Geology and Civil Engineering Relationship

GEOLOGY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Geology and Civil Engineering Relationship

Civil engineering works are carried out either on site or within the site.
For this reason, erosional and geological process which cause the stability of the rocks and
ground and their changes are important for civil engineering.
Where is a geologically safe and economical engineering structure built?
 How to choose the communication and transport infrastructure route where geological conditions
are convenient?
 How are the building bases constructed safely and economically in terms of geological and
geotechnical aspects?
 How to create a slope both safely and economically?
 How is a safe tunnel and underground facility excavation done?
 How are location geological materials required for construction of dams and road construction
determined?
 What are the measurements and application methods for improvements of ground conditions and
controlling instability, infiltration etc.?
 What are required geological and geotechnical conditions store urban, toxic and radioactive
waste?
 How are to identify, prevent or reduce geological hazards identified, prevented and reduced?
Importance of Geology for Civil Engineering
1. The role of geology in civil engineering may be briefly outlined as follows: 1. Geology provides a
systematic knowledge of construction materials, their structure and properties.
2. The knowledge of Erosion, Transportation and Deposition (ETD) by surface water helps in soil
conservation, river control, coastal and harbor works.
3. The knowledge about the nature of the rocks is very necessary in tunneling, constructing roads
and in determining the stability of cuts and slopes. Thus, geology helps in civil engineering.
4. The foundation problems of dams, bridges and buildings are directly related with geology of the
area where they are to be built.
5. The knowledge of ground water is necessary in connection with excavation works, water supply,
irrigation and many other purposes.
6. Geological maps and sections help considerably in planning many engineering projects.
7. If the geological features like faults, joints, beds, folds, solution channels are found, they have to
be suitably treated. Hence, the stability of the structure is greatly increased.
8. Pre-geological survey of the area concerned reduces the cost of engineering work.
Branches of Geology
1. Physical Geology. As a branch of geology, it deals with the “various processes of physical agents
such as wind, water, glaciers and sea waves”, run on these agents go on modifying the surface of
the earth continuously.
-Physical geology includes the study of Erosion, Transportation and Deposition (ETD).
-The study of physical geology plays a vital role in civil engineering thus:
a. It reveals constructive and destructive processes of physical agents at a particular site.
b. It helps in selecting a suitable site for different types of project to be under taken after
studying the effects of physical agents which go on modifying the surface of the earth
physically, chemically and mechanically.
2. Crystallography. As a branch of geology, it deals with ‘the study of crystals. A crystal is a
regular polyhedral form bounded by smooth surfaces. The study of crystallography is not much
important to civil engineering, but to recognize the minerals the study of crystallography is
necessary.
3. Mineralogy. As a branch of geology, it deals with the study of minerals. A mineral may be
defined as a naturally occurring, homogeneous solid, inorganically formed, having a definite
chemical composition and ordered atomic arrangement.
-The study of mineralogy is most important:
a. For a civil engineering student to identify the rocks.
b. In industries such as cement, iron and steel, fertilizers, glass industry and so on.
c. In the production of atomic energy.
4. Petrology. As a branch of geology, it deals with the study of rocks. A rock is defined as “the
aggregation of minerals found in the earth’s crust”. The study of petrology is most important for a
civil engineer, in the selection of suitable rocks for building stones, road metals, etc.
5. Structural Geology. As a branch of geology, it deals with the study of structures found in rocks.
It is also known as tectonic geology or simply tectonics.
-Structural geology is an arrangement of rocks and plays an important role in civil
engineering in the selection of suitable sites for all types of projects such as dams, tunnels,
multistoried buildings, etc.
6. Stratigraphy. As a branch of geology, it deals with ‘the study of stratified rocks and their
correlation’.
7. Paleontology. As a branch of geology, it deals with ‘the study of fossils’ and the ancient remains
of plants and animals are referred to as fossils. Fossils are useful in the study of evolution and
migration of animals and plants through ages, ancient geography and climate of an area.
8. Historical Geology. As a branch of geology, it includes “the study of both stratigraphy and
paleontology”. Its use in civil engineering is to know about the land and seas, the climate and the
life of early times upon the earth
9. Economic Geology. As a branch of Geology, it deals with “the study of minerals, rocks and
materials of economic importance like coal and petroleum”.
10. Mining Geology. As a branch of geology, it deals with “the study of application of geology to
mining engineering in such a way that the selection of suitable sites for quarrying and mines can
be determined”.
11. Civil Engineering Geology. As a branch of geology, it deals with “all the geological problems
that arise in the field of civil engineering along with suitable treatments”. Thus, it includes the
construction of dams, tunnels, mountain roads, building stones and road metals.
12. Hydrology. As a branch of geology, it deals with “the studies of both quality and quantity of
water that are present in the rocks in different states” (Conditions).
- Moreover, it includes:
a. Atmospheric water,
b. Surface water, and
c. Underground water.
13. Indian Geology. As a branch of geology, it deals with “the study of our motherland in
connection with the coal/petroleum, physiography, stratigraphy and economic mineral of India”.
14. Resources Engineering. As a branch of geology deals with “the study of water, land, solar
energy, minerals, forests, etc. fulfil the human wants”.
15. Photo Geology. As a branch of geology deals with “the study of aerial photographs”.
Source:
https://aybu.edu.tr/muhendislik/insaat/contents/files/GEOLOGY%20FOR%20CIVIL
%20ENGINEERING(2).pdf
https://www.slideshare.net/RamKumawat5/11-introduction-of-geologybranches-and-scope-of-geology

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GEOLOGY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Geology and Civil Engineering Relationship

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