INTRODUCTION TO

GEOLOGY AND
ENGINEERING

GEOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS (CE221)

The Science ▪ Geology is the science concerned with
the Earth and the rocks of which it is
of Geology composed, the processes by which they
were formed during geological time, and
the modeling of the Earth’s surface in
the past and at the present day.
The Science
of Geology
The Science ▪ Geology is the science concerned with
the Earth and the rocks of which it is
of Geology composed, the processes by which they
were formed during geological time, and
the modeling of the Earth’s surface in
the past and at the present day.

▪ The Earth is not a static body but is

constantly subject to changes both at its
surface and at deeper levels. It is an
active planet in a “constant state of
change”.
The Science ▪ Geological processes continually
modify the Earth’s surface, destroy old
of Geology rocks, create new rocks and add to the
complexity of ground conditions.
The Science ▪ The cycle of geology encompasses all
the major processes, which must be
of Geology cyclic, or they would grind to an
inevitable halt.
Land
(erosion and rock destruction)

Sea
(deposition and formation of new sediment)

Underground
(creation and deformation of rocks)
 Geology: ▪ Civil engineering works are all carried
out on or in the ground. Its properties
Its and processes are therefore significant –
Significance both the strengths of rocks and soils,
and the erosional and geological
in processes which subject them to
Engineering continual change.

▪ Unstable ground exists. Some are not

terra firma and may lead to unstable
foundations.
 Geology: ▪ Site investigation is where most civil
engineers encounter geology. This
Its involves the interpretation of ground
Significance conditions and the recognition of areas
of difficult ground or potential
in geohazards.
Engineering
▪ Unforeseen ground conditions can still
occur, as ground geology can be almost
infinitely variable, but they are often
unforeseen due to inadequate site
investigation.
 Geology: ▪ Civil engineering design can
accommodate almost any ground
Its conditions which are correctly assessed
Significance and understood.

in
Engineering
Geotechnical Issue: Liquefaction

Source: Center for Disaster Response, 2010

Geotechnical Issue: Landslide

Source: Center for Disaster Response, 2010

Mystery: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Source: madridengineering.com
Engineering 1 SOFT GROUND AND SETTLEMENT

Responses Foundation design to reduce or redistribute

loading

to WEAK GROUND AND POTENTIAL

Geological 2
FAILURE

Conditions Ground improvement or cavity filling; or identify

and avoid hazard zone

UNSTABLE SLOPES AND POTENTIAL

3
SLIDING

Stabilize or support slopes; or avoid hazard zone

Engineering 4 SEVERE RIVER OR COASTAL EROSION

Responses Slow down process with rock

or concrete defenses

to
Geological 5 POTENTIAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARD

Conditions Structural design to withstand vibration;

avoid unstable ground

6 POTENTIAL VOLCANIC HAZARD

Delimit and avoid hazard zones;

attempt eruption prediction
Thank you!