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This course highlights the role of geology in engineering projects. Topics covered: minerals; rocks; surficial deposits; rocks and soils as engineering materials; distribution of rocks at and below the surface; hydrologic influences; geologic exploration of engineering sites; mapping; and geology of underground excavations, slopes, reservoirs, and dam sites.

Course Syllabus

Definition

The Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG) defines engineering geology as "[The] application of geologic data, techniques, and principles to the study of naturally occurring rock and soil materials or subsurface fluids. The purpose is to assure that geologic factors affecting the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering structures and the development of groundwater resources are recognized, adequately interpreted, and presented for use in engineering practice".

Course Objective

The main objective of CVEN 3698 is to teach engineering students how to appreciate and identify geologic features that could have short and long-term consequences to the overall performance of various engineering structures and projects that they might encounter in their engineering careers. In order to do that, engineering students have to learn some fundamentals of geology. However, it is not the intent to make geologists out of engineers (this could not be done in one semester).