About this previous year paper
Subject: Engineering Geology (ECE404)
Exam Type: Theory
Semester: IV (4th Semester)
Session: 2016–17
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
Section A – Short Answer Questions (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
This section focuses on fundamental geological concepts related to rocks, minerals, earthquakes, and soil properties.
Topics Covered:
Rock and Mineral: Basic definitions and differences between naturally occurring solid aggregates (rocks) and crystalline substances (minerals).
Moh’s Scale of Hardness: Ranking minerals by hardness (1–10, from Talc to Diamond).
Luster and Streak: Optical properties used in mineral identification.
Unconformity: Geological surfaces representing time gaps in deposition.
Focus and Epicenter: Internal and surface points of earthquake origin.
Rock Cycle: Transformation sequence among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Pozzolanic Material: Siliceous substances reacting with lime to form cementitious compounds.
Dip and Strike of Bed: Orientation of rock layers in geological mapping.
Aquifer and Aquiclude: Water-bearing and non-permeable geological formations.
Alkali–Aggregate Reaction (AAR): Chemical reaction between cement alkalis and reactive aggregates in concrete.
Section B – Descriptive / Analytical Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)
This section tests the understanding of earth materials, geological structures, and applied geology in civil engineering.
Key Questions Include:
Faults:
Definition, terminology, and classification.
Description with neat sketches of normal, reverse, thrust, and strike-slip faults.
Mass Movement:
Explanation of landslides, causes (rainfall, slope instability, seismic activity), and preventive measures like retaining walls and drainage systems.
Importance of Geology in Civil Engineering:
Understanding soil, rock behavior, and site selection for foundations, dams, and tunnels.
Sedimentary Rocks:
Formation through deposition, compaction, and cementation.
Classification: Clastic, Chemical, and Organic sedimentary rocks with examples.
Earthquake Scales:
Difference between Richter Magnitude (energy released) and Mercalli Intensity (damage observed).
Ground Water Provinces of India:
Hydrogeological distribution (e.g., Indo-Gangetic plains, peninsular hard rocks, coastal aquifers).
Building Stones:
Characteristics and engineering properties (strength, durability, weathering resistance).
Seismic Zones of India:
Definition of seismic zones and classification (Zone II to V) based on earthquake risk.
Section C – Long Analytical / Application-Based Questions (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)
This section involves practical geological applications in civil engineering projects and detailed analysis of rock/mineral properties.
Questions Include:
Geological Investigation for Site Selection of Dams and Reservoirs:
Study of topography, lithology, faults, seepage conditions, and seismic stability before dam construction.
Electrical vs. Seismic Methods of Geological Investigation:
Comparative study of resistivity and seismic refraction techniques for subsurface exploration.
Minerals – Physical and Chemical Properties:
Definition and classification of rock-forming minerals.
Study of color, hardness, cleavage, fracture, streak, and specific gravity of minerals like quartz, feldspar, mica, and hornblende.
Major Topics Covered
Rocks and minerals (types, properties, and formation)
Geological structures (faults, folds, and unconformities)
Earthquakes and seismic zones
Landslides and mass movement
Groundwater and aquifers
Engineering applications of geology (dams, tunnels, foundations)
Geological investigation methods (electrical and seismic)
Purpose of the Paper
This paper evaluates the student’s ability to:
Apply geological principles to civil and geotechnical engineering problems.
Analyze the properties of rocks and minerals used in construction.
Understand natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides) and methods of mitigation.
Assess groundwater resources and site suitability for infrastructure projects.