Geological Methods

Geological
Methods
USED IN GEOLOGICAL AND
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
CONTENT:
Definition of terms
Importance and Objectives
Classification of Geological methods
Surface Investigation:
-Aerial method
-Hydrogeological method
Subsurface Investigation:
-Test pit excavation
-Boring
-Seismic refraction method
-Electrical resistivity method
Geological Investigation
- a systematic examination of an area
to determine the character, relations,
distribution, and origin or mode of
formation of its rock masses and
mineral resources.
- Identifies the feasibility of an area for

construction and ensure safety
concern.
Geophysical Investigation
- investigation of ground or built
structures. Geophysical techniques can
be used to measure the variation of the
physical properties of subsurface
materials.
Geological Methods
- Data assessment on Topographic,
geologic, tectonic, geophysical aspects
of the geologic evolution of a region.
- Methods used in site investigation

beneath given piece of area to study
outcrops and landforms.
Importance
Provide accurate data about the structure of the subsurface - valuable
information in the field of engineering.
Enables information to be obtained for large volumes of ground that
cannot be investigated by direct methods.
Identify the different geological and geophysical investigation applied
to civil engineering.
Utilizes background in engineering and earth science.
Importance
Utilizes background in engineering and earth science.
The investigations are carries out quickly.
Different interferences to suit different purpose can be drawn from the
same field data, for example, electric resistivity data be interpreted for
knowing subsurface of rock types, geological structures, groundwater
condition, ore deposits depth to the bed rock, etc.
Objectives
To design such a project only with a strong site understanding that
comes with data regarding the properties of the site, distribution of the
materials, behavior under various influences and constraints.
To determine full details regarding seismicity of the region, topography
of the area, lithological characters of rocks or soils and ground water
condition.
Objectives
To locate and estimate economically important mineral ground water
potential and its quality.
To solve problems connected with geology.
Classification of Geological methods:
1. SURFACE INVESTIGATION
2. SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION
Surface Investigation
A. Aerial surveying
- Aerial survey is a method of collecting
geomatics or other imagery by using
airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, balloons
or other aerial methods.
- Aerial surveying, also known as

photogrammetry, is a method used to
survey land that would be impossible
or impractical to survey on the ground.
A. Aerial surveying
- used for inventory of forests, land
surveying, land reclamation, planning
of railways and highways, power lines
and pipe lines, and various
explorations
B. Hydrogeological surveying
- Hydrogeology is a branch of geology
that encompasses the study of
groundwater and its impact on the
subsurface environment.
- Both fields dovetail at several points
though, with hydrologists at times
studying the impact of groundwater
on surface water whereas
hydrogeologists do vice versa.
- A hydrogeological survey is an
investigation of the hydrologic and
geologic parameters at the
subsurface level in a particular area.
- It involves the detailed evaluation of

the water-bearing levels of rocks and
their capability for filtration.
- obtain hydrogeological details of the area are also conducted partly on
the surface with a view of recording following details that are of
immense help in the later studies:
Drainage pattern of the area and discharge;
Location and discharge details of springs and other leakage points;
Location of wells and measurements of water levels after intervals
to note aberrations in behaviour with time;
Precipitation and evaporation details.
Subsurface Investigation
A. Test Pit Excavation
- Test pits are holes dug prior to
construction to help ensure the ground
conditions are suitable for building
projects. These test pits average a depth
of 3-15 feet deep, and allow geotechnical
engineers the opportunity to assess soil
composition before officially breaking
ground. Using a test pit is a great way to
avoid issues and save costs .
B. Boring
- A soil boring test is a subsurface
examination of the soil to decide its
solidarity and properties. Soil boring
is a strategy used to review soil by
removing a few shallow centers from
the silt. The soil can then be tried to
be certain it contains no risky
pollutants like oil.
C. Seismic Refraction Method
- A seismic refraction or seismic
reflection line is a set of
seismographs usually lined up along
the earth's surface to record seismic
waves generated by an explosion for
the purpose of recording reflections
and refractions of these waves from
velocity discontinuities within the
earth.
D. Electrical Resistivity Method
- Electric resistivity techniques are a
type of geophysical reviewing that
guides in imaging the subsurface.
These techniques use contrasts in
electric potential to distinguish
subsurface material.
REFERENCES:
Geophysics - Uses for Geophysical Data | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. (2022).
Alaska.gov. https://dggs.alaska.gov/geophysics/uses.html
Prabhu, G. (2015). Groundwater Investigation Techniques-Geophysical Methods. Slideshare.net.

https://www.slideshare.net/gowrivprabhu/groundwater-investigation-techniquesgeophysical-
methods
Geological Site Investigation. (2022). Civil Engineering Notes. http://civilengineering-

notes.weebly.com/geological-site-investigation.html
Application Of Geological Investigations: Roads And Highways. BrainKart.

https://www.brainkart.com/article/Application-Of-Geological-Investigations--Roads-And-Highways
Geo-Physical Investigations. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/gauravhtandon1/geophysical-

investigations-26347135

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Geological

- Identifies the feasibility of an area for

- Methods used in site investigation

- Aerial surveying, also known as

- It involves the detailed evaluation of

Prabhu, G. (2015). Groundwater Investigation Techniques-Geophysical Methods. Slideshare.net.

Geological Site Investigation. (2022). Civil Engineering Notes. http://civilengineering-

Application Of Geological Investigations: Roads And Highways. BrainKart.

Geo-Physical Investigations. Slideshare. https://www.slideshare.net/gauravhtandon1/geophysical-

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