Chapter 1

Introduction
• What is geology?
• It is a science which is involved in the study of Earth: its history, composition and
processes. The earth is not a static body, but is constantly subject to changes both at its
surface and at deeper levels.
• Geological processes modify the Earth’s surface, destroy old rocks, create new rocks and
add to the complexity of ground conditions.
Introduction
Large populations are concentrated in regions prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity and
floods.
Populations in these regions continue to grow rapidly.
There is an urgent need to understand geology and geological hazards to mitigate risk
associated with engineering developments in these areas.
Introduction
URBANISATION AND NATURAL HAZARDS
Year 2000
Global population: 6.25 billion
Urban population: 50%
>90 large cities (each with population >3 million)
>25 megacities (each with population >8 million)
>65% large cities lie in areas at risk from natural disasters
Estimated population at risk: 1.5 billion

Year 2025
Estimated global population: 8.5 billion
Urban population: 61%
Estimated population at risk from natural disasters: >2.5 billion
>65% of population at risk will live in urban areas
Introduction
The behaviour of soils and rock cannot be derived from laboratory tests alone
We need to understand the nature, structure and origin of soils and rocks in the field.The
most serious hazards to engineering structures are associated with the geological
environment. We need to understand the field geology to design a reliable site investigation
programme.

Introduction
• Common branches of geology
– Mineralogy
– Petrology
– Geophysics
– Geochemistry
– Seismology
– Hydrogeology
– Engineering geology

Difference between a geologist and a geotechnical engineer.

Geologists are people who study the planet history and its composure. They adopt a
scientific method that requires first the observation and classification of physical conditions.
Then they form a hypothesis to explain those conditions and use experimentation to
validate their hypothesis.
Geotechnical engineer applies the principles of geology to civil works that is the design and
construction of structures depending on the topography and the surrounding geology.

Engineering disciplines related to

Geology
• There is a continuous transition between geology and engineering science
and most of the applied earth scientists operate in this transition. There are
several related professional disciplines:
• Engineering Geology is the application of geology to obtain information and
understanding of geological structures, materials and processes, as needed for
engineering analysis and design.It seeks to identify potential geologic hazards
that could affect human-made structures.

Engineering geologists perform investigations and studies to determine how human-made

structures and the earth interact. Their tasks can fall under environmental, geotechnical, or
geological studies.

• Geological Engineering is the application of a combination of geology and

engineering science to design, involving rock, soil, groundwater and mineral
resources.

Engineering disciplines related to Geology:

 Geotechnical Engineering is the application of the science of soil
mechanics, rock mechanics, engineering geology and other related
disciplines to engineering and environmental projects.Geological
engineering is the development and conservation of natural resources in ways
useful to humankind. It encompasses diverse fields such as groundwater
resources, geothermal energy, subsurface contamination, slope stability,
environmental site design, and mineral and petroleum exploration and
production.
 Geo-environmental engineering is the application of a combination of
geology and engineering science to the solution of environmental
problems.
 Environmental geology is the application of geology to obtain
information and understanding of geological structures, materials,
and processes needed for the solution of environmental problems.

Significance of Geology in Civil

Engineering
• Civil engineering works are all carried out on or in the ground.
Properties of and processes in the ground are significant.
• Civil engineers have to deal with the following geological issues:
–Natural hazards: landslides, erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tsunamis
–Interpretation of ground conditions
–Natural resources: groundwater, building materials, infrastructural to exploit
fossil fuel and mineral deposits
–Need to understand natural changes and impact of human-induced changes

Role of Engineering
Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer
•Carries out site investigations for dams, plants, roads, railways, housing
projects, mines and quarries, pipelines, petroleum production, forestry
operations, etc
•Interacts with civil engineers to design essential parts of projects.
•Is responsible for environmental assessments, or clean-up activities where
pollution has occurred.
•Prospects for building material resources and groundwater.
•Carries out hazard and risk assessments and mapping for
landslides and earthquakes.

Geotechnical Engineering Projects

• At the surface, projects include:
 Foundations
 Roads
 Retaining walls
 Dams and Reservoirs
 Slopes and Landslides
  Sanitary Landfills
Geotechnical Engineering Projects
• In the subsurface, projects include:
  Pipelines
  Tunnels and Shafts
  Groundwater flows
  Groundwater contaminants