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Engineering Geology Simulations

A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in engineering geology.

Introduction to Geology - Theory & Concepts

Comprehensive overview of geology, earth structure, and plate tectonics relevant to civil engineering.

Plate Boundaries

Divergent Boundary

Plates move apart from each other. Magma rises from the mantle to create new crust.

Famous ExamplesMid-Atlantic Ridge, East African Rift

Minerals and Rocks - Theory & Concepts

Identification, properties, and engineering significance of minerals and rocks.

IgneousMetamorphicSedimentaryMagmaSediments
Click a rock type to explore

Select a stage in the rock cycle diagram to see details about its formation and properties.

Structural Geology - Theory & Concepts

Study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units and their deformation.

Strike & Dip Visualizer

45°

The direction of the line formed by the intersection of the rock layer with a horizontal plane.

30°

The steepest angle of descent of the rock layer relative to the horizontal plane.

Note: Strike is always perpendicular to the Dip direction.

Drag to Rotate • Scroll to Zoom

Rock Mechanics - Theory & Concepts

Mechanical properties of rock masses for tunnels, foundations, and slopes.

Mohr's Circle & Failure Envelope

Stable

Stresses (MPa)

Major Stress (σ₁)80
Minor Stress (σ₃)20

Rock Properties

Cohesion (c)10
Friction Angle (φ)30 °
Center (Avg Stress):50.0 MPa
Radius (Max Shear):30.0 MPa
σ (Normal)τ (Shear)Failure Envelopeσ₁σ₃

Surface Processes - Theory & Concepts

Weathering, erosion, and mass wasting processes shaping the Earth's surface.

Slope Stability Calculator

FS = 1.04
Gravity
Normal
Friction
30 °
25 °
10 kPa
20 kN/m³
5 m
Resisting Stress45.0 kPa
Driving Stress43.3 kPa

Hydrogeology - Theory & Concepts

Groundwater occurrence, movement, and quality for civil engineering projects.

Darcy's Law Experiment

Q = 0.5000 cm³/s
h₁
h₂
Hydraulic Head (h₁)80 cm
Hydraulic Head (h₂)30 cm
Permeability (K)50 x10⁻³ cm/s
Soil Length (L)100 cm
Hydraulic Gradient (i)0.500

Earthquakes and Seismology - Theory & Concepts

Seismic waves, earthquake causes, and hazard assessment for civil engineering.

Seismic Wave Visualizer

Primary (P) Waves

Compressional waves that travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are the fastest seismic waves and move in a push-pull motion parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Speed: Fast (~6-13 km/s)
Medium: Solid, Liquid, Gas

Geological Hazards - Theory & Concepts

Natural hazards including subsidence, volcanoes, and coastal processes.

Soil Liquefaction Simulation

Simulate an earthquake to observe the rise in pore water pressure and the resulting loss of effective stress in loose, saturated sand.

BuildingGround Surface
Pore Water Pressure (u)0%

Shaking causes water pressure to rise in loose sand.

Effective Stress (σ')100%

Soil strength drops as effective stress approaches zero.

Site Investigation - Theory & Concepts

Techniques for geological exploration, geophysical methods, and core logging.

RQD Calculator

Fair (73.3%)
25
8
15
30
5
40
0Total Run: 150 cm150

Only sound core pieces greater than 10 cm (highlighted in grey) are counted towards RQD.

Core Pieces

#1
25 cm
#2
8 cm
#3
15 cm
#4
30 cm
#5
5 cm
#6
40 cm
150 cm

Engineering Applications - Theory & Concepts

Geological considerations for major civil engineering projects including dams, tunnels, and highways.

Dam Foundation Geology Simulator

Geological Conditions

80%
Overall StabilityHigh
Foundation SeepageMinimal
GRAVITY DAM
granite Foundation

Note: In granite, stability is high. Limestone can have voids causing massive seepage. Shale is weak and can cause sliding. Faults introduce severe instability. A grout curtain significantly reduces seepage.