Engineering Geology short tutorial questions Guidance to answers

As an aid to how to answer the tutorial questions provide at the end of Section 1 of the notes, details below of where the information can be drawn have been provided. This is meant to guide you to complete your answer, not to provide a model answer that can be committed to memory. These questions serve as good practice of typical exam questions that could be faced in final exam paper in January. Specifically these related to Section A type questions in the exam. If you have any questions please arrange to see the module leader or send an e-mail. (1) What are the main roles of an engineering geologist during a typical construction project? Refer to section 2 page 1-2 of hand outs and Waltham page 2. Draw out areas that an engineering geologist works in and map these to construction projects process, e.g. site investigations. (2) What is a total geological model and how can it help an engineering geologist? This was discussed in lectures (see Dr Jeffersons session slides on WebCT) and specifically highlighted on page 43. First give a clear and concise description of what a total geological model is and then show how this helps engineering geological interpretation. (3) Why are igneous rocks generally stronger than sedimentary rocks and how would this be assessed? Refer to section 2 pages 13-14 of hand outs and in more detail in Waltham page 3 specifically but supported by pages 6-11. This was also covered at length during the lectures (see Dr Jeffersons slide on WebCT). Essentially think about formation and the associated nature of the mineral making up the rock. Assessment details only need be brief and refer to pages highlighted above. (4) What are the main engineering geological features associated with subsidence in Venice? This was covered in lectures session and is discussed on page 63 in Waltham. The slides from Dr Jefferson session will also help. However, it should be noted that this type of questions is only set when detailed information (e.g. a recent review paper, etc) has been provided. This was not the case this year. However, please note that other case history reviews have been examined and so are potentially examinable.

(5) What are the key engineering implications of non-tectonic structures? This was briefly covered in lectures (see Prof Culshaw and Dr Jefferson (cf. M62) sessions slides on WebCT), but specifically on page 15 in Waltham. Illustrate your answer with a sketch to highlight key features that require special engineering consideration. (6) What features should be included when constructing in earthquakes zones? Elements are covered in Section 2 and 3 of the notes, was briefly covered during lectures (see slides on WebCT) but specifically page 23 in Waltham. Firstly give overview of the problems and then how these control and influence construction aspects. Illustrate your answer with specific construction features. (7) How is rock strength measured and its associated limitations See section 5 and covered in lectures see slide (WebCT). Essentially watch for strain and water effects (8) What are the key geohazards associated in the UK and what can an engineering geologist do to reduce the risks from these geohazards? Details have been covered throughout the lectures but in more detail by Mr Fraser. Waltham has details throughout and Section 3 of the notes provides details and page references. The key document is contained with Section 3 Appendix A (WebCT). Specifically list the key geohazards (in the UK) and then using information indicated above highlight the 5 or 6 measures that can be used to reduce risks from these, e.g. avoidance is one. (9) Three boreholes, A, B and C, are shown below. A uniformly dipping 5 m thick coal seam was encountered at 0m, 10m and 5 m at A, B and C respectively. Draw the structural contours for the top of the seam, and determine both the direction and magnitude of dip. Also show the outcrop of the seam. This question is no longer contained within exam papers. Details of how to answer this were covered during Prof. Culshaws lectures and also with Section 4 of hand outs