Geomorphological, Geological and Engineering Geological Aspects for Sustainable Urban Planning of Mymensingh City, Bangladesh
- 1 Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- 2 Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- 3 Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- 4 Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- 5 Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Abstract
Geomorphological, geological and engineering geological information is used as the base data to characterize the subsurface condition and for sustainable urban planning and development of the rapidly expanding Mymensingh city. Extensive field work has been completed to get the realistic scenario, data and samples have been collected from surface and subsurface with auguring and geotechnical boring. The laboratory tests have been performed following standard laboratory procedures. Geomorphologically the area is broadly classified into Older Floodplain or Mymensingh Terrace and Younger Floodplain. These two flood plains are separated by Old Brahmaputra River. Geologically the area is mainly covered by the recent alluvial flood plain deposits which are underlain by the Pleistocene Madhupur clay deposits. The Younger Flood Plain deposit consists of mainly unconsolidated fine to medium sands with some silt and clay whereas the Older Flood Plain deposits are mainly consisting of silty clay and fine to medium sand. Moderately compacted sediments of older flood plain deposit are suitable for urban development. Based on geotechnical characteristics and the N values (blow counts of Spontaneous Penetration Test, SPT) of the subsurface sediments, the study area is classified into four Engineering Geological Units. Unit I indicates loose soil and is suitable for shallow foundation. Unit II is indicating compact soil packing; N value of these two units increase with depth and would be good for heavy foundation. Unit III is suitable for shallow structures. Unit IV, which is composed of mostly clay, silty clay and sand with highly compressive organic clay, is recommended to avoid any heavy construction and could be used as open place, water retaining zone etc. Beside the geological and engineering geological study details hydrology and hydrogeological and a systematic study on seismic hazards are strongly recommended before planning of urban area.
- Berhane, G. and Walraevens, R. (2012) Geological and Geotechnical Constrains for Urban Planning and Natural Environment Protection: A Case Study from Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia. Environmental Earth Sciences, 69, 783-798. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-1963-x
- Anderson, F.J. (2006) A Highlight of Environmental and Engineering Geology in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. Environmental Geology, 49, 1034-1042. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0142-8
- Bathrellos, G.D., Skilodimou, H.D., Kelepertsis, A., Alexakis, D., Chrisanthaki, I. and Archonti, D. (2008) Environmental Research of Groundwater in the Urban and Suburban Areas of Attica Region, Greece. Environmental Geology, 56, 11-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-1135-6
- Bathrellos, G.D., Gaki-Papanastassiou, K., Skilodimou, H.D., Papanastassiou, D. and Chousianitis, K.G. (2011) Potential Suitability for Urban Planning and Industry Development Using Natural Hazard Maps and Geological-Geomorphological Parameters. Environmental Earth Sciences, 66, 537-548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-011-1263-x
- De, Abreu, A.E.S. and Filho, O.A. (2011) Engineering Geological Data in Support of Municipal Land Use Planning: A Case Study in Analandia, Southeast Brazil. Environmental Earth Sciences, 65, 277-289.
- Legget, R.F. (1973) Cities and Geology. McGraw Hill, New York.
- Pueyo-Anchuela, O., Casas-Sainz, A.M., Pocovi, J.A. and Anson-Lopezo, D. (2011) Multidisciplinary Approach for Urban Planning in Alluvial Karstic Zones. Case study from the Central Ebro Basin (Spain). Engineering Geology, 122, 222-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2011.05.016
- El May, M., Dlala, M. and Chenini, I. (2010) Urban Geological Mapping: Geotechnical Data Analysis for Rational Development Planning. Engineering Geology, 116, 129-138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2010.08.002
- Culshaw, M.G. and Price, S.J. (2011) The Contribution of Urban Geology to the Development, Regeneration and Conservation of Cities. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 70, 333-376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-011-0377-4
- Alam, A.K.M.K., Coates, D.A., Mannan, K.H., Ahmed, D. and Hossain, S. (2008) Geology of Parts of Tangail and Mymensingh Districts, Bangladesh. Records of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh, 11, 5.
- Seeber, L. and Armbrewster, J. (1981) Great Detachment Earthquakes along the Himalayan Arc and Long-Term Forecasts. In: Simpson, D.W. and Richards, P.G., Eds., Earthquake Predication and International Review, Maurice Ewing Series 4, American Geophysical Union, Washington DC, 259-277.