About the Book: 

"Rocks and Stones: From Prehistoric Times to the Computer-Robotic Artificial Intelligence Era" 

From the earliest civilizations to the technological marvels of today, rocks and stones have been the fundamental building materials of the Earth's crust. In "Rocks and Stones", we explore the fascinating journey of these essential resources throughout history, as they have been used for construction, architecture, and industry. 

This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate process of transforming natural rocks into the perfectly crafted stones required for various engineering projects. We examine how the usage of rocks and stones varies depending on specific requirements and specifications in construction, architecture, and the stone industry. 

Understanding the mineralogical, petrological, and structural geological parameters that shape natural rock deposits is crucial in ensuring their quality. That's why this book incorporates valuable techniques and guidelines for assessing the quality of rock deposits prior to quarrying, mining, and usage. 

We also introduce cutting-edge technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for topographic surveys in geological exploration and mining operations. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology for demarcating subsurface lithological variations prior to mining operations is also suggested. 

"Rocks and Stones" goes beyond theoretical knowledge by providing practical insights into planning for quarrying and mining massive rock deposits. Experts in the field share their recommended methods through captivating case studies, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the process. 

Environmental impact is a crucial consideration in any mining operation. That's why include guidelines and approval methods for quarrying and mining granite and other minor minerals, in accordance with the District Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) guidelines. Also, the book provides information on the latest amendments to the environmental clearance process, ensuring readers stay up-to-date with climate change regulations. 

To further enhance the learning experience, each chapter includes learning objectives, the latest research, technical developments, and references for further study. Additionally, several chapters feature illustrative case studies and references to additional reading, allowing readers to expand their knowledge beyond the book. 

Contents:

1.         Rocks and Stones

2.         Basics of Mineralogy

3.         Petrology-Igneous Rocks- Basics of Study of Rocks

4.         Sedimentary Rocks

5.         Metamorphic Rocks

6.         Requirements, Quality Standards and Specifications for the Selection and use of Rocks and Stones in Constructional Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Stone Industries

7.        Exploration and Mining of Rock Deposits Suitable for Constructional Engineering, Architectural Engineering and Industrial Usages

About the Author:

Prof. D. Venkat Reddy (DHARMAPURAM VENKAT REDDY) is the retired Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology—Karnataka-Surathkal-Mangalore, D.K., India. He is an alumnus of Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, from which he obtained a Ph.D. in Geology in 1985, an MSc in Geology in 1976, and an MSc in Tech Hydrogeology in 1977. He has received intensive engineering geological field training from the Geological Survey of India and hydrogeological field training from the Central Ground Water Board and state groundwater boards. He has conducted several quality improvement programs in engineering geology and geotechnology sponsored by AICTE and ISTE. He has published more than 150 research papers in national and international journals and six books, and he has been conferred several prestigious awards. During an illustrious career in the institute, Prof. D.V. Reddy effectively completed research and developmental projects such as (i) a research project on the exploration and exploitation of building stones in Dakshina Kannada, (ii) an AICTE/Research Development Project on the Evaluation of natural defects in rock deposits in Karnataka state, and (iii) an MHRD-R&D project on hydrogeological techniques in groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting lateritic terrains in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India.

Prof. D. Venkat Reddy served the institution in various capacities in addition to taking responsibility as the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering. During his illustrative career, he was instrumental in the development and modernisation of laboratories and the upgrading of PG and UG courses. He has contributed a great deal towards guiding B.Tech. and M.Tech. students. He has successfully guided Ph.D. students in the fields of engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, rock engineering, effects of vegetation on slope stability, development of contrast enhancement algorithms for coastal applications using satellite imagery, fragility estimates for RC buildings, studies on aquifer characterisation, and seawater intrusion vulnerability assessment in Coastal Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India.

Prof. D.V. Reddy has undertaken several activities related to coordinating research interactions with foreign universities, such as the Department of Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA; Geological Engineering Division, Department of Geology; Geological Engineering Colorado School of Mines, Golden Colorado, USA; Dept. of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Reno, Nevada, USA; and Advanced Study and Technology, Kumamoto University, Japan.

Prof. D. V. Reddy conferred prestigious awards:

(i) The Distinguished Indian Award was conferred at the 2nd International Conference on Earth Sciences and Engineering (ICEEE-2015) at the Nehru Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

(ii) The Research Excellence Award was conferred at the World Conference on Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (WCSET-2014) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

(iii) The Distinguished Indian Award conferred at the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering (IETE-2010) at Dr. J.J. Magdum College of Engineering, Maharashtra, India.

Prof. D.V. Reddy is one of the founder members of The International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering, published by the Cafet Innova Technical Society, Hyderabad, India, and has been its Editor-in-Chief for a long duration.

During his tenure as the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, NITK Surathkal has successfully coordinated accreditation for four postgraduate degree programs. Dr. D V Reddy further played a lead role in streamlining the L&T-sponsored M. Techprograms on construction management.

•         Prof. D. Venkat Reddy worked as an advisor in consulting engineering geology, mining geology, and geotechnical engineering-related areas from 2017 to 2019 in the Tunnel Academy, Larsen, and Toubro, Heavy Civil Engineering Division, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. (L&T)
• Prof. D.V. Reddy worked as an adjunct professor at the Dept. of Civil Engineering at Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, State University in Lonere in Raigad district, Maharashtra, from July 2019 to 2021.
•          Prof. D.V. Reddy is visiting faculty at the School of Civil Engineering at REVA University, Bengaluru, India, from 2021 onwards.
•       Prof. D.V. Reddy is working as an advisor in the Climate Change, Environmental Management, and Civil and Transportation Engineering divisions of the Engineering Staff College of India-Hyderabad, the autonomous organ of the Institution of Engineers (India) in Hyderabad from 2023 onwards.