ABSTRACT
Rajasthan, predominantly a desert state, encompasses hills, rocky outcrops and black cotton soil fields as well. This chapter provides an elaboration on the diversity of the soil and rock of a state with a wide range of land cover conditions. Soil and rock classification based on the origin is described for different locations. The outcome of field and laboratory investigations and the comparison of properties among various geological formations are summarised. The details of core recovery and SPT samples included here depict the underground geological conditions and reveal the record of one of the oldest crustal history. The use of geological products like strong and colourful marbles, granites, sticky clays and sandstones in the making of many historical monuments are the pride of Rajasthan. The engineering aspects of such materials along with a brief description of some other industrial products like minerals, lime and metal ores are also covered. This chapter surveys various issues and techniques related to ground improvement, drainage, tunnelling, rock cutting and soil swelling and shrinkage in Rajasthan. Some case studies such as ground improvement by using industrial waste and soil nailing in MSE walls are also described.
