The influence of weathering on the microstructure of Keuper Marl

Abstract

Summary Problems exist in the teaching of geology to undergraduate civil engineers. These may be attributed not only to the inherent nature of the subject material but also to the attitude of qualified civil engineers. The scepticism expressed by some civil engineers is ascribed to the partial replacement of geology by soil mechanics, the specialist nature of geotechnical work within the construction industry, the non-quantitative nature of geology, and the lack of geologists employed in civil engineering. Difficulties are experienced in teaching because of the limited time available and the necessity for students to acquire enough basic knowledge to enable them to appreciate the applications of the science to civil engineering. An outline teaching schedule is suggested that allows for some 9pure9 geology as well as engineering geology. Field work, project work and reference to case histories are important if the student is to appreciate the relevance of the subject material. With this treatment geology may be a unifying as opposed to a peripheral subject in civil engineering courses.