HARAMAYA INSTITUTE

OF TECHNOLOGY
HWRE
Course Name : Engineering Geology and Rock
Mechanics
Course Code: Geol 3071

The Man of Science appears to be the

only man who has something to say
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just now – and the only man who doesSir James Barrie 2
 1. GEOLOGIC MATERIALS
1.1 Introduction
What is Geology?
 is the science that deals with the study of earth as a whole (crust, mantle and core).
 the age , origin, and structure of the earth.
 the evolution, modification, and extinction of surface and subsurface features.
 natural dynamic and physiochemical processes operating on and in the earth, and
the agents, forces involved and evolved in such processes.
Age
 Stratigraphy: method to give a relative age Stratigraphy
to geological layers,
 Paleontology: methods to give an
absolute age limits to geological rocks,
 Radiometric methods: give an absolute
age, based on nuclear decay(14C)
Paleontology

1/28/23 Stratigraphy
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 • How did Earth evolve from molten material to a rocky mass and
living planet with continents, oceans and an atmosphere? Earth
composition
(1) Differentiation of molten matter by gravity, followed by slow
cooling
Formation of concentric layers with different chemical
composition
Denser elements(Fe, Ni) → sink to center = CORE
Lighter elements(Si, O)→ rise to the surface = CRUST
Remaining elements(Mg, Al, Na, Fe) → MANTLE

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 (2) Volatile elements(water vapor, CO2, CO, N2, H2, etc.)
released from interior during differentiation and early
volcanism
 Form the atmosphere
 Drop of Earth temperature
 Condensation of water vapour
 Oceans
Today, only outer core and mantle are still liquid enough
to allow differentiation

Chemical composition (% by weight)

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 What is Engineering Geology?
deals with the study of construction sites, and construction material.
It has great importance in safe, economic, and stable designs of
engineering projects.
Why Engineering geology?
Study suitability of foundation for any civil/hydraulic structures= any
construction is on the ground so the area that the structure rests should
be investigated for its soundness for foundation
Mechanical properties of rocks along the proposed site, especially
their bearing strength, shear strength, modulus of elasticity,
permeability and resistance to decay and disintegration.
Presence of structurally weak.
It enables- to appreciate the limiting factors imposed upon planning
by topography, geomorphology, and ground water conditions of the
area.
availability of different types of construction materials.
Disaster risk management

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