CHAPTER ONE

1. General Introductions
1.1 Geology:
 It is the branch of science which deals with the earth as a whole.
 regarding its origin, age, interior structure, history,
evolution and modification of various surface like rivers,
mountains and lakes along with their causes, minerals
making up the earth, etc.
 Geology term has been derived from Greek words Geo (Earth)
+ lagos (Study of science)

 Geology, also includes the study of various:

- physical, dynamic and physicochemical processes operating on
- or within the earth and of the agents and forces involved and evolved in
such processes.

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1.2 Geotechnical Engineering
 It is the sub discipline of civil engineering that involves natural materials
found close to the surface of the earth.
 It concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials.

 It uses principles of soil mechanics, rock mechanics and engineering geology:

1. to investigate subsurface conditions and materials,

2. determine the relevant physical/mechanical and chemical properties of the

materials,

3. evaluate stability of natural slopes and man-made soil deposits, access risks
posed by site conditions,

4. design earthworks and structure foundations and monitor site conditions

 A typical geotechnical engineering project begins with a review of project

needs to define the required material properties.
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 Then follows a site investigation of soil, rock, fault distribution and
bedrock properties on and below an area of interest to determine their
engineering properties.

 Site investigations are needed to gain an understanding of the area in or

on which the engineering will take place.

 Investigations can include the assessment of the risk to humans,

property and the environment from natural hazards such as
earthquakes, landslides, soil liquefaction, debris flows and rock falls.

 A geotechnical engineer then determines and designs the type of

foundations, earthworks and pavement subgrades required for the
intended man-made structures to be built.

 Foundations are designed and constructed for structures of various sizes

such as high-rise buildings, bridges, medium to large commercial
buildings, and smaller structures where the soil conditions do not allow
code-based design
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 The knowledge of the use of soil extends into prehistoric
times, when man started constructing dwellings for living
and roads for transportations

 Humans have historically used soil as a material for flood

control, irrigations purposes, burial sites, buildings
foundations and as construction material for buildings

 Classical geotechnical mechanics began in 1773 with

Charles Coulomb’s introduction of mechanics to soil
problems

 Modern geotechnical engineering began in 1925 with the

publication of Erdbaumechanik by Karl Terzaghi.

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Generally recognized as the father of modern

soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering,
Terzaghi's research on the settlement of clays
and failure due to piping beneath dams was
considered groundbreaking
Geotechnical Commission of Swedish State
Railways (1914- 1922) was the first to use the
word Geotechnical in the sense that we know it
today: the combination of Civil Engineering
technology and Geology.

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WHAT DO GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS DO?

 Geotechnical engineers have knowledge in geology and

hydrology to provide solutions related to these sciences.

 Geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists perform

geotechnical investigations to obtain information on the physical
properties of soil and rock underlying (and sometimes adjacent
to) a site.

 These professionals engineers design earthworks and

foundations for proposed structures, as well as repair distress
caused by subsurface conditions such as erosion from mining or
landslides. Geotechnical engineers rely on both surface
exploration and subsurface exploration in order to arrive at a
site's strength.
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  Sometimes, a geophysical survey is necessary for
pre-site investigation.

 Geotechnical engineering can be applied to many different

fields including: oil and gas, mining (including lithium
mining and lithium extraction technology), construction,
agriculture, water utilities, transportation, landfill, coastal
restoration, dredging, and many more.

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Branches of Geotechnical Engineering

1. Soil Mechanics

2. Rock Mechanics

3. Foundation Engineering

4. Geoenvironmental Engineering

5. Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

6. Geologic Engineering

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1.2.1 Engineering Geology
 Engineering geology is branch of science which studies the
suitability construction sites and availability construction
material.
 It has great importance in safe, economic and stable designs of
engineering projects.
 It is the science that applies geologic data, techniques and
principles to:

 the investigation, study and solution of the engineering and

environmental problems which may arise as the result of

the interaction between geology and the works and
activities of man

 the prediction and development of measures for prevention

or remediation of geological hazards.

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 The principal objective of the engineering geologist is:

 the protection of life and property against damage caused

by various geological conditions.

 The practice of engineering geology is also very

closely related to the practice of geological engineering
and geotechnical engineering.

 If there is a difference in the content of the disciplines, it

mainly lies in the training or experience of the practitioner.

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Importance of geology in civil engineering
Before starting any major/minor civil construction at a place, a
detailed geological report which is accompanied by geological
maps and sections is prepared.

Geological maps and sections help considerably in planning

many engineering projects.

The detailed geological report contains types of rocks

(Petrology), types of formations (geological structures) and
physical properties of earth (Geophysics).

It provides a systematic knowledge of construction materials

and their occurrence, formation, durability, strength, hardness
and uses.

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It provides rock hardness, chemical composition, strength,

durability and is particularly important as it gives the required

load bearing properties of the rock which will help in deciding the

usage

It is important to study of patterns that are formed below the

earth like folds, faults, joints and unconformity.

 Role of knowledge of Geology in Civil Engineering Geology plays a

very important role in the field of civil engineering. Some

applications of the knowledge of geology are given below.

 It provides knowledge about materials used for construction.

 Its knowledge is helpful for river control and shipping work.

 Its knowledge is helpful for constructing dams.

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 Its knowledge is required for foundation faults.

 For design of highways and roads.

 In construction of tunnels.

 Soil tests are done before any project.

 Economical design is advanced.

 Nature of soil materials can be find out

 The knowledge of groundwater is necessary in connection

with excavation works, water supply, irrigation and many
other purposes.

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 Importance of engineering geology to in civil engineering

practices
 To recognize potential difficult ground conditions prior to detailed design and

construction

 It help to identify area susceptible to failure due to geological hazards

 To establish design specifications

 To have best selection of site for engineering purposes

 Have best selection of engineering materials for construction

 Engineering geology is an interdisciplinary profession, in which the

engineering geologist works closely with, and must understand and respond

to the needs of the Civil Engineer.

 Mining engineering, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering,

concrete and roadstone technology, hydrogeology, seismology, geotechnical

engineering
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Scope of Engineering Geology

Engineering Geology is practiced in:

a. In construction jobs

b. In town and regional planning

c. In water resources development

d. In Miscellaneous fields

a. In construction jobs
 Geology provides a systematic knowledge of construction
material , its occurrence, composition, durability and other
properties.

- Examples of such construction materials are building stones

(granite), clays and sand.

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 The knowledge of the geological work of natural agencies such as
water, wind, ice and earthquakes helps in planning and carrying out
major civil engineering works.

For example,

- the knowledge of erosion, transportation and deposition helps

greatly in solving the expensive problems of river control, coastal

and harbor and soil conservation.

 In drilling is commonly undertaken to explore the ground conditions.

Geology helps greatly in interpreting the drilling data for the
foundation problems of dams, bridges and buildings are directly
related to the geology of the area where they are to be built.

 Geology also gives the knowledge about the nature and structure of
rocks, which is very crucial in tunneling, constructing roads, canals,
docks, and in determining the stability of cuts and slopes.
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 Geology gives information about the geological structures
like faults, joints, bedding planes, folding and solution
channels in the rock beds. The stability of the civil
engineering structures is considerably increased if
geological structures are properly located and suitably
treated.
 Geology helps how the soil materials are formed in nature
in the study of soil mechanics.
 Before starting a major engineering project at a place, a
detailed geological report that is accompanied by
geological maps and sections, is prepared.
 Such a report helps in planning and constructing the
project.

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b. In town and regional planning
 Geology helps in distinguishing of landscapes like valley,
mountains, plains and the materials from which they are
made.
 It also gives information which landscape can be suitable
for particular constructions.
c. In water resources development
 Geology gives information about properties rocks and
sediments that affect groundwater occurrence in the
subsurface rocks.
 The knowledge about its quantity and depth of occurrence
is required in connection with water supply, irrigation,
excavation and many other engineering works.

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d. In Miscellaneous fields

These include land evaluation, oceanography,

space exploration and nuclear explosion for
industrial and engineering purposes.

Summary

Engineering geology provides basic geological

data for the safe construction and remediation
of engineering structures and also information
about the availability natural construction
materials.
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