CONFIDENTIAL

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

SCHEMA FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER II
SESSION 2013/2014

COURSE NAME

: ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

COURSE CODE

: BFC 21303 / BFC 3013

PROGRAMME

: 2 BFF

EXAMINATION DATE

: DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014

DURATION

: 3 HOURS

INSTRUCTION

: A) ANSWER ANY THREE (3)

QUESTIONS IN PART A
B) ANSWER QUESTION Q5 IN
PART B

CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL

BFC 21303 / BFC 3013

PART A
Q1

(a)

Explain the significance of Laboratory Testing of Rocks and Soils in the design and
construction of geotechnical structures.
(8 marks)

(b) Rocks have inherent planes of weaknesses (cleavage, bedding planes, joints, faults and
weathered zones). Give an illustrated explanation on how the orientation and spacing
of these weaknesses affect the laboratory testing and the performance of geotechnical
structures in rock.
(8 marks)
(c)

Write short notes with suitable illustrations to differentiate between the following
terms;
i)
Direct test and Indirect test
Direct tests require detailed sample preparation (size and shape) using specific
laboratory equipments). Rock samples are usually tested until failure to give their
strength value directly.
Normally does not involved preparation of samples (which is costly) and test may not
be associated with destruction of samples.
ii)
P wave velocity and S wave velocity
P-wave is often said to stand either for primary wave, as it has the highest velocity and
is therefore the first to be recorded. The mode of propagation of a P-wave is always
longitudinal .
S-wave, secondary wave, or shear wave (sometimes called an elastic S-wave) is one
of the two main types of elastic body waves . S-waves travel slower in rock. Unlike
the P-wave, the S-wave cannot travel through the molten outer core of the Earth, and
this causes a shadow zone for S-waves opposite to where they originate
iii)
Brazilian test and Point Load Index Test
Brazilian test is an indirect test method for measuring the tensile strength of rock.
Sample in the form of disc-shape is loaded under compression until failure.
Point Load Index Test is a simple and fast to estimate the uniaxial compressive
strength of rock. Sample can be in the form of core or irregular shape.
(9 marks)

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Q2

(a)

Diagenesis is a sequence of processes exclusive to the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Draw an illustrated diagram with a brief description of these main geological
processes.

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(5 marks)
(b)

Explain how the knowledge gained through the study of rocks is important to Civil and
Construction Engineers.
Civil engineers have to deal with rock and soils during various stages in the process of
construction. From the stage of planning to the execution of a construction project, the
engineer has to have a basic appreciation of the engineering behavior of rocks and soils
under various conditions.
From the investigation of the site, the design and construction of the foundation to the
construction of the superstructure, rocks and soils are involved to some extent.
Hence it becomes imperative for engineers to have a some basic geological
appreciation of rocks and soils in order to understand the engineering limits to which
these materials can be subjected to and as a suitable background to the further study of
soil mechanics and foundation engineering.
(5 marks)

(c)

How would you distinguish sedimentary rocks from igneous and metamorphic rocks in
the field and in the laboratory.
In describing any rocks, one should proceed from the general to the particular, nothing
firstly its color, behavior on weathering and any other striking features and then
deciding whether it is igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
In-direct rock testing in the field
Physical characteristics identification in laboratory.
(4 marks)

(d)

Briefly describe how igneous rocks are classified. Write down the names of at least
THREE (3) common igneous rocks and indicate how they are placed within the
igneous rock classification.
There are various ways of classifying igneous rocks. The most significant are
mineralogical and chemical composition and rock texture (geological environment)
--Gabbro Mafic and dark color and coarse grain
--Rhyolite Intermediate and intermediate color and fine grain
--Obsidian Felsic and light color and glassy
(5 marks)

(e)
With the aid of suitable diagrams differentiate between ripple marks, mud cracks, grain
boundaries and foliation.

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(6 marks)

Q3

(a)

Explain briefly any ONE (1) of the following properties of mineral.

i)

Crystal form
(6 input x 1 mark = 6 marks)
The six crystal systems, with sketches of typical mineral forms are:
(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)
(6)

Isometric - Where all angles are 90 degrees and all axes are equal
in length
Tetragonal - Where all angles are 90 degrees, two axes are equal in
length and the third axis is of a different length.
Hexagonal - Where there are three axes of equal length in the same
plane but at 120 degrees to one another and a forth axis,
perpendicular to the plane of the other three axes that differs in
length.
Orthorhombic - Where all axes are at 90 degrees to one another,
but all axes have different lengths.
Monoclinic - Where all three axes are of different lengths and one
interaxial angle is not 90 degrees.
Triclinic - Where all three axes are of different length and all
angles are different from one another.

ii)
Luster
(6 input x 1 mark = 6 marks)
(1) Vitreous Luster a mineral having a glassy shine (e.g. Quartz and Calcite).
(2) Pearly Luster a mineral having a pearly shine (e.g. Muscovite).
(3) Metallic Luster a mineral with a metallic shine (e.g. Magnetite (Iron Ore)).
(4) Silky Luster a mineral with a silky shine (e.g. Asbestos).
(5) Resinious Luster a mineral with a greasy shine like resin (e.g. Talc).
(6) Admantine Luster The mineral having a diamond like shine (e.g. Diamond
and Zircon).

(b) Erosion is an important agent that breakdown the rock and transport the surficial rock
debris as result from erosion of rocks by physical or chemical weathering.
i)
Name THREE (3) types of erosion agents.
(3 input x 1 mark/each = 3 marks)
a. Water
b. Air
c. Ice
ii)

Explain the relevant factors that determine the rates of erosion.

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(Any 3 answers x 2 marks = 6 marks)

(a)
Composition of rocks

(b)

Mineral and chemical composition is one of the most important factors.

Cementing materials (substance holding rock together)

Igneous rocks are resistant to mechanical weathering but more susceptible to

chemical weathering

Sedimentary rocks e.g. dolomites and limestones are decomposed by

carbonation and solution

Physical Condition of rock

Crevices, cracks, holes will allow weathering agents to penetrate and eventually
destruct the rock.

(c)

Topography

Weathering is rapid where land slopes steeply. Increases in altitude have high rainfall
and temperature will be low. This will eventually increase in the rate of weathering.

(d)

Climatic Condition

Climates which have abundance rainfall and moist will accelerate the weathering
process especially chemical weathering. Dry or cold weather are usually apt to physical
weathering.

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(c)

Explain in detail the erosion by wind.

1. Introduction ( any 2 input x 1 mark = 2 marks)

The effect of erosion of soil by wind is as similar as erosion by water however

wind is capable of lifting and transporting loose sand and dust, but its ability to
erode solid rock is limited.

Particles of range size 0.1 to 0.15 mm in diameter (very fine to fine sand) are
most susceptible to wind erosion.

Few variables that contribute to the effectiveness of this type of erosion are
velocity, duration, and length of open area without obstacles over which the
wind blows.

Erosion may be by (i) deflation and (ii) deposition

(ii) Deflation (any 2 input x 1 mark = 2 marks)

This is lifting and removal of loose sand and dust particles from Earth's
surface.
Occurs where vegetative cover is sparse and in areas where weak,
unconsolidated sediment is exposed at the surface, wind may blow away
much of the dust and fine sand and create large depression called
deflation basins and where bedrocks are exposed, oasis are created.
2 types:
i.Abrasion - By means of loose sand and dust particles which are transported
as part of its load. Acts as natural sandblasting process and wearing solid
objects. Sand grains too are subjected to wear and will reduce in size.
( 1mark)
Transportation - Field observations indicate that windblown sand grains move by
skipping or bouncing into the air (a process called saltation) and by rolling or sliding
along the surface. Fine silt and dust are carried in suspension over great distances and
settle back to the ground only after the turbulent wind stops. Determined by weight,
size and shape of rock particles by velocity of wind.
( 1mark)
Relevant Figure: (2 marks)

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Q4

(a)

Draw a diagram of the internal structure of Earth and briefly describe the core, mantle,
asthenospere and lithosphere.
(4 answers x 1 mark = 4 marks)
Lithospere the top of the asthenosphere as about 100 km below the surface.
Asthenospere a major zone within the upper mantle where temperature and pressure
are just the right balance (weak spere).
Mantle the second major compositional layer of the earth which covers the core and
this zone constitute 82% of its volume and 68% of mass of the earth.
Core the core of the earth marks a change in both physical properties and
composition. It is composed mostly of iron.
(figure = 2 marks)

(b) Total length of rock coring was 1.5 m. Calculate the Rock Quality Designation (RQD),
Total Core Recovery (TCR) and Solid Core Recovery (SCR) for rock coring below.

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All dimension in cm.

(3 answers x 2 marks = 6 marks)
TCR=99%
RQD=81%
SCR=85%
(c)

Ground investigations are necessary for engineering geologists to prepare their

recommendations for construction work on civil engineering site.
(i)

Discuss TWO (2) limitations commonly associated with a borehole

investigation.
(2 answers x 2 marks = 4 marks)
a) Limited to small area.
b) Big gap between borehole spacing cause uncertainty in the soil profile
correlation

(ii)

With indicating any limitations, explain ONE (1) geophysical method that can
be used to complement a bore hole investigation.
( 1 answer x 3 marks = 3 marks)
Correlation between bore hole

(d) Discuss briefly the difference between resistivity and seismic refraction methods of
ground investigation.
(4 input x 1.5 marks = 6 marks)
resistivity
seismic refraction
1. Direct current injected to the
1. Seismic source propagated via the
ground, thus to identify any
ground, thus refraction occur
anomalies relating to current
when contrast of the material
resistance.
elastic modulus.
2. Any contrast in electrical
2. Any contrast in elastic modulus
properties of soil will be
of soil will be recognized.
recognized. Therefore it very
Therefore it very useful for soil
useful for groundwater or cavity
layers detection.
detection.

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BFC 21303 / BFC 3013

PART B
Q5

(a)

Discontinuities are formed due the rocks forming processes as well as through the
geological processes. Explain THREE (3) types of discontinuities and their relation to
geological processes.
Q5(a)
Types of discontinuities
Fault
Joint
Fold
Exfoliation/ sheet joint
Bedding plane
Foliation

Geological process
Tectonic
Tectonic or cooling magma
Tectonic
Weathering (gradiation)
Sedimentary rock forming process
Metamorphic rock forming process
(5 marks)

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(b) The parameters of rock cut slope were investigated and tabulated in Table 1. A
discontinuity survey was conducted along the cut slope and results for the discontinuity
sets orientations are given in Table 2. A study of the joint sets showed that all joint
surfaces had a friction angle of 30.
Table 1
Slope dip direction
= 180
Slope face angle
=65
Height of rock slope
= 80 m
Depth of tension cracks
= 5m
Unit weight of the rock
= 25 kN/m3
Unit weight of water
= 9.81 kN/m3
Cohesion of the discontinuity
= 100 kPa
Friction angle for the discontinuity = 35
Table 2
Joint set 1 Joint set 2 Joint set 3 Joint set 4 Joint set 5
090/20
20/70
220/50 355/65 170/40

(i)

Analyze the entire failure mode of the rock slope as well as the criterion as an
evidence using Figure Q5b(i).

Q5(b)(i)
Mode of failure
Circular
Planar

Criteria
None
J5: 170/40
18010=160 200
65>40>35
Intersection J3:220/50 and J5: 170/40
65>42>35
180+180= 360
36010=350-10
(95-65)+35<65

Wedge
Toppling

(8 marks)
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(ii)

Calculate the factor of safety for planar failure mode using formula in Figure
Q5b(ii) when the tension crack is completely filled with water.
Wet

Local Analysis of Plane Failure

Data yang diperolehi di lapangan

= sudut satah kegagalan

40

= sudut geseran
c = jelekitan
H = Ketiggian cerun
Z = Rekahan tegangan
= sudut cerun

c
H
Z
Zw

35
100
80
5
5

kPa
m
m
m

A = luas satah kegagalan

9.81

kN/m2

U= tekanan air menegak

25

kN/m2

W = berat blok kegagalan

V= tekanan air mendatar

65

A ( H Z ) xCo sec

116.679

U 1 w Z w ( H Z )Co sec
2
U

2861.560

Z
W 1 H 2 1

2
H

Cot Cot

0.6981
32
0.6108
65

1.1344
64

57663.252

V
FoS

122.625
cA WCos U VSin Tan
WSin VCos

FoS

1.091

(6 marks)
(ii)

To avoid the rock slope failure, one of the option is changing the slope dip
direction. Recommend the new direction of the slope dip direction without
changing the slope face angle.

New direction of slope

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BFC 21303 / BFC 3013

To avoid planar and wedge failure mode, the slope design must avoid the slope face
direction from 108 to 242 and 328 to 4. (For safe slope face direction are from 5
to 107 and 243 to 327).
(6 marks)

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