Fundamentals of Engineering Geology

Contents: Preface. 1. Igneous rocks. 2. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. 3. Sedimentary rocks and stratigraphy. 4. Geological structures: folds and faults. 5. Discontinuities. 6. Groundwater. 7. Geomorphological processes I. 8. Geomorphological processes II. 9. The mechanics of soils. 10. Soil types and their engineering behaviour. 11. Mechanical properties of rocks. 12. Geotechnical description and classification of rocks and rock masses. 13. Engineering performance of rocks. 14. Photogeology and maps for engineering purposes. Appendices. Index.

From the preface" This text concerns itself with the basic principles or fundamentals of engineering geology. It therefore deliberately avoids those applied aspects of the subject such as site investigation, geophysical exploration, etc. One of the reasons for this is that the text has been written as a companion volume to the author's Engineering Geology and Geotechnics (Butterworth, 1980) which deals with the applied aspects of engineering geology. A more obvious reason for writing this book is that there is no other which covers the subject matter in such depth. Yet another reason for this emphasis is the pace at which geotechnical theory has developed. Indeed, most of the current journals in engineering geology and geotechnical subjects have made their appearance within the last twenty years. This pace of change brings with it the need for a textbook which surveys the relevant advances and in so doing allows the student or professional engineer to avoid being overcome by too much information. In this context particular attention has been given to that work done by the International Association of Engineering Geology, the International Society of Rock Mechanics and the Engineering Group of the Geological Society of London which have attempted to systematise and standardise engineering geology.

The book is aimed at those who will be or who are in some way or other involved with ground conditions. In other words it is primarily written for engineering geologists, civil engineers and mining engineers. It is hoped that the text will be bought by the student and that it will continue to be of value to him throughout his subsequent professional career. This does not mean to infer that the book was written solely or mainly with the student in mind. Indeed from the point of view of the student in civil or mining engineering it could be argued that this text contains more detail than he will require in his initial studies. If this is true, then no apology is made since the text also has to consider the needs of students of engineering geology. In addition, if the book is to be of service to the practising engineer, then it must contain more detail than general texts of engineering geology written for students. With this in mind, numerous references have been provided at the end of each chapter."