MODULE IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS:

SIMPLIFIED APPROACH

Overview

Geology for Civil Engineers in this modern world often serves as a filter between the
traditional geologic input and the uses of this information by engineers. Geology is the field
of knowledge concerning the present and past morphology and structure of the earth, its
environment, and the fossil record of its inhabitants. It is a massive subject that embraces all
the rocks, soils, and water bodies of the planet and the development of life. In this module,
study the orderly and efficient exploration of the crust for oil and mineral deposits, permits us
to mitigate the hazards of the natural phenomena such as earthquakes, landslide, sinkholes,
typhoon, soil erosion, flash floods, and among others.

In the field of engineering geology has simple aims and small compass. It exist solely
to provide the art and science of engineering through description of the composition and
characteristics of the rocks in connection to engineering works. And it also concerned with
the reservoir and movement of water through the void spaces as the rock and soil comprises
to engineering projects.

Furthermore, this module discussed the tools of traditional geology as foremost key
for the observation of rock exposures; the interpretations of hydrologic, geophysical, and
geochemical survey in the fields. These serves as information related to rock formations in
relation to age, history, geometric shapes and arrangement, and the genesis. The
Engineering geologist is the one in charged with the responsibility of interpreting the geologic
data and providing a conceptual model representing morphology and engineering-geologic
classification of rock. Thus, engineering geologist presents geologic data and interpretation
to be utilized by the civil engineers.

Civil engineering is the branch of engineering that sees to the construction of

structures and facilities for transportation, water supply, structures, bridges, urban
development, and among others. Civil engineers interfaces with all engineering disciplines
and construction projects.

Purpose of the Module

After the comprehensive readings and solving analytical cases and problems of
engineering geology in relation to civil engineering of this module, you will be able to:

1. Determine the meaning of geology, geologic features and processes particularly in

relation to Civil Engineering Problems
2. Apply the geologic formations that affect the structures built on natural materials and
geologic structures.
3. Identify the application of the general principles of engineering geology
4. Formulate case studies of engineering geology in relation to Civil Engineering
Problem.
5. Apply engineering geology into site assessment in response to Civil Engineering
problems.

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Module Title and Description

ES 215: Geology for Civil Engineers:

This module is an apprehension with the fundamentals of Geology applied to
Civil Engineering problems includes Rock and Mineral Types, soil properties, rock
mechanics, geologic structures, active tectonics and earthquake hazards, slope
stability and landslides, groundwater, river and floods hazards. Team projects
include engineering geology case studies and site assessment.

Module Guide

This module provides you a discussion of the preliminary to other intricacies, aspects
of engineering geology and its application to civil engineering field and construction projects.
The phases of activity necessary to introduce the meaning of the different terms applicable
in the learning lesson, its components and application to civil engineering fields are
presented first, followed by an introduction to the fundamental aspect of the basic type of
structures, their components, and supports. Finally a brief explanation is given of the
various types of loads that must be considered for an appropriate design and analysis. Thus,
Deductive Method of Presentation will be made in this module.

Module Outcomes

In this module, after a comprehensible readings and analysis you will be able to
investigate and evaluate the various conditions of the different compositions of rock, soil,
and water, in relation to civil engineering construction projects. You can produce Case
Study/ies comprises in the different learning lessons of this module.

Module Requirement

You should submit all the Examinations such as Midterm exam, Final Examination,
Quizzes, Assignments, and Requirements through online and offline process of submitting
the Evaluation/Assessment through an my account in e-mail/messenger, or in the Moodle,
and municipal link. And after computing the ratings of the examinations and requirements
you should have obtained an average rating of 75% in all examinations and requirements.

Key Terms

Geology , Engineering Geology, Geology for Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering

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LEARNING PLAN

MODULE 1: INTRODUTION TO THE COURSE

The following topic to be discuss in this module, to wit:

Overview of Geology; Branches of Geology; Classification of Geology;
Engineering Geology; The Scientific Method of Geology; Geology and
Engineering Geology as profession.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, you will be able to:
1. Define Geology
2. Classify the different branches of geology and its application
3. Determine the tools of the geologists.
4. Find out the role of Engineering Geology

1.1 Overview of Geology

This module will introduce concepts of general geology in preparation for

succeeding discussion of the modules. It includes classifications of various fields of
engineering geology and categorization of branches as well; the procedural approach
for an scientific method of engineering geology; and role of geology and engineering
geology as profession in relation to civil engineering works.
What is Geology?
Geology is the field of knowledge concerning the present and past
morphology and structure of the earth, its environments, and the fossil record of its
inhabitants. It also define as the study of earth, the materials of which it is made, the
structure of those materials and the effects of the natural forces acting upon them
and is important to civil engineering because all work performed by civil engineers
involves earth and its features.

It has vast subjects embraces all the rocks, soils, water bodies of the earth
and the development of life. There are different ways how geology gives importance
to civil engineering fields Its study helps the systematic and efficient exploration and
investigation of the crust for mineral deposits.

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. Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical
recommendations, analysis, and design associated with human development and
various types of structures. The realm of the engineering geologist is essentially in
the area of earth-structure interactions, or investigation of how the earth or earth
processes impact human made structures and human activities.

Engineering geology studies may be performed during the planning,

environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value

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 engineering and construction phases of public and private works projects, and during
post-construction and forensic phases of projects.

ACTIVITY # 1

ESSAY. Write your answer in the space provided

QUESTION: How Engineering Geology is significant for the application of structures in Civil
Engineering?

1.2 BRANCHES OF GEOLOGY

Branches of
GEOLOGY

Physical or Dynamic (al) Historical

- deals with the
history of the
- deals with the minerals that earth.
constituents the earth, structures, and
surface features of the earth and the
processes that have given the earth its
present structure and appearance.

The Subject Matter Concerned Its Industrial and Commercial Application

Geochemistry
Geodesy Economic Geology
Geomorphology Agricultural Geology
Geophysics Engineering Geology
Mineralogy Hydrology
Oceanography Mining Geology
Paleontology Petroleum Geology
Petrology Military Geology
Physiography
Stratography
Structural Geology

The following are the definition of terms in relation to geology, to wit:

TERM DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
 Geochemistry is the study of the chemistry of rocks and of the waters and
atmosphere.
 Geodesy Concerned with the measuring the form and size of the earth.
 Geomorphology is the study of land forms, their origin and development.
 Geophysics is the application of the principles of physics to the study of the
earth.
 Structural Geology Deals with the position of rock bodies, and with tectonic geology
interprets the forces causing them to be deformed or broken.
 Mineralogy is the study of minerals.
 Oceanography Is the study of the oceans and their basins.
 Paleontology Is the study of the life of past geologic periods and the evolution of
plants and animals whose remains or traces are found in the rocks.
 Petrology Is the systematic study of rocks especially their origin.
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  Physiography Embrace the fields of geomorphology, meteorology, climatology,
and oceanography.
 Stratigraphy Is the study of layered rocks, chiefly those of sedimentary origin.
 Economic Geology Is a broad field, involving the commercial and industrial uses of the
resources of the earth.
 Agricultural Geology Is the study of soils, especially of their depletion and erosion.
 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
 Hydrology Is the study of surface and underground water.
 Mining Geology Is geology applied to the finding and extraction of metallic deposits
(ores) and nonmetallic resources such as coal, building stones,
clay, etc.
 Petroleum Geology Is the study of the origin and occurrence of petroleum (oil) and
natural gas.
 Military Geology Is the application of geologic knowledge to warfare.

ACTIVITY # 2

TRUE OR FALSE. Write TRUE if the statement is true. If the statement/phrase is incorrect , write
FALSE. Write your answers on this activity box.

1. Geology deals with the position of rock bodies and with

tectonic geology interpret the forces causing them to be
deformed or broken.
2. Mining geology applied to the finding and extraction of
metallic deposits (ores) and nonmetallic resources such
as coal, building stones, clay, etc.
3. Petrology is the study of the origin and occurrence of
petroleum (oil) and natural gas.
4. Geochemistry is the study of layered rocks, chiefly those
of sedimentary origin
5. Hydrology 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.

1.3 Tools of the Geologists

Geologists employ various supports of their work among of which are as
follows:

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 • plane table
Surveying • transit
Instruments • theodolite
• Brunton compass

• Dip Needle - used to measure the magnetis attraction

of rocks
• Magnetometer - measures variations in the earth's
Geophysical magnetic field
Instrument • Pendulum and Gravimeter -
• Seismograph
• Geiger and Scintillation counter

• Petrographic
Microscope
Optimal • Electron Microscope
Instruments • Phase Microscope
• X-ray diffractometer
• Spectrometer

• Topographis Maps
• Geologic Maps
Maps and • Profiles
Literature • Cross Sections
• Block Diagrams

ACTIVITY # 3

INSTRUCTION: Read comprehensively write your answer before the number on the space
provided.
Multiple Choice. Indicate by the correct letter of which the following classes/types/descriptions of
tools of the geologists listed below belongs in:

a. Maps and Literature b. Optical Instruments c. Geophysical

Instruments d. Surveying Instrument

_______ 1. measures variations in the earth's magnetic field.

_______ 2. Cross sections
. _______3. Theodolite
_______ 4. Spectrometer
_______ 5. used to measure the magnetism attraction of rocks

1.4 Geology and Engineering Geology as profession.

Using principles and methods of geology and knowledge of civil engineering and
mathematical mechanics. Engineering geology problems usually appear in two forms:
human activities restricted by the geological environment and human activities potentially
affecting the geological environment. The goal of engineering geology research is to make
reasonable evaluations about, scientific evaluations of, and correct improvements for the
occurrence of possible geological problems in the interaction between the ecological
environment and human activities.
Engineering geology is an applied specialty of geology that interlinks geology with
civil engineering. Its task is to analyze and solve geology problems related to human
activities and human engineering (i.e., engineering geology problems).
Furthermore, engineering geology intends to make sure that the construction is
technically practical and economically reasonable; perhaps, it is designed to fully use yet
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properly protect the environment and thus ensure human survival. In short, the themes of
engineering geology, which takes the knowledge of geology as its core, are the evaluation of
the engineering geology condition, the prediction of engineering function, the protection of
the geological environment, and the evasion of natural disasters. A traditional and primary
application of geology, engineering geology came into being and developed gradually with
human engineering activity.

ACTIVITY # 4

ESSAY. Write your answer in the space provided

QUESTION: In Engineering Geology as a profession, how will you relate the profession to
Civil Engineering in terms of Constructing Infrastructure projects? Why?

SUMMARY

 Geology is the field of knowledge concerning the present and past morphology and
structure of the earth, its environments, and the fossil record of its inhabitants.

 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.

 Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical recommendations,

analysis, and design associated with human development and various types of
structures.

 Tools of the Geologists: Surveying Instruments, Geophysical Instruments, Optimal

Instruments, Maps and Literature.

 Engineering geology studies may be performed during the planning, environmental

impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value engineering and
construction phases of public and private works projects, and during post-
construction and forensic phases of projects.

ASSIGNED READINGS AND/OR ENRICHMENT

http://inside.mines.edu/~psanti/paper_pdfs/Preparing%20Geologists%20for%20EG%20a
nd%20Hydro.pdf

https://www.scribd.com/doc/51324277/An-Overview-of-Engineering-Geology-PPT

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1164212.pdf

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 How Much Have you Learned?

SELF- ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION # 1:

INSTRUCTION: Read comprehensively and following the instruction carefully.

I. Definition. Identify the technical terms referred to in the following definitions.
1. It usually appear in two forms: human activities restricted by the geological
environment and human activities potentially affecting the geological
environment.
2. Deals with the position of rock bodies, and with tectonic geology interprets the forces
causing them to be deformed or broken.
3. 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 .
4. The systematic study of rocks especially their origin.
5. A broad field, involving the commercial and industrial uses of the resources of the earth. .

II. Essay/Discussion.
Is Structural Geology belongs to the branch of geology particularly in application to its
industrial and commercial geology? Justify you answer.

Feedback

Are you shocked?!?!… Don’t turn to the next page until you are not
familiarize the terms needed to the next lesson. You may review your
answer. Good luck to the next Lesson

ANSWERS KEY

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