GE ENG 5443: Subsurface Exploration

Lab Assignment 2: Hometown Geology

Assignment Scenario:

In a professional memo describe as best you can the soil and rock types, groundwater conditions, geologic hazards, and potential for seismic activity that you would encounter if you were to drill a shaft 1000 feet in depth beneath your house. Describe the soil, bedrock, and geologic hazards. Describe not only the geological conditions, but also the engineering characteristics of the earth materials, and potential geological hazards.

This type of memo/report would be the first step in a site investigation, and would be used for the purpose of conceptual design and planning a field investigation.

If you prefer, choose another nearby location (i.e. McNutt Hall, St. Louis Arch, Arrowhead Stadium, Jefferson City Capitol Building, etc) with more interesting geology or one for which you can more readily find information. This is a 2 page minimum, 3 page maximum memo. This page count does not include maps, illustrations, diagrams, etc.

Distance Student Suggestions:

Look up some geological and geotechnical maps and reports in your local library, at the USGS, or the State DNR, FEMA, USDA, etc. See the Key Points Document for this lab if you choose Missouri. Or go to a local consultant and ask for maps, test pits, and borehole logs. If you’ve worked on a project in the US (Dams, Levees, Buildings, Structures, etc) and have some of this information, feel free to use this project for your memorandum.

All Students:

Use good technical writing; grading will take this into account. Give at least 3 references. Cite references in ASCE format! Google ASCE Citation Style if you do not know how to cite correctly.

Example Reference:

Maerz, Norbert, Magner, K.A., Likos, W.J., Loehr, J.E., Ding, D., Miller, A. (2010), “Evaluating Properties of Weak Shales in Western Missouri.” 44th U.S. Rock Mechanics Symposium, Salt Lake City, UT; American Rock Mechanics Association: Alexandria, VA; ARMA 10-290

Grading/Deliverables:

Memo Format – 1 Point

Content – 5 Points

Figures/Diagrams/Maps – 2 Points

Citations – 2 points

Due: February 14, 2017 (2/14/17) @ 12:30PM CST to the TA’s email ()