About this previous year paper
Subject: Engineering Geology (NCE404)
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 checks the student’s fundamental understanding of geological concepts, materials, and natural processes.
Topics Covered:
Rock and Mineral: Definition and distinction between rock aggregates and crystalline minerals.
Moh’s Scale of Hardness: Ranking of minerals from 1 (Talc) to 10 (Diamond).
Luster and Streak: Optical characteristics used in mineral identification.
Unconformity: Surface indicating a time gap between two rock formations.
Focus and Epicenter: Subsurface and surface points of earthquake origin.
Rock Cycle: Natural transformation process among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Pozzolanic Material: Siliceous or aluminous substances that react with lime to form cementitious compounds.
Dip and Strike of Beds: Orientation and inclination of rock layers used in geological mapping.
Aquifer and Aquiclude: Water-bearing and impermeable geological formations.
Alkali–Aggregate Reaction: Chemical reaction between alkalis in cement and reactive silica in aggregates, causing cracking in concrete
Section B – Descriptive / Analytical Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)
This section requires explanatory and diagrammatic answers focusing on applied geological aspects used in civil engineering.
Key Questions Include:
Faults:
Definition, terminology, and classification (normal, reverse, thrust, strike-slip).
Diagrams showing fault movement and plane orientation.
Mass Movement:
Explanation of landslides, their geological and climatic causes, and preventive engineering measures.
Importance of Geology in Civil Engineering:
Role of geological studies in selecting sites for dams, tunnels, foundations, and reservoirs.
Sedimentary Rocks:
Formation through weathering, transportation, deposition, and lithification.
Classification: Clastic, Chemical, and Organic types with examples.
Earthquake Measurement:
Difference between Richter Magnitude (quantitative energy scale) and Mercalli Intensity (qualitative damage scale).
Groundwater Provinces of India:
Description of hydrogeological regions such as Indo-Gangetic plains, peninsular shield, and coastal aquifers.
Building Stones:
Definition, types, and desirable engineering properties (strength, durability, appearance, weather resistance).
Seismic Zones of India:
Classification from Zone II (low intensity) to Zone V (very high intensity) based on earthquake risk
Section C – Long Analytical / Application-Based Questions (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)
Questions Include:
Geological Investigation for Site Selection of Dams and Reservoirs:
Detailed study of topography, rock structure, fault zones, permeability, seepage, and seismic stability.
Electrical vs. Seismic Geological Investigation Methods:
Comparative analysis of resistivity method (electrical) and seismic refraction method for subsurface exploration.
Minerals:
Definition and classification of rock-forming minerals.
Description of physical properties (color, hardness, cleavage, fracture, luster, specific gravity) and chemical composition of key minerals like quartz, feldspar, mica, and hornblende
Major Topics Covered
Rocks and minerals (formation, classification, and properties)
Geological structures (faults, folds, unconformities)
Earthquakes and seismic zones
Groundwater and aquifers
Landslides and preventive measures
Engineering applications of geology (dams, tunnels, foundations)
Geological investigation techniques
Purpose of the Paper
This exam evaluates the student’s ability to:
Apply geological principles to civil and structural engineering problems.
Analyze rock and soil behavior under natural and construction conditions.
Understand natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides) and propose engineering solutions.
Assess geological suitability for major infrastructure projects like dams and tunnels.