Lecture 1

INTRODUCTION

Engr. Syeda Novera Hassan

 Geology
In Greek, Geo means Earth, Logos means
Science
Geology is a branch of science dealing with
the study of the Earth. It is also known as
earth science. The study of the earth as a
whole, its origin, structure, composition and
the nature of the processes which have
given rise to its present position is called as
geology.
 Branches of Geology
Mineralogy: The study of the characters of
minerals ( e.g.: quartz, pyroxene, amphibole,
mica, chlorite) is known as Mineralogy.
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic
homogeneous substance, with a definite
chemical composition, certain physical
properties and crystalline structures.
Petrology: The study of rocks in all their
aspects including their mineralogies, textures,
structures , origin and their relationships to
other rocks.
 Geophysics: The section of the earth which include
the structure, physical conditions and evolutionary
history of the earth as a whole.
Structural Geology is the study of rock structures
such as folds that have resulted from movements and
deformation of the earths crust.
Stratigraphy: The study of the stratified rocks
especially their sequence in time, the character of
the rocks and correlation of beds at different
localities.
Physical Geology: It deals with the geological
processes which bring about changes in the crust and
upon the surface of the earth. It also deals with the
surface features of the earth ( land forms ) or its
topography
Hydrogeology-- the study of the geological factors
relating to earths water.
 Importance of Petrology
The study of petrology is most important for a
civil engineer, in the selection of suitable rocks
for building stones, road metals, etc
Petrology is the study of the nature of rocks
and the processes that form the rocks that
comprise the Earth.
The study of petrology is fundamental to
understanding the large-scale geodynamics of
our planet.
 Importance of Structural Geology
Structural geology is an arrangement of rocks and
plays an important role in civil engineering in the
selection of suitable sites for all types of projects
such as dams, tunnels, multistoried buildings, etc.
The primary goal of structural geology is to use
measurements of present-day rock geometries to
uncover information about the history of
deformation (strain) in the rocks, and ultimately,
to understand the stress field that resulted in the
observed strain and geometries.
 Importance of Physical Geology
The study of physical geology plays a vital role in
civil engineering:
It reveals constructive and destructive
processes of physical agents at a particular
site.
It helps in selecting a suitable site for different
types of project to be under taken.
 Engineering Geology
Engineering geology is the application of
the geological science to engineering which
deals with the study of geological factors
affecting on the location, design,
construction, operation and maintenance
of engineering works.
Importance of Engineering Geology
It provides a systematic knowledge of construction
material, its occurrence and properties.
It provides the knowledge of erosion, transportation,
and deposition by surface water. It helps in river
control, coastal, herbal work & soil conservation.
It provides the knowledge of ground water, require in
connection with water supply irrigation excavation
work & many other engineering works.
It provides the knowledge of foundation problems of
dams, bridges & buildings are directly concerned with
the geology of the area.
Importance of Engineering Geology.Cont.
It provides the knowledge in tunnelling and road
construction. In determining of stability of cuts & slopes,
the knowledge the nature & structure of rock is very
necessary.
The stability of civil engineering structure in considerably
increase if geological factors like faults, folds & bedding
etc. in the rock are properly located & suitable treated.
In study of soil mechanics it is necessary to know that
how soil materials were formed.
It tells the cost of engineering works is often considerably
reduced if the geological survey of area concerned is
done before.
 Failure of Civil Engineering Constructions
due to Geological Drawbacks
Dams
Malpasset Dam Failure of France
Vaniot Dam Failure of Italy
St. Fracis Dam of California
In addition to failure a number of examples exists where
cost of construction became very high in order to
overcome the associated geological conditions like in
Hales Bar Dam.
Reservoirs
Hondo reservoir failure of new maxico
 Tunnels
Lowari top tunnel Pakistan
Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, Zion National Park
 Strong foundation is needed for the safety of
bridge too.
There are also many geological issues in the
construction of roads like faced in
construction f Karakorum highway.
Thus, to ensure safety, stability, success and
economy in all major civil engineering
constructions, geological studies are very
important.