MODULE in GEOLOGY FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS

MODULE 1: GENERAL GEOLOGY

TOPIC:
I. Geology in Civil Engineering
II. Branches of Geology
III. Earth Structure and Composition
IV. Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics
V. Landforms and Earth Processes
VI. Earthquake
VII. Groundwater Hydrology

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
1. _
2. _
3. _

I. GEOLOGY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Geology from the Greek "geo" (Earth) and "logos" (discourse) is that branch of physical
sciences which deals with the study of the earth, including the materials that it is made of, the
physical and chemical changes that occur on its surface and in its interior, and the history of the
planet and its life forms. It is important to civil engineering because all work performed by civil
engineers involves earth and its features. Fundamental understanding of geology is so important that
it is a requirement in university-level civil engineering programs.
For a civil engineering project to be successful, the engineers must understand the land upon
which the project rests. Geologists study the land to determine whether it is stable enough to support
the proposed project. They also study water patterns to determine if a particular site is prone to
flooding. Some civil engineers use geologists to examine rocks for important metals, oil, natural gas
and ground water.

IMPORTANCE OF GEOLOGY TO CIVIL ENGINEERS

Every civil engineering works involve earth and its features. Geological information is
necessary in every stage of the project be it planning, designing or construction phase of the project.
The importance of geology in civil engineering may be briefly outlined as follows:
1. Geology provides a systematic study of the structure and properties of construction materials
and their occurrence
2. The selection of a site is important from the viewpoint of stability of foundation and availability
of construction materials.
3. Geology helps to identify area susceptible to failures due to geological hazards such as
earthquake, landslides, weathering effects, etc.
4. Knowledge about the nature of the rocks is very necessary for tunnelling, constructing roads
and in determining the stability of cuts and slopes.
5. The foundation problems of dams, bridges and buildings are directly related to the geology of
the area where they are to be built.
6. The knowledge of groundwater is necessary for connection with excavation works, water
supply, irrigation and many other purposes.
7. Geological maps help in planning civil engineering projects. It provides information about the
structural deposition of rock types in the proposed area.
 8. Geology helps in determining the earthquake-prone areas. If any geological features like faults,
folds, etc. are found, they have to be suitably treated to increase the stability of the structure.
9. The knowledge of erosion, transportation and deposition (ETD) by surface water helps soil
conservation, river control, coastal and harbour works.
10. A geological survey of a site before starting a project will reduce the overall cost.

II. BRANCHES OF GEOLOGY

1. PHYSICAL GEOLOGY – branch of geology that deals with the present physical properties of
earth.
a. PETROLOGY – deals with the mode of formation, structure, texture, composition,
occurrence, and of types of rocks. It is the most important geology in Civil
Engineering point of view.
b. MINERALOGY – deals with the formation, composition, occurrence, types,
properties and uses of minerals.
c. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY – also known as geotectonic or tectonic geology. It is the
study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units with respect to their
deformation history. It deals with the internal structure of rocks which may result to
the occurrence of faults, joints and folds.
d. GEOMORPHOLOGY – the study of the physical features of the Earth’s surface and
its relation to its geological structure. It deals with the development/transformation of
its landforms.
e. GEOPHYSICS – the study of the physical properties of earth (e.g. Density,
magnetism, texture, etc.)
f. GEOCHEMISTRY – deals with the occurrence, distribution, mobility and abundance
of elements in the earth’s crust.

2. HISTORICAL GEOLOGY – branch of geology that focuses on the preserved evidence of

geological events.
a. STRATIGRAPHY – concerned with the order and relative position of strata and their
relationship to geological time scale. It is used for study of archaeological remains.
b. PALEONTOLOGY – deals with the study of life of geologic past. It involves the
analysis of plant and animal fossils preserved in rocks.
c. OCEANOGRAPHY – deals with the study of all aspects of the ocean. It includes
marine life and ecosystem.

ALLIED BRANCHES – applies knowledge of geology in other sciences and/or field.

1. ENGINEERING GEOLOGY/GEOLOGY ENGINEERING – application of geology in Civil
Engineering
2. MINING GEOLOGY – application of geology in Mining Engineering
3. GEOHYDROLOGY – deals with groundwater movement

III. EARTH STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION

Since we humans live on the very surface of the Earth, we do not tend to think too much about
what is beneath the basements of our homes and workplaces. The Earth is nearly 8000 miles in
diameter (almost 13,000 km), the distance you would travel if you went straight through the earth to
the exact opposite point on the globe. If you traveled through the earth this way, you would pass
through many different layers, the temperature would get as hot as the surface of the sun, and you
would see things no human eyes have ever seen before!
COMPOSITIONAL LAYERS is determined by their components.
LAYER DEFINITION DEPTH
CRUST The outermost solid layer of a rocky planet or natural satellite. Chemically
distinct from the underlying mantle.
Two types of Crust:
1. Oceanic Crust – It is the thinner parts. It underlies the oceanic 0-100km
basins composed mostly of igneous rocks made from iron silicates
magnesium silicate.
2. Continental Crust – It is the thicker parts. It is composed primarily
of sodium potassium aluminum silicate rocks.
MANTLE A layer of the Earth (or any planet large enough to support internal
stratification) between the crust and the outer core. It is chemically distinct 100-2900km
from the crust and the outer core. The mantle is not liquid. It is, however, iron and
ductile, or plastic, which means that on very long time scales and under magnesium
pressure it can flow. The mantle is mainly composed of aluminum and silicates
silicates.
CORE The innermost layers of the Earth. The Earth has an outer core (liquid)
and an inner core (solid). They are not chemically distinct from each other, 2900-6370km
but they are chemically distinct from the mantle. The core is mainly metals
composed of nickel and iron.

MECHANICAL LAYERS is determined by their physical properties.

LAYER DEFINITION DEPTH
LITHOSPHERE The outermost and most rigid mechanical layer of the Earth. The
lithosphere includes the crust and the top of the mantle. The average
thickness is ~70km, but ranges widely: It can be very thin, only a few 0-100km
km thick under oceanic crust or mid-ocean ridges, or very thick, 150+
km under continental crust, particularly mountain belts.
ASTHENOSPHERE The asthenosphere is underneath the lithosphere. It is about 100km 100-350 km
thick, and is a region of the mantle that flows relatively easily. Soft plastic
Reminder: it is not liquid. *note: The
mantle is not
liquid!
MESOSPHERE The mesosphere is beneath the asthenosphere. It encompasses the
350-2900km
lower mantle, where material still flows but at a much slower rate
stiff plastic
than the asthenosphere.
OUTER CORE A layer of liquid iron and nickel (and other elements) beneath the
mesosphere. This is the only layer of the Earth that is a true liquid,
5100-6370 km
and the core-mantle boundary is the only boundary of Earth’s layers
solid
that is both mechanical and compositional. Flow of the liquid outer
core is responsible for Earth’s magnetic field.
IV. CONTINENTAL DRIFTS AND PLATE TECTONICS