Geology and Civil Engineering

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The value of geology in mining has long been known but its use in civil engineering has been recognized only in comparatively recent years. Geology provides a systematic knowledge of construction material, its occurrence, composition, durability and other properties. Example of such construction materials is building stones, road metal, clay, limestone and laterite. The knowledge of the geological work of natural agencies such as water, wind, ice and earthquakes helps in planning and carrying out major civil engineering works. For example the knowledge of erosion, transportation and deposition helps greatly in solving the expensive problems of river control, coastal and harbor work and soil conservation.

Geological investigation in engineering construction is used to build Tunnels, dams and bridges. Geology helps greatly in interpreting the drilling data. In tunneling, constructing roads, canals, docks and in determining the stability of cuts and slopes, the knowledge about the nature and structure of rocks is very necessary. Before staring a major engineering project at a place, a detailed geological report which is accompanied by geological maps and sections, is prepared. Such a report helps in planning and constructing the projects. The stability of civil engineering structure is considerably increased if the geological feature like faults, joints, bedding planes, folding solution channels etc. in the rock beds are properly located and suitably treated.