Chapter:

Engineering-Geology-In-Himalayas

What is engineering significance of major discontinuity system in Nepal Himalaya and mention different types of engineering problems in siwaliks. [2073 Magh][3]

Engineering Significances of Discontinuities:
  • The thrust zones are weak, porous, unstable and incompetent and hence most undesirable geological features that endanger the stability of engineering structures and also creates leakage problems.
  • an active thrust occurring close to an engineering sites is vulnerable to earthquake and as such sites should be avoided from construction of any heavy strucyures.
  •  Thrust influences the movement of surface water , also causes  the sudden change in the courses of rivers may be due to thrusting.
  • These thrust zones are prone to landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, earth flows, mudflows etc.


Talking about the geological hazards of siwaliks, since this zone has noticeable releif change and steep, there is possibility of landslides and slope failures. Lower siwaliks is dominantly composed of weak mudstone, which are highly susceptible for weathering and therefo....

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