Geotechnical Engineering Site Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the result of applying stress to rock layers over a period of time?

Rock layer erosion

Creation of folds (correct)

Rock explosion

Formation of faults

What type of fold has younger layers closer to the center of the structure?

Monocline

Fault

Anticline

Syncline (correct)

What is the shape of an antiform syncline?

Step-like

Linear

Convex upward

Concave downward (correct)

What type of fold has a step-like shape in rock strata?

Monocline Signup and view all the answers

What can cause rock explosions along crests of folds?

Removal of rocks for tunneling Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock?

Fault Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of structural geology in the context of construction?

Studying the physical and mechanical properties of rocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of a site investigation?

To determine the suitability of a site for construction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of slope stability analysis?

To identify measures to prevent or mitigate slope failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ground improvement?

To improve poor ground conditions to meet project performance Signup and view all the answers

What does an environmental impact assessment aim to achieve?

To assess potential environmental hazards associated with a construction project Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of foundation design in engineering geology?

Creating a construction plan for a building foundation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of creating a separation or discontinuity in concrete or steel structures?

To prevent cracks due to strain produced by contraction, expansion, and settlement Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding geological structures such as folds, faults, and joints in construction projects?

To ensure the stability and safety of the structures Signup and view all the answers

What is Rock Mechanics, as a branch of mechanics, concerned with?

The response of rock and rock masses to force fields in their physical environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Engineering Rock Mechanics and Geological Rock Mechanics?

One deals with human activities, and the other deals with natural geological processes Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a structure built in or on rock, as mentioned in the context of Engineering Rock Mechanics?

A reservoir dam Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to conduct a thorough geological survey before starting any construction project?

To ensure the stability and safety of the structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of the strength of a rock?

The pulling force required to rupture a rock sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a material to resist plastic deformation?

Hardness Signup and view all the answers

What type of waves are used in seismology to study the interior of the Earth?

P-waves and S-waves Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the velocity of a rock?

Density, shear modulus, bulk modulus, pore pressure, and lithostatic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a material to regain its original shape and size after the removal of external load?

Elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a rock to withstand permanent deformation without failure?

Plasticity Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher value of E indicate in terms of stress and deformation?

Higher stress is needed to achieve deformation Signup and view all the answers

Why do static and dynamic moduli of the same rock differ?

Due to differences in deformation amplitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of grouting?

To improve the physical and mechanical characteristics of rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key point about grouting?

Grouting increases the permeability of rocks Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor affecting the effectiveness of grouting?

The properties of the grout Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a common application of grouting?

Wind farm construction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Folds

Folds are wavelike deformation patterns in rock layers or other geological materials that result from the application of stress over a period of time.
Folds can take on various shapes and sizes and have different strengths and properties in different directions, which affect the stability and strength of structures built on them.

Types of Folds

Monoclines: a step-like fold in rock strata, consisting of a zone of steeper dip within an otherwise horizontal or gently dipping sequence.
Synclines: a fold with younger layers closer to the center of the structure, typically a downward fold, termed a synformal syncline.
Anticlines: a type of fold that is convex upward, looks like an "A" in cross-section, with oldest rocks at the core and youngest rocks on the flanks.

Faults

A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.
Essential for the safe and sustainable construction of structures, including buildings, bridges, tunnels, and dams.
Provides the necessary information to ensure that construction is carried out in a way that minimizes risks to people and the environment.

Structural Geology

Site Investigation: a comprehensive investigation of the site to determine its suitability for construction, identify potential geologic hazards, and determine soil and rock properties.
Foundation Design: the creation of a construction plan for a building foundation.
Slope Stability Analysis: studying soil and rock properties, geologic structure, and groundwater conditions to assess the potential for slope failure and identify measures to prevent or mitigate it.
Ground Improvement: improving poor ground conditions and soil mass to meet project performance.
Environmental Impact Assessment: assessing potential environmental hazards associated with a construction project and designing measures to minimize or mitigate these impacts.

Igneous Massive Rocks

Widely spaced joints help in breaking open the rock mass in excavations.
Understanding geological structures such as folds, faults, and joints ensures the stability and safety of structures.

Rock Mechanics

Branch of mechanics concerned with the response of rock and rock masses to the force fields of their physical environment.
Two sub-categories: Engineering Rock Mechanics and Geological Rock Mechanics.

Properties of Rocks

Hardness: the ability of a material to resist scratching, abrasion, penetration, or wear.
Elasticity: the ability of a material to regain its original shape and size after the removal of external load.
Plasticity: the ability of a material to withstand permanent deformation without failure.
Dynamic Properties of Rocks: change under varying conditions, particularly under the influence of forces, vibrations, changes in pressure or temperature.

Wave Propagation

Compression waves (P-waves), shear waves (S-waves), and surface waves (Love and Rayleigh waves).

Grouting

A technique used in structural geology and rock mechanics to improve the physical and mechanical characteristics of the rock or structure.
Three key points about grouting:
- Improvement of Rock Properties: grouting can enhance the strength, stability, and durability of the rock or structure.
- Sealing and Consolidation: grouting can be used to seal fractures and voids, consolidate loose ground, reduce water flow, and control seepage.
- Applications: grouting is widely used in various fields of rock and civil engineering, including tunneling, dam construction, mining, and foundation stabilization.

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Description

Test your knowledge of geotechnical engineering and its application in site investigation, ensuring safe and sustainable construction of structures. This quiz covers the importance of site investigation in determining the suitability of a site for construction.