ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
CHAPTER 01
INTRODUCTION
UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Division of Construction and Transport Technology
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
2. FIELDS OF STUDY
3. TOPICS CORVERED IN THE COURSE
4. TYPICAL REFERENCES
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
1. CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
Geology is an earth science concerned with the solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the
processes by which they change over time. Geology can also include the study of the solid features of
any terrestrial planet or natural satellite such as Mars or the Moon ([Link]
Engineering Geology is just a branch of Geology.
UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
1. CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
Engineering geology is the application of the geology to engineering study for the purpose of
assuring that the geological factors regarding the location, design, construction, operation and
maintenance of engineering works are recognized and accounted for
([Link]
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
1. CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
As defined by the Association of Engineering Geologists (1969), engineering geology is the application of
geologic data, techniques, and principles to the study of naturally occurring rock and soil materials
or ground water for the purpose of ensuring that geologic factors affecting the location, planning, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering structures, and the development of ground-water
resources, are properly recognized and adequately interpreted, utilized, and presented for use in engineering
practice. ([Link]
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
2. FIELDS OF STUDY
Engineering geology encompasses a diverse range of geological disciplines,
especially the following:
Natural hazards (rock failure/stability and seismicity)
Hydrogeology
Structural geology
Near Surface Geophysics
Rock mechanics / Geomechanics
Geomorphology / Surface Processes
Petrology (and its engineering significance e.g. Rock properties)
Remote Sensing – to assist with field mapping
Geographical Information Systems
Environmental Geology & Contamination (or Geochemistry)
Potential construction material sources – cross-over with resource geology
Field techniques – mapping, sampling
[Link]
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
2. FIELDS OF STUDY
Important areas of engineering
geology in civil engineering:
Natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes) Hydrogeology (e.g., Groundwater engineering)
Structural geology (e.g., folds, faults) Field techniques (e.g., mapping, site investigation)
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
3. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
Part 1: Fundamentals of Engineering Geology
Rock types and geological structures:
Surface processes
Part II: Ground investigations
Geotechnical investigation methods
Geophysical investigation methods
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
4. SOME KEY REFERENCES
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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: CHAPTER 01
4. SOME KEY REFERENCES
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