UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

SURNAME: NYAU

NAME: MELISSA

REG NUMBER: R221709T

PROGRAM: HENCENG

COURSE: GEOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT: 1

DUE DATE: 08 NOVEMBER 2023

QUESTION 1

Explain the relevance of geology in civil engineering.

Geology is a vital part of civil engineering, as it helps us understand the Earth's surface
and its features, which can impact the design and construction of civil engineering
projects (Freeze and cherry, 1979). Before a minor or major civil engineering project is
carried out, a detailed geological report, accompanied with geological maps is prepared.
The report includes the types of rocks (petrology) above and below the surface of the
site. Knowing the kind of rock beneath is important as it gives the load bearing
properties of the rock. Studying the geological structures beneath the construction site
helps account for anomalies such as earthquakes. This allows the civil engineer to
design structures that provide buffering in case a natural disaster occurs (Gudooru and
Lalit, 2017).

Another important role of geology in civil engineering is in the selection of construction

materials. Assessing the type of soil and rock lying beneath and also assessing the
geological structures helps determine the design of the structure and choice of
materials to use. By using the right materials, civil engineers can ensure the safety and
durability of their projects. Geology can also help in the design of drainage systems and
stormwater management, by providing information about the local hydrology and
groundwater levels (Freeze and Cherry, 1979).

In summary, geology is important in civil engineering as it helps in siting of building,

knowing the stability of the earth, identifying occurrences of faults and areas of
weaknesses and also in choosing the appropriate materials and methods to use in
construction of certain structures.
QUESTION 2

Discuss the engineering concerns on geological structures.

Some of the main engineering concerns related to geological structures include the
stability of slopes, the risk of earthquakes and landslides, and the potential for ground
subsidence or collapse. Slope stability is a key consideration in the design of structures
like dams and retaining walls, as unstable slopes can lead to the failure of these
structures. Earthquakes can also pose a significant risk to structures, particularly those
that are located in seismically active areas. Landslides can also cause significant
damage to structures, and geologists can help assess the risk of landslides in a given
area (Fookes, 2019).

Another engineering concern related to geological structures is the potential for ground
settlement or collapse. This can occur when the ground beneath a structure is unstable,
such as when the ground is made up of loose or unstable soil, or when the structure is
built on top of a karst landscape, which is prone to sinkholes. To address these
concerns, civil engineers can work together to assess the stability of the ground, and to
design structures that are less likely to suffer from settlement or collapse (Fookes,
2019).
REFERENCES

 Gudooru R., Lalit Kumar (2017). Importance of Geology in Civil Engineering.

Sreyas International Journal of Scientists and Technocrats, 1(3), pp. 1-8.
 Freeze R., Cherry A. (1979). Geology for civil engineers. New York: John Wiley
and Sons.
 Fookes J. (2019). Geology for the civil engineer: Engineering geological site
characterization. London: Geological Society, Special Publications, 489(1), pp. 1-
10. Doi: 10.1144/sp489-2019-13