CEng 136 Geotechnical Engineering 1

Assignment 1:

Instruction: Using short size bond paper, answer the following questions briefly.

1. Name the three main classes of rock and describe how they originated.

2. Provide generalized comments on the hardness, soundness, and durability associated with the
three basic categories of rocks.

3. What visual properties can frequently be used to distinguish between acidic rocks and basic
rocks?

4. Describe the two typical processes that occur to transform soil sediments into sedimentary rock.

5. What processes occur to cause metamorphosis of rocks?

6. What type of bedrock formations would be thought to offer good foundation support for
structures? What types would be more suspect of being poor bedrock materials?

7. What is loess soil and what is the potential danger of loss of stability in loess deposits?

8. Differentiate between chemical and mechanical weathering. List examples of each.

9. Discuss briefly residual soils and transported soils.

10. What is a soil profile?

11. Provide an outline indicating the relationship between soil deposit, glaciations, and sedimentary
rock formations.

12. Indicate why sand or gravel deposits are frequently found along old river and stream locations.

13. What effect does the shape of a channel have on stream flow and the related or deposited soil
sediments?

14. What is a natural levee? How do natural levees originate? What is the major soil type expected
in a natural levee?

15. What soil types would be expected in a river or stream delta?