1st Edition

Geology for Ground Engineering Projects

By Chris J. N. Fletcher Copyright 2016
    312 Pages 562 Color Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    312 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Bridges the Gap between Geology and Ground Engineering

    High-quality geological models are crucial for ground engineering projects, but many engineers are not always at ease with the geological terminology and analysis presented in these models, nor with their implications and limitations. Project engineers need to have a sound comprehension of the geological models presented to them, and to be able to discuss the models in so far as they might impinge on the design, safety and possible budgetary or time constraints of the project. They should also fully understand how site investigation data and samples are used to develop and substantiate geological models.

    Geology for Ground Engineering Projects provides a comprehensive presentation of, and insight into, the critical geological phenomena that may be encountered in many engineering projects, for example rock contact relationships, weathering and karst phenomena in tropical areas, composition of fault zones and variability of rock discontinuities. Examples are provided from around the world, including Southeast Asia, Europe, North and South America, China and India.

    Comprehensive and well-illustrated, this definitive book:

    • Describes the important geological phenomena that could affect ground engineering projects
    • Provides a practical knowledge-base for relevant geological processes
    • Addresses common geological issues and concerns

    Rocks are described in relation to the environment of their formation, highlighting the variation in composition, distribution and geotechnical properties that can be expected within a variety of rock associations. Case studies, where geology has been a vital factor, are included. These are written by the project engineers or geologists responsible for the projects. Geology for Ground Engineering Projects is well illustrated with color diagrams and photographs. Readers are directed to satellite images of selected areas to explore for themselves many of the geological features described in this book.

    Introduction
    Framework of the Book
    The Geological Model
    Site Investigation Samples

    Geological Fundamentals
    Engineering Considerations
    Geological Time
    Plate Tectonics
    Sea Level Changes
    Geological Histories
    Stratigraphic Nomenclature

    Geological Maps
    Engineering Considerations
    Types of Geological Map
    Making a Geological Map
    Geological Map Interpretation

    Sedimentary Rocks
    Engineering Considerations
    Sedimentary Environments
    Diagenesis
    Sedimentary Rock Characteristics
    Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
    Biological Sedimentary Rocks
    Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

    Intrusive Igneous Rocks
    Engineering Considerations
    Composition of Intrusive Igneous Rocks
    Texture and Fabric of Intrusive Igneous Rocks
    Plutonic Rocks
    Dyke Rocks

    Extrusive Igneous Rocks
    Engineering Considerations
    Geometry of Volcanic Deposits
    Composition of Volcanic Rocks
    Lavas
    Pyroclastic Deposits
    Structures within Hot Volcanic Rocks
    Lahars
    Fumaroles

    Metamorphic and Hydrothermal Rocks
    Engineering Considerations
    Contact Metamorphism
    Dynamic Metamorphism
    Hydrothermal Alteration
    Veins

    Faults
    Engineering Considerations
    Fault Geometry
    Fault Systems, Arrays and Zones
    Fault Composition

    Discontinuities
    Engineering Considerations
    Compositional Layering
    Joints
    Joint Characteristics
    Foliation

    Folds
    Engineering Considerations
    Fold Nomenclature
    Fold Classification
    Fold Geometry
    Transposition Structures

    Weathered Rocks
    Engineering Considerations
    Saprolite
    Duricrust
    Weathering Profiles
    Weathering Characteristics
    Clays in the Weathering Profile

    Karst
    Engineering Considerations
    Karst Morphology
    Karst Deposits

    Superficial Deposits
    Engineering Considerations
    Alluvium
    Colluvium
    Shallow-Water Marine Deposits
    Windblown Deposits
    Lake Deposits
    Evaporite Deposits
    Glacial Deposits
    Peat
    References

    Biography

    Chris J. N. Fletcher is a consulting geologist based in Wales. He graduated from St Andrew’s University in Scotland, and then moved to Canada to complete an MSc at Queen’s University and a PhD at the University of British Columbia. Most of his career has been with the British Geological Survey, both in the UK and overseas. He then became director of the Hong Kong Geological Survey and later managed his own geological consulting company. He was an Honorary Professor at universities in Hong Kong and China, where he presented graduate and professional development courses.

    "This is an extremely well-written book and is beautifully illustrated in colour throughout."
    —J. S. Griffiths in Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology

    "The book provides a succinct summary of key geological features that are likely to impact ground engineering projects. [It] utilizes a range of well-illustrated case studies to highlight and, importantly, summarize the importance of accurate geological description, understanding of the geological history and a summary of key engineering considerations for each of the sites considered."
    —Professor John Coggan, University of Exeter, UK

    "The book deals with the 'so what?' questions brilliantly."
    —C K Lau, Fong On Geotechnics, Hong Kong

    "The book is well illustrated and the author’s passion for the subject is clear...Whilst the book is primarily aimed at civil engineering students, it would also benefit students of engineering geology."
    —Steve Parry in Bull Eng Geol Environ

    "The author’s exceptional wealth of experience and ability to explain complex geologic principles in clear, concise language cannot be overstated."
    —M. S. Field, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  in CHOICE