Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Introduction to
Engineering
geology
Rosina Mali
Introduction to Engineering
Geology +
Definition of Geology and Engineering
geology
Branches of Geology
Scope and objectives of engineering geology
in the field of civil engineering
Importance of Engineering geology in the
context of Nepal
Geology???
• The word geology has been derived from the Greek words “Geo”
meaning the earth and logos meaning dissertation. Geology is therefore
the science of the earth.
• This word was used in its proper sense in 1178 by Jean Andre de Luc
(1727-1817), a Swiss - born scientist.
• The science of geology includes the study of the earth as a whole, its
• Origin
• Structure
• Composition, and
• History (including the development of life), and
• Nature of the processes which have given rise to its present condition.
Physical
geology
BRANCHES OF
GEOLOGY
Structural
geology
Mineralogy
Crystallography
Petrology
Geology
Hydrogeology
Historical
Geology
Geophysics
Geochemistry
Oceanology
Economic
geology
Engineering
geology
Physical geology
Physical geology aims at the proper understanding of the
physical forces and processes which mould the surface of the
globe through their ceaseless action through ages.
Historical geology
Historical geology, traces the evolution of the earth.
Palentology
Palaeontology is that branch of geology which deals with the
mode of preservation of remains of plants and animals, in the
form of fossils, within the rock-bed.
Mineralogy
Mineralogy is that branch of geology which deals with the study of
minerals.
Crystallography
Crystallography deals with the study of the crystals.
Petrology
Petrology, the science of the rock, investigates on the nature of
the rocks, their mode of formation.
Structural geology
Structural geology is to study and interpret the structures
found in rock masses (like fold, fault, joint, unconformity)
Hydrogeology
Hydrogeology (hydro- meaning water, and -geology meaning
the study of the Earth) is the area of geology that deals with the
distribution and movement of groundwater in the soil and
rocks of the Earth's crust (commonly in aquifers).
Geophysics
Geophysics, involving geology, physics and mathematics, deals
with to exploration of the subsurface.
Geochemistry
Geochemistry deals with the chemical analysis and evolution of
the rock and minerals.
Economic geology
Economic geology deals with the occurrence of deposits of rocks
and minerals of economic importance.
Geomorphology
Geomorphology deals with the form and morphology of the earth
surface .
Engineering geology????
Engineering geology has much more scope over the civil engineering:
• The natural processes influence how the structural and other development occurs. The suitability
of locations for development, their design and cost are related to the effect of natural processes.
• Because, structures and development can alter natural processes creating change that may be
undesirable. Changes in stream channel bed elevations and other channel characteristics below
dams are an example of a natural processes changed.
• The geological structures such as thrusts, faults, folds, joints etc play vital role not only on
increasing the cost but also on collapsing the engineering projects hence carried out great loss of
lives and property.