Abstract: Quaternary stratum are widely distributed in Jinan City proper,where southern part and northern one are mountain-front hillsidefields and inclined plain respectively.Through engineering geologic survey and geotechnical engineering investigation,some laws of time-space distribution and mechanical characteristics change of Quaternary strata layers were revealed in the city proper.Pleistocene rock-soil stratum occur in hillsidefields of the southern city proper,where most rock-soil layers are with low compressibility and quite high bearing-capacity except for loess-like soil.In the plain of the northern city proper,however,there are largely Holocene rock-soil stratum consisted of loose and soft soil layers.Based on the evaluation on foundation suitability in combination with practical civil-engineering,three foundation engineering zones are divided in Jinan City proper,from south to north,which are in turn the zone for shallow foundation on natural ground,the zone for shallow foundation on natural and treated ground,the zone for deep foundation or shallow foundation on treated ground.