Engineering Geology I

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Engineering Geology (2 hours)
   1. Introduction to Geology, its branches, and their interrelationships
   2. Definition of engineering geology and its importance in civil engineering
   3. Importance of engineering geology in the context of Nepal
2. Structure of the Earth (3 hours)
   1. Origin and internal structure of earth
   2. Plate tectonics and mountain building process
   3. Geological time scale and evolution of life
3. Mineralogy and Petrology (7 hours)
   1. Formation of minerals, crystal morphology, physical and chemical properties of minerals
   2. Rock forming minerals and their engineering significance
   3. Formation of rocks and their classifications
   4. Introduction, classification, structure, texture, uses, engineering significance and field identification criteria of igneous rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock
4. Structural Geology (8 hours)
   1. Introduction of geological plane and its orientation (Dip, Strike, Plunge, and Trend)
   2. Study of different geological structures: Primary sedimentary structures and secondary structures
   3. Field identification criteria of geological structures with engineering significance
5. Physical Geology (6 hours)
   1. Introduction, definition, different geological agents (river, groundwater, glacier, wind, and sea water)
   2. Weathering and erosion, different geomorphological features
   3. Volcanism
6. Geology of the Himalaya (4 hours)
   1. Evolution of the Himalayas
   2. Tectonic sub-division of the Himalaya
   3. Major discontinuities systems and engineering geological problems

Practicals

1. Mineral and rock identification
2. Geological structure analysis via block diagrams
3. Topographic and geological map interpretation
4. Two-day mandatory field work with geological mapping and report submission