Scope of engineering geology in civil engineering

Engineering geology applies geological knowledge to the investigation, design, construction and maintenance of civil engineering works. Its scope in civil engineering includes:

1. Site selection and investigation for dams, reservoirs, tunnels, bridges, roads, canals and buildings.
2. Foundation studies: bearing capacity, weak zones, faults, weathering and settlement.
3. Slope stability and landslide study for road cuts, dam abutments and reservoir rims.
4. Tunnelling and underground works: rock mass classification, support design, water inflow, squeezing and rock burst.
5. Groundwater studies: seepage, dewatering, water supply and drainage.
6. Construction materials: locating and testing aggregates, sand, clay, building stones.
7. Geological hazards: earthquake, flood, GLOF, erosion, subsidence, with mitigation.
8. Geological mapping and rock/soil testing for design parameters.
9. Environmental and cost aspects: helps avoid failures, environmental damage, cost overruns and delays.