Engineering geology and rock descriptions Flashcards
What happens if unexpected ground conditions are found during construction?
The contractor requests more money via the engineer to the client.
What components make up a ground model?
Geology + Mechanics + Environment + Time
Name 5 geological environment components.
Geomorphology
Groundwater
Climate
Erosion
Structure and Tectonics
Name three ways soils form.
Weathering, transportation, chemical/biological activity.
What are the components of shear strength in rocks?
Friction, cohesion, and tensile strength.
Joints often form due to ___ and terminate at changes in ___.
Overpressure of fluids; lithology.
Match rock type with corresponding soil type:
Igneous → ?
Sedimentary → ?
Metamorphic → ?
Igneous → Residual soils
Sedimentary → Chemical/biological soils
Metamorphic → Transported soils
What indicates a gradual rock-soil transition in residual soil profiles?
Corestones/lithorelicts of the same type regularly arranged.
What happens to completely weathered granite when water is added?
It disaggregates (slakes).
Name 3 essential geological skills for engineers.
Understanding of geological processes
Interpreting geological history
Description of soil and rock for engineering
List any 4 key factors affecting engineering projects.
In-situ stress
Earthquakes
Blasting
Hydrogeology
A rock with UCS <1 MPa and can be indented by thumbnail is ___ strength.
Extremely weak
(True/False):
Shale has a lower tensile strength than sandstone.
True
What makes up a rock mass?
Intact rock material + fractures.
What are the three ways geological stress is accommodated?
Body translation, body rotation, internal deformation.
What is the ability to “read the landscape” known as?
Geomorphology.
Name 4 engineering applications of geological skills.
Tunnels
Mining
Foundations
Blasting
Name three foundation types shown in the slides.
Shallow foundation on rock
Skin friction piles
End-bearing piles
How does failure in rock typically occur?
Along pre-existing joints, not through intact material.
Why is understanding folding and faulting important in engineering?
They influence stability, excavation safety, and fluid movement.
