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SCOPE OF STUDYING ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Technical Report · August 2017

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.26094.10563

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 SCOPE OF STUDYING
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

by

Prof. A. Balasubramanian
Centre for Advanced Studies in
Earth Science,
University of Mysore,
Mysore-6

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1. Introduction:

Engineering geology is the application of the geological sciences to engineering projects. It is aimed
at studying the geology of an area for the purpose of assuring that the geological factors regarding the
location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works, are perfect for the
project implementation. It is also done during post-construction and forensic phases of the projects.
Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical recommendations, analysis, and design
associated with human development and various types of structures.

2. Basic knowledge required for Engineering Geology:

The basic knowledge required for an engineering geologist include : the structure of earth and its
composition : weathering of rocks : scale of weathering : soils - landforms and processes associated
with river, wind, groundwater and sea : relevance to civil engineering. Plate tectonics : Earth quakes :
Seismic zones. Physical properties of minerals.
Classification of rocks, distinction between Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks.
Engineering properties of rocks.
Description, occurrence, engineering properties, distribution and uses of Granite, Dolerite, Basalt,
Sandstone, Limestone, Laterite, Shale, Quartzite, Marble, Slate, Gneiss and Schist. Geological
structures. Geological maps : attitude of beds, study of structures : folds, faults , unconformities, and
joints : relevance to civil engineering. Geophysical methods : Seismic and electrical methods for
subsurface investigations. Remote sensing for civil engineering applications.

Field Geology:

Geology is a field science. Without sustained fieldwork, no theoretical aspect of geology can be
taught and no geological and mineral exploration or research can be carried out.
In short, without field studies there would be no science of geology. Field work, supplemented by
laboratory studies, is a cornerstone for the geological sciences. Field geology is necessarily founded
upon observation and inference. Only features that are superficial can be observed; all else must be
inferred. The ability to infer and to infer correctly is the goal of training in field geology, for one's
proficiency as a geologist is measured by one's skill in drawing safe and reasonable conclusions
from observed phenomena.
Practical field training of students is therefore an essential requirement of undergraduate and
postgraduate courses in geology.
Students have to learn to make independent geological observations and measurements on the ground.
Field Geology is the capstone course for the Geology program and requires knowledge gained in
Geomorphology, Petrology, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Structural Geology and GIS.

3. Study of rock mechanics:

Knowledge of Rock mechanics is an important requirement. Rock mechanics is a theoretical and

applied science of the mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses; compared to geology, it is that
branch of mechanics concerned with the response of rock and rock masses to the force fields of
their physical environment.
Rock as Engineering Material, Rock and Rock Mass Classifications are the essential aspects to be
known for engineering geology.

4. Study of Soil mechanics:

Soil mechanics is a branch of soil physics and applied mechanics. It describes the behavior of soils.
It differs from fluid mechanics and solid mechanics in the sense that soils consist of a heterogeneous
mixture of fluids (usually air and water) and particles (usually clay, silt, sand, and gravel) but soil may
also contain organic solids and other matter.

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Along with rock mechanics, soil mechanics provides the theoretical basis for the analysis in
geotechnical engineering, a subdiscipline of civil engineering, and engineering geology, and also a
subdiscipline of geology.

5. Methods in Geological investigations:

The methods used by engineering geologists in their investigations include: geologic field mapping of
geologic structures, geologic formations,
soil units and hazards; the review of geologic literature, geologic maps, geotechnical reports,
engineering plans, environmental reports, stereoscopic aerial photographs, remote sensing data,
Global Positioning System (GPS) data, topographic maps and satellite imagery; the excavation,
sampling and logging of earth/rock materials in drilled borings, backhoe test pits and trenches, fault
trenching, and bulldozer pits; geophysical surveys (such as seismic refraction traverses, resistivity
surveys, ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, magnetometer surveys, electromagnetic surveys,
high-resolution sub-bottom profiling, and other geophysical methods); deformation monitoring as the
systematic measurement and tracking of the alteration in the shape or dimensions of an object as a
result of the application of stress to it manually or with an automatic deformation monitoring system;
and other methods.

6. Geomorphology and Seismology:

Geomorphology is the scientific study of the origin and evolution of topographic features created by
physical, chemical or biological processes operating at or near the Earth's surface.
Geomorphologists seek to understand why landscapes look the way they do and analyse to
understand landform history and dynamics. The aspects related to engineering geology are as
follows: Landforms - Classification, Rock weathering, types and its effects on Civil Engineering
Projects. Study of Geo-morphological aspects in the selection of sites for Dams, Reservoirs, Tunnels,
Highways and Bridges,Watershed management, Floods and their control, River valley, Drainage
pattern - parameters and development; Coastlines and their engineering considerations.

7. Hydrogeology:
Hydrological cycle, Occurrence of Groundwater in different terrains -Weathered, Hard and Stratified
rocks; Determination of Quality aspects : SAR, RSC and TH of Groundwater. Groundwater Pollution,
Groundwater Exploration- Electrical Resistivity and Seismic methods, Resistivity curves, Water
Bearing Formations, Aquifer types and parameters : Porosity, Specific yield and retention,
Permeability, Transmissibility and Storage Coefficient.
Springs and Artesian Wells, Artificial Recharging of Groundwater, Sea water intrusion and remedies.

8. Geodesy:

Study of Topographic maps and Contour maps; Remote Sensing : Concept, Application and its
Limitations; Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) : Concept
and their use resource mapping.
LANDSAT Imagery : Definition and its use. Impact of Mining, Quarrying and Reservoirs on
Environment. Natural Disasters and their mitigation.

Photogeology:

Photogeology is a modern branch of geology concerned with the identification and study of
geological features through the study of aerial photographs. It involves the techniques of interpreting
the geology from aerial photographs or compiling the geological maps there from. Photogeology is
the interpretation of the geological and geomorphological features as well as various litho-units on
the aerial photographs. The use of aerial photographs to obtain both qualitative and quantitative
geologic information is referred to as photogeology. Aerial photographs are widely used today for
identifying and mapping landforms, drainage patterns, structural features such as faults and folds, and
rock or lithologic Units.

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Aerial photographs are a source of geological information that may be unobtainable elsewhere.
The advantages of the study of the aerial photographs are, a) it saves time b). it provides to observe a
larger area, c). it has more detailed ground surface than maps, d). the photographs can be studied
anytime and at anywhere, e). the studies carried out on the photographs are cheaper than studies in the
field, f). studies carried out on the aerial photographs are easier than studies in the field. The only
disadvantage of the aerial photographs is the absence of the topographic contours and the geographic
names.

Remote Sensing:

Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance,
typically from aircraft or satellites. Remote sensors collect data by detecting the energy that is
reflected from Earth. These sensors can be on satellites or mounted on aircraft. Remote sensors can
be either passive or active. Passive sensors respond to external stimuli. They record natural energy
that is reflected or emitted from the Earth's surface.
The most common source of radiation detected by passive sensors is reflected sunlight. In contrast,
active sensors use internal stimuli to collect data about Earth. For example, a laser-beam remote
sensing system projects a laser onto the surface of Earth and measures the time that it takes for the
laser to reflect back to its sensor.

Remote sensing has a wide range of applications in many different fields. The image analysis helps to
monitor shoreline changes, track sediment transport, and map coastal features.
Data can be used for coastal mapping and erosion prevention, monitor ocean circulation and current
systems, measure ocean temperature and wave heights, and track sea ice. Remote sensing helps in
hazard assessment to track hurricanes, earthquakes, erosion, and flooding. Data can be used to assess
the impacts of a natural disaster and create preparedness strategies to be used before and after a
hazardous event. Satellite data helps to monitor land use, map wetlands, and chart wildlife habitats.
The application potential is very huge.

9. Geotechnical Investigations:

A geotechnical investigation will include surface exploration and subsurface exploration of a site.
Sometimes, geophysical methods are used to obtain data about sites. Subsurface exploration usually
involves in-situ testing (two common examples of in-situ tests are the standard penetration
test and cone penetration test) and drilling methods.

10. Surveying:

It is a process when a surveyor measures certain dimensions which occur on the Earth surface; land
surveying is used for a boundary establishing and for making subdivision plans; construction
surveying includes existing condition survey, verifying the structure location during construction and
survey at the end.

11. Environmental Engineering :

It treats chemical, biological and thermal waste; it concentrates on e.g. water purification, waste water
and solid waste treatment, air pollution, hazardous waste management and it is also in charge of
giving information on possible environmental consequences.

12. Geotechnical Engineering:

This branch is based on the knowledge from geology, material science, mechanics and hydraulics; it
focuses on economical foundations, retaining walls as well as similar structure designs.

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13. Structural Engineering :

It provides structural design and structural analysis of buildings ( bridges, towers, tunnels); next, it
identifies the kind of loads acting on structures and it takes into account strength, stiffness and
stability of the structures.

14. Transportation Engineering:

The main emphasis is placed on moving people and goods efficiently; also it pays attention to
designing, constructing and maintaining of transportation infrastructure (streets, highways, rail
systems, airports, ports and mass transit).

15. Municipal Engineering(Urban) :

This branch of civil engineering deals with municipal infrastructure; it designs, constructs and
maintains pavements, water supply networks, sewers, street lighting, municipal solid waste
management, public parks, bicycle paths.

16. Water Resource Engineering :

It concerns about the collection and management of water; the branch is connected with hydrology,
environmental science, meteorology, geology, resource management; it is closely related to the design
of pipelines, water supply network, drainage facilities and canals.

17. Material Engineering :

This branch deals with various kinds of materials, such as concrete, mix asphalt concrete, metals; its
attention is drawn to increasing strength of aluminium, steel, polymers and carbon fibres.

18. Coastal Engineering :

Coastal engineering is the study of the processes ongoing at the shoreline and construction within the
coastal zone. The field involves aspects of near shore oceanography, marine geology, and
civil engineering, often directed at combating erosion of coasts or providing navigational access.

19. Construction Engineering:

It provides planning and execution of the designs from transportation, site development, hydraulic,
environmental, structural and geotechnical engineers; it plays a role in business in drafting and
reviewing contracts, evaluating logistical operations and prices monitoring.

20. Irrigation engineering:

Irrigation engineering deals with the analysis and design of irrigation systems which include dams,
weir, barrage, canals, drains and other supporting systems etc. Good knowledge of hydraulics or fluid
mechanics is very much required for design of irrigation system.

21. Foundation Engineering:

A building's foundation transmits loads from buildings and other structures to the earth. Geotechnical
engineers design foundations based on the load characteristics of the structure and the properties of
the soils and/or bedrock at the site. In general, geotechnical engineers: Estimate the magnitude and
location of the loads to be supported.

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This subject helps to develop an investigation plan to explore the subsurface. Determine necessary
soil parameters through field and lab testing (e.g., consolidation test, triaxial shear test, vane shear
test, standard penetration test). Design the foundation in the safest and most economical manner. The
primary considerations for foundation support are bearing capacity, settlement, and ground movement
beneath the foundations.

Shallow foundations are a type of foundation that transfers building load to the very near the surface,
rather than to a subsurface layer.
Shallow foundations typically have a depth to width ratio of less than 1.

Deep foundations are used for structures or heavy loads when shallow foundations cannot provide
adequate capacity, due to size and structural limitations. They may also be used to transfer building
loads past weak or compressible soil layers.

22. Highway engineering:

This is a prominent engineering discipline branching from civil engineering that involves the
planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of roads, bridges, and tunnels to ensure
safe and effective transportation of people and goods. Highway engineers must take into account
future traffic flows, design of highway intersections/interchanges, geometric alignment and design,
highway pavement materials and design, structural design of pavement thickness, and pavement
maintenance.

23. Tunnel engineering :

The tunnel engineering is one of the most interesting disciplines in engineering. The work is complex
and difficult throughout its course, even though it is interesting. The tunnels are defined as the
underground passages that are used for the transportation purposes.
These permit the transmission of passengers and freights, or it may be for the transportation of utilities
like water, sewage or gas etc.

24. Earthquake engineering:

Earthquake engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that designs and analyzes

structures, such as buildings and bridges, with earthquakes in mind. Its overall goal is to make such
structures more resistant to earthquakes. Basics of rock mechanics are essential aspects in this study.

25. Irrigation & Drainage Systems Engineering :

Irrigation & Drainage Systems Engineering (IDSE) covers all phases of irrigation, drainage
engineering, hydrology and related water management subjects such as watershed management,
weather modification, water quality, groundwater and surface water. Geological investigations are
basic tools for these areas of engineering applications.

26. Slope stability Analysis:

Slope stability is the potential of soil covered slopes to withstand and undergo movement. Stability is
determined by the balance of shear stress and shear strength. A previously stable slope may be
initially affected by preparatory factors, making the slope conditionally unstable. Triggering factors of
a slope failure can be climatic events which can then make a slope unstable, leading to mass
movements.

Mass movements can be caused by increase in shear stress, such as loading, lateral pressure, and
transient forces. Alternatively, shear strength may be decreased by weathering, changes in pore water

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pressure, and organic material. Engineering geology deals with the remediation options for protecting
the slopes.

27. Drilling engineering :

Drilling engineering is a subset of petroleum engineering.

Drilling engineers design and implement procedures to drill wells as safely and economically as
possible. They work closely with the drilling contractor, service contractors, and compliance
personnel, as well as with geologists and other technical specialists. The drilling engineer has the
responsibility for ensuring that costs are minimized while getting information to evaluate the
formations penetrated, protecting the health and safety of workers and other personnel, and protecting
the environment. Drilling Techniques: There are two basic types of drills: drills which produce rock
chips, and drills which produce core samples.

Auger Drilling/Rotary Air Percussion drilling (Air Percussion).Core drilling/Cable tool

drilling/Reverse circulation (RC) drilling/Diamond core drilling/Diamond core drill bits. Direct Push
Drilling/ Hydraulic-rotary drilling. Sonic (Vibratory) Drilling. Drilling methods are important tools
for all the geotechnical investigations. They help from sampling to safety designs.

28. Wastewater engineering:

Wastewater engineering is not usually its own degree course but a specialization from degrees such
as civil engineering, environmental engineering or chemical engineering. Wastewater engineering
deals with the transportation and cleaning of blackwater, greywater, and irrigation water.
Wastewater treatment and water reclamation are areas of concern in this field.
Wastewater engineers map out topographical and geographical features of Earth to determine the best
means of collection.

29. Ocean engineering:

Ocean engineering is a multidisciplinary field of technology applied to the ocean environment. It is a

combination of the classical engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical and electrical
engineering, with naval architecture and applied oceanography.

30. Mining engineering:

Mining engineering is an engineering discipline that applies science and technology to the extraction
of minerals from the earth.

Mining engineering is associated with many other disciplines, such as geology, mineral processing
and metallurgy, geotechnical engineering and surveying.

A mining engineer may manage any phase of mining operations : from exploration and discovery of
the mineral resource, through feasibility study, mine design, development of plans, production and
operations to mine closure.

Geoinformatics:

Geoinformatics is the science and the technology of using geospatial data for modeling and simulation
purposes. It uses the infrastructure of information science to address the problems of geology,
geography, cartography and related branches of science and engineering.
It is the art, science and technology of acquisition, storage, processing, production, presentation and
dissemination of geospatial information. Geoinformatics has, at its core, the technologies supporting
the processes of acquiring, analyzing and visualizing spatial data. . In real word, there are many
geographical features which include topographic features, land use, land cover, soils, forests, rocks,

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 water bodies, agriculture, city, streets, communication lines, district, etc. These are spatial data often
represented by a map.
Information about these features is attribute data which may form part of an information system.
Geoinformatics is the integration of different disciplines dealing with spatial information. The advent
of Satellite Remote Sensing and subsequent development of Global Positioning System (GPS) and
Geographical Information System (GIS) have made significant changes in surveying and map making.

Geomatics:

Geomatics is a subfield of geoinformatics. It deals with surveying and geospatial engineering and
geospatial technology. It orients on gathering, storing, processing, and delivering geographic
information or spatially referenced information. Geomatics includes the tools and techniques used in
land surveying, remote sensing, cartography, geographic information systems(GIS), global-navigation
satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Compass), photogrammetry, geophysics, geography,
and related forms of earth mapping. The related field of hydrogeomatics covers the area associated
with surveying work carried out on, above or below the surface of the sea or other areas of water.
Geospatial science is an academic discipline of incorporating various fields like surveying, geographic
information systems, hydrography and cartography.

Conclusion:

Engineering geology is a promising subject for operational applications of geological knowledge. The
future lies in this subject. Opportunities will increase for students specialising in this subject.

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