1. Engineering Geology I (GED355) S
Engineering Geology I (GED355) S. Bansah, August 2010 Engineering Geological Maps & Plans

2. Definition
examination of natural and manmade exposures of rock or unconsolidated materials
systematic recording of geologic data from these exposures
analysis and interpretation of these data in two- or three-dimensional format (maps, cross sections, and perspective [block] diagrams)

3. Uses of Geol. Maps & Sections
maps and cross sections generated from geologic data
1. serve as a record of the location of factual data;
2. present a graphic picture of the conceptual model of the study area based on the available factual data; and
3. serve as tools for solving three-dimensional problems related to the design, construction, and/or maintenance of engineered structures or site characterization

4. Responsibilities of the Engineering Geologist in Mapping
Integrating all the available, pertinent geologic data into a rational, interpretive, three-dimensional conceptual model of the study area and
presenting this conceptual model to design and construction engineers, other geologists, hydrologists, site managers, and contractors in a form that can be understood

5. General items to be Included in an Engineering Geological Map
Lithology: Differentiate between the various units and state the engineering characteristics of each unit
2. Geologic contacts: Use solid lines to denote contacts where the exposures are excellent and a high degree of accuracy can be prescribed. Use broken lines when unsure of the accurate location of the contact

6. 3. Discontinuities: State the type of discontinuity (eg
3. Discontinuities: State the type of discontinuity (eg. Fracture, joint, bedding plane, shear, fault etc) and describe the engineering property (eg. Fracture orientation, spacing, openness, fillings etc) of each
4. Weathering and alteration: Describe the mechanical and chemical alteration of the materials and their engineering properties (eg. Degree and depth of weathering, mineralogical composition of altered material, hardness/strength etc)

7. 5. Water: State the location and amount of groundwater to be expected in an excavation and how the water can be controlled 6. Geomorphology: Describe the landform. This is important in interpreting the geologic history and structure. 7. Vegetation: Describe the vegetation types and patterns. This can provide indirect data on lithologies, discontinuities, weathering, groundwater, and mineralization

8. 8. Cultural features (manmade): Review features such as pipelines of water, sewage, electrical, gas etc. To save money, the utility services can provide such information
The map should be given a final field check by an independent reviewer in order to check the interpretation of geologic concepts used by the mapper

9. Phases of Engineering Geological Mapping
Mapping prior to construction
Mapping during construction

10. Mapping prior to construction
Preliminary surface geological mapping:
The purpose is to define the major geologic units structures in the site area and the general engineering properties of the units
Serves as pre requisite for other investigative techniques such as trenching and core drilling
Scale can vary between 1:24000 and 1:62500

11. Map scales are usually larger than the preliminary map
2. Detailed Surface Geologic Mapping:
purpose is to define the regional geology and site geology in sufficient detail
detailed descriptions of the engineering properties of the site geologic units are compiled
Map scales are usually larger than the preliminary map
The preliminary surface geology maps are used to select sites for dozer trenches, backhoe trenches, and drill core holes

12. 3. Trench Mapping
Dozer/backhoe trenches are cut to expose rock or unconsolidated materials below the surface
Structures such as contacts and shear zones must be traceable from wall into floor for optimum determination of their nature and attitude
Scales are larger to reveal critical details. Scales such as 1:200, 1:100, 1:50 are common
Trench holes should be left for re inspection unless it poses a hazard

13. Trench Mapping

14. Construction Geologic Mapping
Necessary to
1. identify and delineate potential construction-related needs and problems
2. verify and better define geologic interpretations made during design studies
3. determine if the geologic conditions are as interpreted during the design phase. If not, design modifications may be required
4. provide a record of as-built conditions in the event of litigations

15. Construction Geologic Mapping
Guidelines for mapping of specific features are
prepared before construction begins
Egs include
cutslopes geology maps: for determining slope stability problems and selecting slope support systems
Canal and pipeline maps: to determine the final canal/pipeline alignment and all associated requirements for specifications and construction
Tunnel maps

16. Plans and Sections
Vertical sections commonly coincident with a wall of a tunnel or shaft are made
Geologic features are projected to the sections and plotted as they are mapped
two types; measured section and constructed section

17. Measured/Constructed Sections
Measured sections
Data is obtained from actual measurements
the section is drawn to scale
Constructed sections
data obtained from pre existing geological and structural maps
actual data could not be obtained due to the complexity of the subsurface
Section lines need not always be single straight lines. They can be deflected to pass through various sites or sections of interest

18. Geologic Cross Section

19. Advantages/Disadvantages of the Plan and Section Method
Produces two dimensional sections and plans that don't require conversion
Easily understood by individuals not familiar with 3D periphery mapping
Disadvantage
Trace of planar features are projected to a plane.
- section walls are usually curved in practice

20. Further readings
Jackson, Julia A., editor, The Glossary of Geology, 4th edition, American Geologic Institute, Alexandria, VA, 1997
Lahee, Frederic H., Field Geology, 6th edition, McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, NY, 1961