Physical and geological phenomena related activities of weathering agents
In this article, the authors highlight such modern geological processes as weathering, which can affect the choice of location and design of buildings and structures, the methods of construction work, etc. The erection of buildings and engineering structures in turn can cause the emergence of new natural geological processes and a change in existing ones. These processes resulting from human activity are called geotechnical processes. The ultimate goal of studying modern geological and engineering-geological processes is their assessment, necessary for the selection of measures that eliminate the negative impact of these processes on the normal (normative) work of buildings and structures. At the same time, it is not enough only to establish quantitative indicators characterizing these processes, it is also necessary to study the causes of the emergence and development of these processes. Modern engineering geology contains a fairly detailed classification of physical and geological phenomena, according to which the reasons for the occurrence of certain physical and geological phenomena are indicated. This is its practical value, since measures to combat such phenomena should first of all be aimed at eliminating the causes of their occurrence and development, and if this is not possible (for example, earthquakes), then at reducing their impact on buildings and construction. Geotechnical processes often have the same external manifestations as natural geological processes, although the causes of them are different. For example, landslides under the same geological conditions can occur as a result of natural washing of river banks with water, weathering and as a result of artificial clipping of this slope when any excavations are arranged. Bearing this circumstance in mind, the authors give comparisons of natural (natural) geological processes with similar engineering and geological processes. In the article, all the most important natural geological and engineering-geological processes are considered in accordance with the generally accepted geological classifications. In addition, the authors describe the general methodology of engineering and geological research for various types of construction, taking into account the phenomena of weathering of rocks.