GEOLOGY AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Geology: is the Science that deals with the study of the Earth. Geology is derived from the Greek word
“Geo” = Earth and “Logos” =Science. It deals with the scientific study of the origin, history, age and
structure of the Earth on one hand; evolution, modification and extinction of surface and subsurface
features on the other hand. It also deals with the study of materials making up the earth i.e.,
Lithosphere, Hydrosphere and Atmosphere, other than the study of various natural, dynamic and physico-
chemical forces and processes operating on and within the Earth. It reveals the hidden treasures,
present, future and past along with the economy, stability and safety in the planning and execution of any
projects.

Engineering is the design, analysis, and/or construction of works for practical purposes. It is the
application of technology to meet the physical needs of the public and society. Civil Engineers are
responsible for the design, project management and construction of everything we see around us in the
built environment such as bridges, roads, canals, hospitals, schools, airports, power stations, railways,
pipelines, information technology and more…

Regularities in Civil Engineering: The four regularities in the field of civil engineering are
1. Constructions & Operations are governed by the nature, properties and mode of occurrence of the
Soils and Rocks involved, other than their subsurface water regime and the pattern and conditions
of the geodynamic processes.
2. Character & Intensity of Geological Processes are determined by the Structure of the Earth
(CRUST), Dynamic Interior Processes, Atmospheric Activities and Hydrosphere activities on crust.
3. Engineering Geological Properties of Soils & Rocks are determined by their Composition
State,Texture and Structure.
4. All the above properties of Rocks & Minerals in term depends on Nature of Parent Materials,
their Genesis, Environment and Subsequent Transformation.

Engineering Geology is a branch of human knowledge which assists the engineer in solving the engineering
problems using the geological information with practice and experience. In Civil engineering practices, it
has been utilized from the site selection through planning, designing and construction to maintenance
stage of Buildings, Bridges, Tunnels, Dams, Canals, reservoirs, Roads, Railway-Lines, Harbours, Pipe Lines
(Water/Oil/Ore, Etc.,), sewerage disposal, etc., where a knowledge of rock types, structure and ground
water conditions are required. Moreover the geological knowledge is used for landscape programming and
sites for potential construction and building materials, other than gaining information on hazardous zones
such as landslides, earthquakes, volcanic and faulted zones.

GeoEngineering is a domain where engineering geological knowledge is used in civil engineering practises.
Virtually every structure is supported by soil or rock. Those that aren’t either fly, float, or fall over. The
role of geoengineers starts from the design of foundations to stabilization methods for hillsides, eroding
shorelines, reservoir storage, dams, tunnels, waste containment and site remediation systems, evaluation
and mitigation of groundwater contamination, planning highway routes and identify earthen construction

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material sources, planning for mineral and oil removal, mitigating natural hazards such as earthquakes,
etc.,

The importance of Geology in Civil Engineering: Sound observation and good judgment are the two
qualities required for a good civil engineer. These qualities are crucial throughout the different phases
of Civil Engineering practices such as site investigation, construction, maintenance to the regular
inspection. For this, knowledge of Geomorphology, Petrology, Structural Geology, Geohydrology and
Historical geology is required. Since the site geology is controlled by the soil and rock characteristics
along with the geological conditions prevailing there, a constant observation on these conditions are
required for any civil engineering activities. Knowledge on the geology also will help in the ability to deduce
spatial characteristics of subsurface geological formation and appreciation of Hydrological Properties
knowing the local weather conditions.

Civil engineering is to construct the structure and facilities for transport, water supply, hydropower,
flood control, environmental protection, sewage and waste disposal, urban development and many more. In
above fields, civil engineers construct and maintain waterways, highways, bridges, railways, pipelines,
dams, reservoirs and tunnels. Consulting geologists in civil engineering practices will help in many ways
and can be utilised in constructive way rather than a pathological treatment. There are various
opportunities to utilise geology in Civil Engineering since a great majority of civil engineering projects and
the designs involve the soils and rocks almost directly. During site Investigation itself the significance
can be understood in the Provision for possible alteration in design due to variables in subsurface
conditions, Provision for utilizing available M.O.C (fullest explanations of all), Choice of Method of
Construction (which is the essential of all Civil Engg. constructions), in reference to payment of
excavation where the owners satisfaction will be ensured safeguarding the contractor and maintaining the
engineer’s requirement. This will help in preventing future troubles, can suggest new solutions to future
engineering problems, and can reveal information on materials of utility and economic values. During
construction operation, geological information has got a threefold value viz: i) the geological record is of
inestimable value for future work, ii) change of final design according to information can be done and iii)
the suitability of Construction Plans & equipment can be checked. During maintenance operation of
scouring bridge piers, erosion of dam foundation and beds, etc, geological information is invaluable.

The importance of engineering geology in civil engineering may briefly be outlined as follows:

1. Engineering geology provides a systematic knowledge of construction material, its occurrence,

composition, durability, and other properties. Examples of such construction materials are building-
stones, road materials, concrete aggregates, decorative materials, etc.,

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2. The knowledge of the geological work of natural agencies such as water, wind, ice and earthquake helps
in planning and carrying out major civil engineering works. For examples, the knowledge of erosion,
transportation, and deposition helps greatly in solving the expensive problems of river control, coastal and
harbour work, and soil conservation.

3. The knowledge about groundwater that occurs in the subsurface rocks and about its quantity and depth
of occurrence is required in connection with water supply, irrigation, excavation and many other civil
engineering works.

4. In the area of water resources engineering, projects spanning from Ground water exploration to water
shed developments and ground water pollution requires sound geological understanding of the area under
consideration

5. The foundation problems of dams, bridges, and buildings are directly concerned with the geology of the
area where they are to be built. In these works, drilling is commonly undertaken to explore the ground
conditions. Geology helps greatly in interpreting the drilling data.

6. In tunneling, constructing roads, canals, and docks and in determining the stability of cuts and slopes,
the knowledge about the nature and structure of rocks is very necessary.

7. Before starting a major engineering project at a place a detailed geological report, which is
accompanied by geological maps and sections, is prepared. Such a report helps in planning and constructing
the project.

8. The causative factors can be identified and Disaster management can be handled effectively. The
stability of the civil engineering structures is considerably increased if the geological features like faults,
joints, folds, and solution channels etc., in the rock beds are properly located and suitably treated.

9. Geological knowledge is vital in tackling problems concerning natural hazards such as Earthquakes and
Landslides.

10. In soil mechanics, it is necessary to know how the soil materials are formed in nature.

11. The cost of engineering works will considerably be reduced if the geological survey of the area
concerned is done before hand.

12. Utilization of geophysics, Remote sensing, GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS) has
improved the quality and use of mapping techniques and Data Base Management in engineering geological
investigations for civil engineering works.

Civil Engineers work hand in hand with Geologists in site selection, construction operation and ground
treatment for the foundations of Dams and reservoirs, water supply and irrigation schemes, Tunnel
supports, bridge foundations, Highways, Airport locations, Urban developments, etc.,
Thus Geology becomes an essential part of Civil Engineering and in any Civil Engineering project neglecting
geology may invite troubles and have to be sacrificed with huge resources and money.
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