Geology for Civil Engineers
By: Engr. Sheila B. Caberte
Why Geology?
WHY GEOLOGY?
Geology play a very important role in the field of civil engineering.
It provides knowledge about materials used for construction, e.g. dams
for excavation works foundation faults, design of highway and
roads, tunnels, etc.
Soil test are done before any project, river control and shipping,
Nature of soil materials can be find out.
GEOLOGY
Geology is the science of the earth
It deals with the study of origin, age interior structure, and history of
earth
Evolution and modification of various surface features like rivers,
mountains and lakes.
Materials makes up the earth.
Main and Allied Branch of Geology
Physical Geology
Mineralogy
Petrology – study of rocks
Structural Geology
Historical Geology
Paleontology
Economic Geology
Engineering Geology
Mining Geology
Geo physics
Geo Hydrology
Geo Chemistry
Scope of Geology
Geology provides necessary information about the construction
materials at the site used in the construction of buildings, dams,
tunnels, tanks, reservoirs, highways and bridges.
Geological is most important in planning stage, design phase, and
construction phase of an engineering project.
Geology is useful to know the method of mining of rocks and mineral
deposits on earth’s surface and subsurface.
Geology is useful for supply, storage, and filling up of reservoirs with
water.
This is the only subject which gives the information about the earth
surface.
Importance of Geology in Civil
Engineering
Before constructing roads, bridges, tunnels, tanks, reservoirs and
building, selection of site is important from the point of stability of
foundation.
Geology provides a systematic knowledge of construction materials and
their properties.
The knowledge about the nature of the rocks in tunneling and
construction of roads.
The foundation problems of dams, bridges and buildings are directly
related with geology of the area where they are to be built.
The knowledge of ground water is necessary in connection with
excavation works, water supply, irrigation and any other purposes.
Importance of Geology in Civil
Engineering
The knowledge of Erosion, Transportation and Deposition by surface
water helps in soil conservation, river control.
Geological maps and sections help considerably in planning many
engineering projects.
If the geological features like faults, joints, beds, folds are found, they
have to be suitably treated. Hence, the stability of the rock structures is
important.
Pre-geological survey of the area concerned reduces the cost of planning
work.
Questions:
1. Explain the significance of Earth's layers in relation to engineering applications.
2. How do plate tectonics influence infrastructure and engineering projects?
3. What are the key environmental challenges engineers face due to climate change?
4. How does the Earth's magnetic field affect engineering structures and navigation systems?
5. Discuss the role of natural resources in engineering and sustainable development.