This course introduces students in civil engineering to the structure of planet Earth and plate tectonics of the lithosphere. Physical and chemical properties of rock forming minerals. Clay minerals, their structure and properties. Petrology of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Weathering and applied geomorphology. Structural geology, geomechanical classification of jointed rock masses. Field and laboratory testing techniques. Case studies of problem soils throughout South Africa and problem soils in general.

*Course content subject to change