Course Details

1. Recognize the relevance of geology to civil engineering projects.
2. Describe the interior structure of the Earth and distinguish between different forms of Earth’s surface processes.
3. Define the theory of plate tectonics and relate to the effects of earthquakes on the built environment.
4. Identify different types of soils and rocks and differentiate between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
5. List the geological zones of Cyprus and describe the geological features and rock formations for each zone.
6. Describe the main stages of a site investigation and recognize the importance of groundwater level in construction projects.
7. Explain the main geological hazards present in Cyprus and describe measures for protection.

Introduction to Geology: Earth Structure: Definition of Geology Science. Explanation of relevance to Civil Engineering projects. Presentation of Earth’s formation and origin. Description of Earth’s interior structure, including materials (core, mantle, crust) and zones (Mesosphere, Asthenosphere, Lithosphere). Geological History.

Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes: Definition of plate tectonics theory. Explanation of terms continental drift and ocean floor spreading. Description of different types and characteristics of plate boundaries (ridges, trenches and faults) and explanation on how these are related to earthquakes. Description of earthquake occurrence and effects on infrastructure. Definition of focus and epicentre, and description of scales of magnitude (Richter, Mercalli). Protection measures taken by civil engineers. Definition of Elastic Rebound theory.

Earth Surface Processes: Description of the major earth surface processes: weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition. Explanation on how these are related to the rock cycle. Definition of weathering and different types of weathering, namely physical (or mechanical), chemical and biological. Examples for all types of weathering and relevance to Cyprus. Definition of erosion and its effect on the natural environment. Description of erosion agents (rivers, sea, ice, wind). Description of transportation and deposition of sediments and their relation to formation of sedimentary rocks.

Minerals and Rocks: Definitions of minerals and mineralogy science. Presentation of different mineral groups and examples of common minerals. Description of mineral properties used for the identification of minerals. Moh’s scale of hardness. Definition of cleavage and symmetry of minerals. Description of primary classification and modes of formation of igneous rocks, extrusive and intrusive (major and minor). Description of primary classification and modes of formation of sedimentary rocks. Usage of sedimentary deposits in the construction industry. Definition of local and regional metamorphic rocks. Presentation of actual rock examples and explanation of the rock cycle. Identification of rocks. Presentation of Cyprus geological zones.

Site Investigation and Groundwater: Definition and purpose of a site investigation in civil engineering projects. Presentation and discussion of all main stages in a site investigation. Explanation of desk study and presentation of methods for sub-surface investigations, in-situ testing and laboratory testing. Importance of geotechnical reports and construction monitoring. Discussion of case studies from the instructor’s personal experience. Importance of groundwater conditions and hydrological cycle. Definition of groundwater table, saturated soils, porosity, aquifers and aquicludes. Fluctuations of groundwater level and their effects in structures.

Geological hazards: Description and identification of geological hazards. Description of different types of slope failure and landslides. Explanation of trigger mechanisms and protection measures (retaining walls etc.). Description of hazards like sand liquefaction and excessive settlements and explanation of methods of protection (piled foundations etc.). Description of other natural geological hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes.

• F.G.H. Blyth & M.H. de Freitas, A Geology for Engineers, 7th ed., Elsevier, 2006.

• F.G. Bell, Engineering Geology, 2nd ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007.
• N. Simons & B. Menzies, A short course in Geology for Civil Engineers, Thomas Telford Ltd., 2008.