Application Of Geological Investigations: Weathering

Weathering

In some cases, when the strata along or under a cut is composed of layers of rocks of different hardness, the softer layers get weathered at a faster rate than the overlying or underlying harder rocks.

This generally results in undermining which might cause slips or falls of the whole face.

Sometimes, when the top layers are weathered too heavily, the slope might experience a persistent rock fall or experience debris-fall type of situation from above.

Ground Water Conditions

It is always- necessary to investigate thoroughly the position of water table of the area. It is quite likely that a water bearing zone (aquifer) might be intersecting the base or slopes of an alignment.

Specific care and design would be required for these natural water conduits. These are always to be taken as weak and hazardous zones in the road.

It is also known that water exerts important influence on the beating capacity of the rocks and soil.

Hence when the ground is rich with moisture it would not bear the design loads, unless these properties of ground have also been determined in moist conditions. sometimes there is a condition of free flow of ground-water through the soil.

This is quite dangerous for the stability of the road surface laid above such soil.