass. (2023, August 2)

Geology In. https://www.geologyin.com/2014/04/brunton-compass.html

Chen, X., & Zhou, Y. (2012). Popularizing geological education among civil

engineering students. Journal of Geoscience

Education. https://doi.org/10.5408/10-207.1

Divya, M. (n.d.). What is Topographic Map? [Video]. Study.com.

https://study.com/learn/lesson/topography-topographic-maps.html

Geiger Counter/ scintillation detector. (2013, July 25). Ben’s Science

Wonderland. https://sciencewonderland.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/geiger-

counter-scintillation-detector/

Geological Survey Ireland. Geology. https://www.gsi.ie/en-

ie/pages/search.aspx?k=geology

Mishra, H. (2020, August 4). Importance of Geology in Civil engineering - Civil Wale.

Civil Wale. https://civilwale.com/importance-of-geology-in-civil-engineering/

Pier, H. (2021, December). Difference Between Physical and Historical Geology

[Video]. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/difference-between-

physical-and-historical-
 geology.html#:~:text=Physical%20geology%20deals%20with%20present,took

%20place%20in%20the%20past

Pradhan, R. (2021, September). What Is Plane Table Surveying? 4 Important Method

Of Plane Table Survey. Tech Me Engineer. https://techmeengineer.com/plane-

table-surveying/#google_vignette

Santi, P. M., & Higgins, J. D. (2005). Preparing geologists for careers in engineering

geology and hydrogeology. Journal of Geoscience Education, 53(5), 513–

521. https://doi.org/10.5408/1089-9995-53.5.513

What is a Geologic Map? (n.d.). New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral

Resources. https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/maps/geologic/whatis.html#:~

:text=Geologic%20maps%20represent%20the%20distribution,of%20buildings

%20and%20transportation%20systems

What is geodesy? (n.d.). National Ocean

Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/geodesy.html#:~:text=Geodesy%

20is%20the%20science%20of%20accurately%20measuring%20and%20unde

rstanding%20three,of%20these%20properties%20with%20time

Unal, E. (n.d.). What is Physical Geology? [Video]. Study.com.

https://study.com/learn/lesson/physical-geology-overview-parts.html