Engineering geology involves the application of geology to construction projects. It is concerned with the rock and soil conditions of construction sites. Engineering geology provides information vital for planning, designing, and building structures like dams, bridges, and buildings. It examines the geology, geomorphology, and material properties of construction sites to understand subsurface conditions, availability of construction materials, and geologic hazards that could impact structures. Subdisciplines of engineering geology include physical geology, geomorphology, mineralogy, petrology, and economic geology. It aids in site selection, foundation design, and town planning by considering the geologic factors that influence construction and development.

1. Introduction to
Engineering Geology

2. Geology is the term derived from the Greek word GEO: Earth and
LOGOS :Science.
Study of Geology means studies related to the origin, formation
and denudation of the earth.
Geology deals with the studies related to various surface and sub-
surface physical features like Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Valleys,
Basins, Caves and all Coastal, Marine and submarine forms.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.
Introduction to the Subject, Object,
Scope and Subdivisions of Geology

3. Sub-divisions of Geology
Physical Geology
Geomorphology
Mineralogy
Petrology
Economic Geology
Historical Geology
Allied Science
◦ Geochemistry
◦ Geophysics
◦ Geohydrology
◦ Mining Geology
◦ Engineering Geology
◦ Rock Mechanics
◦ Geomechanics
◦ Metrology
◦ Oceanography
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

4. Physical Geology: It deals with the origin, development
and ultimate fate of various surfacial features of earth.
The role played by internal (Volcanism and Earthquakes)
and external (Wind, Water, Ice) agents on the physical
features on the earth makes major domain of this
branch.
Geomorphology: This branch confines itself to the
studies of features of the surface of the earth, primarily
of the land surface. Detailed investigations regarding
development and disposition of mountains, plains,
plateaus, valleys and basins and various other landforms
associated with them.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

5. Mineralogy: This branch deals with the study of
formation, occurrence, aggregation, properties and uses
of various families of minerals.
Petrology: Minerals occurring in natural aggregated
form are called rocks. These rocks forms the building
blocks that makes up the crust of the earth. Formation
of various types of rocks, their mode of occurrence,
composition, textures and structures, geological and
geographical distribution on the earth are all studied
under the title petrology.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

6. Economic Geology: Deals with the study of minerals
and rocks and other such material (Coal and
Petroleum) occurring in the crust that can be exploited
as a ORE.
Historical Geology: It is also called as STRATIGRAPHY
and deals with the past history of the earth. From the
study of its rock stratified and unstratified rocks are
treated as the pages of the earth history. Each having
the information about the time during which it was
formed and also the imprints (fossils left on its
formation) when these rocks are properly interpreted
can reveal vital information about the climate,
biological activities and the environmental conditions
of the past; all these lies in the historical geology.
Dr N J Sathe, Dept. of Civil Engineering., Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vadgaon (Bk), PUNE 41.

7. Scope of Engineering Geology
In construction Jobs: In all types of heavy
construction like building tower, dams, reservoirs,
highways, bridges, traffic and hydropower tunnel
and retaining structure. The geological information
about the site of construction (or excavation) and
about the natural materials of construction is of
paramount importance. This information is vital for
planning realistic and designing and economic
excavation of one and all of such projects.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

8. Planning:
It provides the engineer with a general guidance about
the suitability of the site for a proposed project.
It enables the engineer to appreciate the limiting
factors imposed upon his planning by topography,
geomorphology, ground water conditions etc. of the
area.
It gives the engineer a general idea about the
availability of different types of construction material.
It guides him in limiting the exploratory operation
(Drilling) for selecting the final site to such number as
would be absolutely essential.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

9. Designing:
◦ The existence of hard rock and their depth from an
inclination with the surface.
◦ Mechanical properties of the rocks along the
proposed site, especially, bearing strength, shear
strength, modulus of elasticity, permeability and
resistance to decay and disintegration.
◦ Presence of structurally weak plans (Joints, Faults and
Fractures) and weak zones (Peat deposits and sheared
zones) especially at critical regions of a site selected
for the project.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

10. In Town and Regional Planning:
◦ The major factor in town planning is the allocation of
site for industrial site is dependant on the
geomorphology of the region.
◦ It helps the town planner in allocating the space for the
building with respect to FSI.
◦ During the formation of city the design prepared for the
drainage and drinking water should not coincide with
each other.
◦ The study of the water cycle is an essential section for
planning and execution of a major water level program.
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.

11. That’s all about the Subject,
Object, Scope and Subdivisions
of Geology!!!
DR N J SATHE, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING., SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, VADGAON (BK), PUNE 41.