4th Semester

Course Summary: Engineering Geology

ECTS: 
Credit Hours: 4 hours per week

1. Introduction to Engineering Geology

• Earth is dynamic, continuously changing due to geological processes like erosion, deposition, and rock formation.
• Civil engineering projects depend on ground conditions, requiring thorough geological investigations.
• Geological time influences rock formations, affecting site conditions.

2. Rocks and Minerals

• Rocks are classified into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
• Rock properties depend on mineral composition, structure, and weathering.
• Engineering response varies from foundation design to ground improvement techniques.

3. Igneous Rocks

• Formed from cooling magma/lava; classified as extrusive (volcanic) or intrusive (plutonic).
• Examples: Granite (strong, used for foundations) and Basalt (common in road construction).

4. Sedimentary Processes & Rocks

• Created by weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification.
• Main types: sandstone (strong, porous), limestone (karst risks), clay (weak, compressible).
• Engineering concerns include weak bedding planes and groundwater issues.

5. Metamorphic Rocks

• Formed under high pressure/temperature from pre-existing rocks.
• Examples: Schist (weak in shear), Gneiss (strong, used in construction).

6. Geological Structures

• Faults, joints, and folds affect rock strength and stability.
• Tectonic forces create uplift, subsidence, and fractures, impacting construction safety.

7. Geological Maps and Sections

• Maps help interpret subsurface geology, fault lines, and rock formations.
• Engineering maps assist in identifying slope stability, groundwater, and subsidence risks.

8. Plate Tectonics

• Earth’s crust is divided into moving plates; interactions cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.
• Engineers must consider seismic hazards when designing structures.

9. Earthquake Engineering

• Structures in seismic zones must be earthquake-resistant (e.g., reinforced concrete, seismic isolation).
• Soft soils amplify shaking, leading to greater damage.

10. Weathering and Soils

• Weathering weakens rocks, creating unstable slopes.
• Soil classification helps in foundation selection and construction planning.

11. Ground Investigations

• Site investigations determine soil strength, rock stability, and groundwater conditions.
• Methods include boring, trenching, and geophysical surveys.

12. Coastal Processes & Erosion Control

• Wave action, longshore drift, and tidal effects shape coastlines.
• Coastal engineering solutions include sea walls, groynes, and beach nourishment.

13. Groundwater & Hydrology

• Groundwater movement affects soil stability and water supply.
• Permeability and aquifer conditions impact construction and resource management.
• Engineers use wells, drainage systems, and barriers to control groundwater.