AG25C01 Engineering Geology – Semester III – Civil / Civil(Env) – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: AG25C01 – Engineering Geology

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: III (Third Semester)

Branch: B.E. Civil Engineering (Civil) / B.E. Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Civil(Env))

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• To impart knowledge on Earth’s structure, minerals, and rocks; geological processes; geophysical investigations; and landslide mitigation.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Physical Geology

Role of geology in civil engineering, branches of geology, Earth structure and composition, weathering and soil formation, geomorphic processes (river, wind, groundwater, sea), plate tectonics, earthquakes, and seismic zones in India.

Activities: Seminar using photographs, satellite images, or field observations to study weathering and landforms.

Unit II – Mineralogy

Physical properties of minerals; study of major minerals (quartz, feldspar, pyroxene, amphibole, mica, calcite, gypsum, clay minerals); Performance and decay of rock minerals.

Unit III – Petrology

Rock classification; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; engineering properties and uses of common rocks (granite, basalt/dolerite, sandstone, limestone, laterite, shale, quartzite, marble, gneiss, schist), quality testing of rocks.

Activities: Site visit to nearby quarry/mine

Unit IV – Structural Geology

Geological maps, attitude of beds, structural features (folds, faults, joints) and their engineering significance.

Unit V – Geophysical methods

Seismic and electrical techniques for subsurface investigations.

Activities: Quiz on geophysical methods

Unit VI – Geological Applications

Remote sensing in civil engineering; geological considerations in dams, reservoirs, tunnels, road cuttings, buildings and coastal structures; landslides—causes and mitigation.

Activities: Case study on a dam/tunnel/road cutting/coastal structure/buildings focusing on geological issues and investigation.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Explain fundamental geological processes, landforms, and plate tectonics with relevance to civil engineering.
• CO2: Identify minerals and rocks and evaluate their engineering properties.
• CO3: Analyze geological structures and apply geophysical methods for subsurface investigation.
• CO4: Apply geological knowledge in the design of civil engineering projects and mitigation of natural hazards.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
• Internal methodology: Quiz - 10%, Site visit report - 15%; Report preparation from Case study – 10%, Seminar report – 15%, Internal Examinations – 50%

Source: Official Anna University – B.E. Civil Engineering R-2025 Curriculum
Last Updated: September 2026