bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning and engineering in relation to waste disposal: a case study of the Alkerton landfill
Authors: Williams G. M. , Stuart A. , Coulter P.
Published: April 2008

The integration of planning with geology and engineering is essential in the successful location and development of landfill sites, particularly in areas which are not intrinsically safe for waste disposal without engineering improvements. Although technical matters often form the primary basis for site selection, planning constraints and political factors can be as important and yet may receive less emphasis by the developers. Selection of a site can arouse concern amongst local people who consider that they will be adversely affected, despite assurances from the developer, and the formation of local action groups employing specialist expertise to oppose development of landfill sites, is now common-place. Landfill developers must therefore address technical, planning and public acceptability matters equally and effectively, in an integrated way, and must ensure that prediction of the impact of the landfill on the environment and its affect on the community proves to be accurate to maintain the credibility of the developer and the planning authorities.

Recently, Oxfordshire County Council faced co-ordinated oppostion to their proposals to develop a landfill near the picturesque village of Alkerton, near Banbury. Because of the risk of pollution to nearby springs perceived by the local community, the Council created a containment site by constructing a clay trench through the vestigial ironstone, keyed into the relatively impermeable underlying silts and clays. The landfill has been operated to reduced infiltration and leachate production, and regular monitoring of environmental conditions has been carried out in conjunction with representatives from the Parish Council.

This paper describes the interplay between planning, technical and political factors on which the decision to approve the development was based. The results of subsequent monitoring and the long term implications for site operations as a result of the engineering solution adopted, are also discussed.
Geological and environmental constraints on the disposal of low-level radioactive wastes in the UK
Authors: McEwen T. J. , Balch C.
Published: April 2008

The geological, planning and environmental factors which have led to the definition of areas of search, and eventually to specific sites, which are potentially suitable for the disposal of low-level radioactive wastes in near-surface engineered structures are considered. Areas of search were determined for inland sites by first defining the areas of outcrop within the UK of the London Clay, Gault, Kimmeridge Clay, Oxford Clay, Lower Lias and Mercia Mudstone Group: the major argillaceous formations, chosen because of their low hydraulic conductivities, and then removing areas from such outcrops of clay using environmental and planning factors. The first of these factors was population density. Areas included within National Scenic Areas (Scotland), National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and SSSIs were then removed. Transport of the waste from its sources of production is of major significance, and contours of equal accessibility were constructed. In assessing coastal environments, similar environmental and planning considerations were taken into account, but a variety of geological environments were considered.

Within the areas of search thus defined, searches were made of all areas of available land of sufficient size for repository development. Each site found during this search was then examined for its suitability in terms of its geology, hydrogeology, planning and environmental factors, and separate shortlists drawn up for inland and coastal sites. In assessing these short-listed sites in more detail, three groups of factors were considered: safety (geological and hydrogeological), planning (population density, road and rail access, resource sterilisation, operational and constructional impact etc.) and technical (capacity of the site, ease of constructability). Small adaptations to the analysis, such as the type of coastal environment, were required for coastal sites to take into account different objectives underlying coastal repository development. Multi-attribute analysis was then carried out by ascribing scores and weightings to all the relevant factors, and the sensitivity of the total weighted scores to the values of the weightings determined. The four sites which were announced in February 1986 are those that performed well during the multi-attribute analysis and were available for acquisition by NIREX for potential future development.
Reclamation at Bathside Bay, Harwich: Planning and evaluation for roads and port
Authors: Corbet S. P. , Toms A. R.
Published: April 2008

Bathside Bay, situated between Harwich and Parkeston Quay, has been the subject for many plans for reclamation and development. Following a period of inactivity by developers Essex County Council commissioned an independent study into alternative routes for a road between Parkeston and Harwich to relieve traffic congestion in Dovercourt.

The comprehensive geological, geotechnical, engineering and environmental studies carried out by G. Maunsell and Partners had been completed when a large volume of spoil from a channel dredging contract to be carried out in Harwich Harbour became available at short notice. There were benefits to both Essex County Council and owners of Bathside Bay, Sealink British Ferries Ltd., if this spoil could be used to reclaim part of Bathside Bay. Negotiations with the various statutory bodies, authorities and affected groups were started while further geotechnical and engineering work was competed.

The reclamation of approximately 40 hectares of Bathside Bay was completed using 1.2 million cubic metres of material. Observations of settlement show that about 0.2 m settlement took place immediately with a further 0.4 m taking place during the following year. Several minor slips occurred during the filling operation partly attributable to geological features.

Having completed the reclamation work Essex County Council are now proceeding with plans for the new road. Sealink are preparing for port development, including reclamation of the remaining area in Bathside Bay.
The use of geological information in the strategic planning of waste disposal in Merseyside
Authors: Raybould J. G. , Anderson D. J.
Published: April 2008

The search for new landfill facilities for the metropolitan county of Merseyside in the late 1970s began with the identification of over 1200 sites classified as derelict, despoiled or low-grade agricultural land, or coastal sites capable of reclamation. The first stage of selection eliminated more than 90 per cent of these sites on the grounds of size, proximity to housing etc., using fairly subjective judgements justified by the coarseness of the ‘sieve’. A more formalized system was used to assess the remaining 100 sites at the second stage, and among the criteria used were the geology and hydrogeology of each site, the degree of engineering required to protect ground and surface water resources, and the availability of on-site construction materials. These assessments had to be made on the basis of information already available. A certain amount of rudimentary information was available from Geological Survey maps and memoirs, but this had to be supplemented by time-consuming searches through the files of various authorities (and their various departments) for individual borehole records and site investigation summaries. Of the sites assessed, 24 were shortlisted for detailed investigation, as and when the need arises in particular areas.

This case illustrates the need for published, strategic geological information to be sufficiently detailed and up to date, to allow comparisons of sites to be made at the desk-study stage of land-use projects, prior to physical investigations of favoured sites. This applies to minerals planning and other schemes as well as waste disposal. For most areas, the necessary information does exist, and so does the technology to make it easily accessible, but improvements are necessary to the legislative/financial framework within which geological information is collected.
The engineering geologist as an expert witness
Authors: Knill J. L.
Published: April 2008

There is an increasing role for the engineering geologist to act as an expert witness in matters involving planning, arbitration and litigation. The witness, whether of opinion or fact, has the duty to provide evidence clearly and honestly in assisting the hearing to come to balanced decision. Illustrative examples are drawn upon to highlight aspects of importance. The adversarial legal system in England and Wales provides a framework within which the principles, philosophy and adequacy of the work of engineering geologists can be challenged.
Geological factors in land-use planning at Aldridge—Brownhills, West Midlands
Authors: Wilson A. A.
Published: April 2008

The Aldridge-Brownhills area, 14 km north of Birmingham, though largely urban, still contains large reserves of sand and gravel, brick clay and coal in areas of open country. The present work, carried out by the British Geological Survey, is a verification of the planning as it affects future land use. Pillar and stall workings in Wenlock Limestone are a hazard around Daw End. The effects of subsidence induced by coal mining are greatest on the Vigo and Clayhanger faults, which locally define the limit of working. The largely dry, abandoned coal mines at Aldridge and Walsall Wood and the old marl quarries overlying them are a major, controlled, chemical waste disposal facility, sealed in by the Etruria Formation. Boreholes into Triassic sandstones are used for public water supply and any future infill in nearby gravel pits is also a matter for close control.
A review of ground movements due to civil and mining engineering operations
Authors: Bell F. G. , Cripps J. C. , Culshaw M. G. , Lovell M. A.
Published: April 2008

Man’s activity frequently causes ground movements which then may present him with problems. The most notable examples of ground movements are provided by the mining industry in the form of subsidence. Mining in the broad sense includes removal of material from the ground and that material may be solid, liquid or gas. Indeed some of the largest subsidences recorded have been in association with the abstraction of oil and groundwater, instances having occurred where the ground surface has been lowered by several metres over large areas. In Britain some of the most catastrophic ground movements have been attributable to the exploitation of brine in Cheshire.

The construction industry is also responsible for generating ground movements, admittedly usually on a small scale. For example, deep excavation causes a reduction in the vertical and horizontal pressure in the ground and thereby can induce heave of the base of the excavation, together with inward and vertical movements, both up and down, in the surrounding ground. Significant movements can occur at an appreciable distance from an excavation and horizontal movements can be noticeably larger than vertical movements. The most important factor which governs the magnitude of the movement is the type of ground involved. Ground movements may develop as a result of tunnelling, particularly in soft ground, and may resemble those associated with longwall mining of coal.

Induced seismicity provides a further instance of Man’s action giving rise to ground movements. In this case, some of the most noteworthy examples have been provided by reservoir loading and the permeation of water into the ground. Small scale seismic events also have been associated with mining activity.
The stability of abandoned mine workings in the Maastrichtian Limestones of Limburg, The Netherlands
Authors: Price D. G. , Verhoef P. N. W.
Published: April 2008

Underground mining for limestone as a building stone has been undertaken in Limburg since Roman times. Mining was carried out at shallow depths using the pillar and stall technique and the rock was sawn out to give large blocks which were later cut into a size and shape appropriate for building purposes. Only layers of unjointed uniform rock were mined and mine workings varied between about two and ten metres in height. Some workings can be established to be at least 300 years old. The rock is weak with
unconfined compressive strengths generally less than 5 MPa. Stability problems have arisen as the result of pillar collapse and of the inflow into the mine of the clay infilling of vertical solution ‘organ pipes’ which may have intersected the abandoned mines. The paper presents an account of the problems associated with these old mine workings and discusses methods by which the stability of large areas of abandoned workings may be analyzed.
Influence of overburden on subsidence development over room and pillar coal mines
Authors: Van Besien A. C. , Rockaway J. D.
Published: April 2008

The magnitude and extent of the subsidence that occurs over coal mines may be estimated reasonably accurately by current empirical and numerical/physical prediction modelling. There are, however, few effective procedures for predicting the duration of time that elapses between the advent of mining and the initial surfacial expression of subsidence. This is particularly so with respect to subsidence over mines in which the coal was extracted by room and pillar (pillar and board) mining methods. This undefined time delay may be a critical concern in areas above old or abandoned room and pillar mines where the uncertainty of potential subsidence affects property values and urban development.

The relationship between time and subsidence development was evaluated in this study by comparing data on mining systems, overburden and floor characteristics, physical properties of the coal seam, and the delay that occurred between coal extraction and initiation of surface deformation. The data was collected essentially from the Illinois Basin coal field with additional data from other coal-producing regions in the United States. Reasonably complete data sets from over 80 subsidence events were evaluated. Multiple-variable statistical analysis techniques, including regionalized variables theory and trend surface analysis were used to identify those parameters that most significantly influenced the time lapse between mining and the onset of surface deformation.

The results of the study indicated that the behaviour of material in the lower half of the overburden is critical to the ultimate expression of subsidence at the surface. In addition, it was shown that an algorithm can be developed to predict the type of subsidence and also that there is a correlation between time lapse and, not only such anticipated factors as depth of mining and pillar size, but also between the relative position of competent strata in the overburden.
Surface subsidence associated with long wall mining: Two and three dimensional boundary element model
Authors: Tsur-Lavie Y. , Denekamp S. A. , Fainstein G.
Published: April 2008

Systematic measurements of surface displacements associated with longwall mining made by British Coal (formerly National Coal Board - NCB) are compared with NCB results calculated in the present study. Three aspects of subsidence are considered: maximum subsidence, surface configuration and applicability of two-dimensional models to three-dimensional cases.

The model presented in this paper is based on elementary solution presented by Golecki (1978, 1979) for stresses and displacements in an infinite homogeneous elastic halfplane or half space, subjected at its boundary by a discontinuous uniform displacement. Two and three dimensional models were developed using those solutions.

The model was used for an analysis of ground subsidence as a function of the span and height of the mined openings, assuming various Poisson’s ratios. Results of two-dimensional models, representing openings of infinite length were compared with measurements compiled by the NCB which correspond to longwall mines. The comparison shows that for deep mines, use of small Poisson’s ratios renders close agreement between calculated and measured subsidence, whereas for shallow mines use of large Poisson’s ratios gives the best agreement. These results lead to the conclusion that subsidence in shallow mines is associated with a state of failure extending to the ground surface. This entails an increase in volume (dilatancy) and is therefore best represented by a model with a large Poisson’s ratio. On the other hand failure in deep mines is confined to a relatively limited zone above the subsiding roof.

Computed subsidence over the longwall face (rib subsidence) appears to be consistently larger than that measured in the field. This may be attributed to one fundamental difference between the model and the prototype; while the model assumes closure over the entire longwall span (using a step function) actual closure occurs only at some distance behind the longwall face.

Results of the three dimensional model indicate that subsidence associated with a square groundplan is smaller than that associated with a two dimensional opening. Subsidence over square openings amounts to less than 70% of that calculated in two dimensional models of equal relative span. For openings with a rectangular groundplan, subsidence increases rapidly with increasing length. For shallow openings with a length to width ratio exceeding 2.5, maximum subsidence is more than 95% of that in an opening of equal width but of infinite length.
Saint Wilfrid’s Church, Hickleton: mining subsidence and remedial works
Authors: Roscoe G. H.
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the new foundation works required as part of the restoration of a church which had been badly damaged by mining subsidence. In the paper, damage is related to the geology and mining history of the church site in order to determine the right course of remedialaction. The case history illustrates the influence that ground conditions at shallow depth can have on the surface effects of deep mining.

Saint Wilfrid’s Church stands on the outcrop of the Lower Magnesian Limestone, underlain by very weak mudstones of the Lower Coal Measures. Open fissures in the limestone are widely distributed throughout the area. The church has settled by more than 2 m as a result of coal mining activity; cracks between 70 and 100 mm wide have occurred in the fabric of the building. Surface movements due to deep mining were predicted by conventional methods and are compared with the damage to the church. It is shown that most damage resulted from the horizontal ground movements caused by workings which were some distance from the site, and that these movements were concentrated by the fissures in the rock.

In order to preserve the structure, a system of prestressed concrete beams supported by bearings on three separate foundations was constructed. The foundation design also had to allow for the presence of a minor fault which passes beneath the church.
Regional study of the West Midlands area to locate old limestone mine workings
Authors: Braithwaite P. A. , Seago K. L.
Published: April 2008

The West Midlands of England has a long history of industrial production and attendant mineral extraction. With the decline in heavy industry, the region has suffered from the effects of dereliction arising from both surface and subsurface causes. The effects of surface dereliction are evident from the hundreds of hectares of land once occupied by factories and heavy industrial and manufacturing complexes, which now lie neglected. Subsurface dereliction arises from the risk of collapses within the abandoned mineral workings causing subsidence or collapse at the surface. This risk has affected many hectares of land, both industrial and residential and is restricting efforts to redevelop and regenerate the region.

A recent initiative, led by the Department of Environment and the Black Country Boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton has enabled the problems associated with old limestone workings to be studied over the past six years. The techniques used to locate the mines and assess the extent and condition of the workings are outlined.

There are various ways for treating the workings and removing the problem. These options are constrained by technical, financial, environmental and political considerations.
Prediction of settlement due to dewatering for deep excavations
Authors: Gudgeon D. L. , Warner M. F. , Stowell J.
Published: April 2008

Studies performed to predict the changes in groundwater level due to dewatering of deep excavations, and to estimate the resulting settlements, are described. The excavations are for power station structures at a site where there are existing structures sensitive to settlement. The excavations would be entirely within the Bournemouth Formation aquifer but the studies extend to the underlying London Clay and Chalk.

Two finite difference groundwater models were prepared; one to asses the regional and environmental effects of dewatering and the second to simulate the detailed effects, including settlement, of this dewatering on the immediate area, in particular adjacent buildings.

Likely settlements during dewatering were investigated for five locations where there are sensitive structures and also for the power station when dewatering for a second one is undertaken.

Settlements for given drawdown levels were calculated by elastic displacement theory and by a finite element model using parameters derived from empirical correlations and both laboratory and
in situ
pressuremeter tests.
Induced seismicity in engineering
Authors: McCann D. M.
Published: April 2008

A review is made of the main areas of engineering and mining activities, which give rise to induced seismicity in the rock mass. These include the occurrences of rock bursts following the failure of the rock mass in highly stressed areas during mining operations, seismic activity due to pumping operations in geothermal, waste disposal, and hydrocarbon extraction applications and earth movements resulting from the filling and emptying of reservoirs.
Microseismic monitoring for the prediction of outbursts at Cynheidre Colliery, Dyfed, S. Wales
Authors: Styles P. , Emsley S. J. , Jowitt T.
Published: April 2008

During the past three years a network of six permanent surface seismometer stations has been established over the Cynheidre workings. In parallel with this an 8-channel on-line microprocessor-based event detector has been developed in order to provide warnings of high rates of activity.

The main results of this twofold approach are as follows:

Considerable normal microseismic activity is generated from within Cynheidre with an excellent correlation between the patterns of daily extraction and the levels of activity which can exceed 600 events per shift. It is thought these events principally originate from failure of the roof cantilever and the gob. They have impulsive onsets and durations of 0.5-1.0 s.

Observations during outbursts suggest a completely different type of activity. The envelope of the events is very emergent and almost monochromatic with a frequency of about 30 Hz. These events appear to originate from within the coal, to be related to the emission of methane and show clear peaks in activity immediately prior to an outburst. In fact this type of activity is extremely rare except before periods of gas emission or an outburst.

The microprocessor has clearly shown increases in the automatically picked events prior to the outburst of 24 June 1985 particularly on the station adjacent to the event. The microprocessor also gave an alarm prior to the recent heavy gas emission (8,500 m
3
) associated with ‘pouncing’ (20 February 1986) which was controlled successfully without proceeding to a full outburst.
Field testing methods for engineering geological investigations
Authors: Bell F. G. , Cripps J. C. , Culshaw M. G.
Published: April 2008

This paper discusses some of the more commonly used field testing methods used to determine various geotechnical parameters needed to classify soils and rocks in engineering terms and to provide engineering design values. The methods of performing, and the application of, various penetration, shear strength, plate loading, pressuremeter and dilatometer and permeablity tests are described. The use of geophysical methods to obtain, indirectly, mechanical parameter values is also discussed.
Calibration and its effect on the results of pressuremeter tests in weak rocks
Authors: Curtis D. C. , Ansell P. , Leach B. A.
Published: April 2008

The paper describes in situ testing recently carried out in Keuper Marl using the Hughes high-pressure dilatometer for which an extensive study into calibration and its effects on results was made. The various calibrations performed are described followed by discussion of the effects of calibration corrections on the results obtained. The findings illustrate the importance of proper calibrations before and during a pressuremeter testing programme. In particular, the significance of membrane compression calibrations when testing mudstones classified as weak to moderately weak or stronger is highlighted.
Rock mass assessment from seismic measurements
Authors: McCann D. M. , Culshaw M. G. , Northmore K. J.
Published: April 2008

An important part of many site investigations is the geomechanical assessment of the rock mass in terms of a classification system which is independent of the user. All classification systems used to date are based on observation of the rock mass and the determination of simple engineering parameters on intact rock specimens. In this paper, the use of the seismic properties of the rock mass to assess the geomechanical performance of the rock mass are examined and illustrated by three case histories. It is shown that precise values of uniaxial compressive strength cannot be predicted from compressional wave velocity determinations, although rock types can be classified qualitatively (for example, weak to very weak or strong to very strong). For a specific lithology, the compressional wave velocity can be related to the degree of fracturing and an approximate relationship with RQD established.
Resistivity sounding for a landfill investigation at Bray, Berkshire
Authors: Barker R. D. , Lerner D. N. , Rodriguez-Estrada H. V.
Published: April 2008

Electrical methods of geophysical surveying offer a cheap and rapid way of investigating shallow geological structure and hydrogeology in and around landfills. However, the ground surface is often considerably disturbed rendering conventional methods of sounding difficult and sometimes impossible. The Offset Wenner technique provides accurate data in such difficult situations. A short review of the technique is given. The technique was applied to an unlined landfill in river gravels, and was able to define the hydrogeology sufficiently well for the development of a numerical model of contaminant transport. The case study, including the modelling, is described.
Estimating rates and electrical conductivities of borehole inflows using a logging/two-level pumping technique
Authors: Tellam John H. , Eyre Simon F.
Published: April 2008

Vertical variations in borehole inflow rate and inflow conductivity can be calculated from temperature-conductivity borehole logs obtained during two pumping phases, one phase having the pump intake at a lower level than the other. Although promising results were obtained by previous workers for sites in Bahrain, the method has attracted little attention in the literature. Here the theory is reviewed, and two direct and one inverse calculation procedure outlined. Simple sensitivity analysis shows that under certain circumstances, predicted inflow rates and conductivities are very sensitive to data error. Three field trials show the method to be potentially very useful, although detailed inflow calculations are difficult to quantify accurately. Analysing the data using the direct method can produce erratic predictions as forecast by the sensitivity analysis. The inverse method introduces a degree of hydrogeological control into the interpretation thus eliminating the artifacts produced by data error; however, the inverse method does tend to increase the possibility of non-uniqueness in the solution. These problems appear to be in part avoidable, and work will continue.
Engineering geology of Quaternary soils: I. Processes and properties
Authors: Culshaw M. G. , Cripps J. C. , Bell F. G. , Moon C. F.
Published: April 2008

This introductory paper describes Quaternary soils according to the climatic conditions under which they were formed (glacial, periglacial, temperate, arid and tropical). The paper discusses the geological characteristics of the soils and the processes that have acted in forming or altering them, as well as their geotechnical properties.
Report on Session 1a: Processes and material properties of glacially derived deposits
Authors: Fannin N. G. T.
Published: April 2008

The papers presented in this session of the conference cover many aspects of the processes and material properties of glacially-derived sediments. Discussion ranges from the theoretical behaviour of ‘tills’ and their distribution, the effects of late or post-depositional processes, the measurement of physical properties in situ or in the laboratory, rates of variation in physical properties both laterally and vertically, the use of glacial models in predicting change and the scale or resolution of these models relative to the requirements of the. engineer, and the problems of the application of geophysical (remote sensing) methods offshore. This mixture from the theoretical, through careful field and laboratory observation and measurement to the strictly practical application of results is entirely appropriate. In recent years, new studies of glacial processes have led to a considerable revision in our understanding of how glacial sediments are deposited. The application of this knowledge by the practising engineer is a demonstration of the value of Quaternary geological studies.

The physical properties of glacially-derived deposits and rocks or sediments influenced by glacial action reflect both the conditions of deposition and subsequent events. Therefore, it is important to understand not just the nature of the material transported by an ice mass and its mode of deposition, but also the nature of the ice itself and its response to climatic forcing and the local terrain. Our perceptions of how sediments are deposited under and from within ice are changing as we begin to understand better the complex hydrostatic conditions which
A survey of the geotechnical properties of some till deposits on the north coast of Norfolk
Authors: Bell F. G.
Published: April 2008

Deposits of till occur in the Anglian and Devensian stages of the Quaternary succession in Norfolk. These are the Cromer Till, the Chalky Boulder Clay and the Hunstanton Till, the former two occur in the Anglian stage and the latter in the Devensian stage. On the north coast of Norfolk the Chalky Boulder Clay has in the past been referred to as the Contorted Drift around Trimingham and further west, because of its chalk content, as the Marly Drift.

Little work on the geotechnical properties of these tills in north Norfolk has been published. Accordingly an investigation was undertaken to determine their engineering behaviour. All these tills are matrix-dominated with clay forming less than a third of the matrix except in the case of the Marly Drift. They are either firm or stiff with low or intermediate plasticity and have shear strength values ranging between 50 and 115 kN/m
2
. The tills are either inactive or have normal activity and all have low sensitivity. Their consolidation properties are characteristic of stiff clays.
The geotechnical characteristics of the till deposits of Holderness
Authors: Bell F. G. , Forster A.
Published: April 2008

The glacial deposits of Holderness are well displayed along the coast of Humberside from Bridlington to Spurn Head. These deposits consist primarily of tills which may contain chalky debris and include pockets and lenses of sands and gravel. They have been subdivided in the past into four units the Basement, Drab, Purple and Hessle Boulder Clays. This has been re-interpreted as three tills (the Basement, Skipsea and Withernsea Tills) below a composite weathered unit of Skipsea and Withernsea Till.

The dominant clay minerals in all the clays are kaolinite and illite. In addition, the clay fraction usually constitutes up to 30% of the deposit. Accordingly the clays have a low plasticity. However, because the Basement Till contains a larger content of fines it does have higher consistency limits. The geotechnical data confirm the interpretation of the “Hessle Clay” as a weathered product of the Skipsea and Withernsea Tills
The influence of stratigraphy on the Variation in geotechnical properties of the offshore Quaternary succession, Scotland
Authors: Bone B. D. , Long D. , Stoker M. S.
Published: April 2008

Evidence is presented to show the influence that Sedimentation patterns and environmental conditions have had on the geotechnical properties of Quaternary Sediments in the Scottish offshore area. An understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the Quaternary deposits greatly aids regional geotechnical studies which need to be undertaken before evaluating site specific problems.
Glacially deformed bedrock at Wylfa Head, Anglesey, North Wales
Authors: Harris C.
Published: April 2008

Widespread glacitectonically deformed bedrock was exposed in open trenches during site investigation at Wylfa, Anglesey. Bedrock consists of well—jointed low grade metasediments, with foliation dipping northwards. Drift thickness varies from 0–24m, with a drumlinised surface topography on the southern margin of the site. Bedrock merges upwards through a sheared zone at least 2m thick into locally derived lodgement till. A dark coloured calcareous tili overlies the local till in places. The deformed bedrock zone shows overturning, compressive folding and shearing over a heavily striated plane of decollement, compression being directed towards the south. Large detached slabs of bedrock are present in the basal till, and in one borehole a 1.1m high void 5.1m below rockhead was filled with well-sorted glacial sand. Glacial deformation of bedrock is discussed in the context of rockhead geometry, bedrock structure, basal water pressures, and effective stresses beneath the glacier.
The importance of multidisciplinary geoscience investigations for engineering projects in the Oseberg, Brage and Troll Fields
Authors: Butenko G. , Østmo S. R.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance and advantages of coordinating and integrating the different phases and expertise involved in an offshore site investigation. Modern, multi-Channel, high-resolution, seismic reflection profiles improve significantly the ability to predict the continuity of soil layers several kilometres away from the nearest geotechnical boring. The geological history of the sediments is reflected in the geotechnical parameters obtained from in situ and laboratory tests.

The Integration of in situ and laboratory soil tests, seismic stratigraphy and geology gives a comprehensive understanding of the Engineering properties of the Quaternary sediments in the Oseberg, Brage and Troll fields.
Geotechnical properties of Quaternary deposits in the Belfast area
Authors: Gregory B. J. , Bell A. L.
Published: April 2008

Soils deposited during the Quaternary era occur widely in Northern Ireland. Those in the Belfast area pose particular Engineering problems owing to their wide Variation, and the increasingly diverse range of construction activities in this major city. The soil types identified in the city area include two cohesive till sheets, separated by laminated clays and glacial sands. Overlying the glacial deposits is a soft, sensitive, post-glacial, estuarine clay known locally as Sleech.

A field and laboratory-based programme of research has been conducted with the aim of improving understanding of the geotechnical behaviour of these deposits, and of identifying relevant Engineering properties. This paper presents results from this research, describing the soil types, common Engineering problems associated with them, and laboratory measured properties. The properties investigated relate to strength and deformation, including elastic yield parameters derived from stress path tests, and consolidation characteristics. The results show that the measured parameters depend on sampling techniques and preparation, as well as sample size and test procedure adopted. Thus any results require careful Interpretation and the practical applications of the findings are discussed in the paper.
Origins and engineering hazards of Swedish glaciomarine and marine clays
Authors: Stevens R. L. , Rosenbaum M. S. , Hellgren L. G.
Published: April 2008

This paper relates the Engineering features of fine-grained clays in the Göteborg area to their glacial sources, depositional settings and postdepositional changes. These deposits occupy valley and coastal areas where urban expansion has been concentrated, despite the considerable problems with settlement and quick-clay behaviour. Both mineralogical and permeability trends are largely determined by the textural characteristics of the deposits. The depositional environments, which have largely controlled the textural trends, are known to have evolved during late Weichselian times due to glacial retreat, isostatic land uplift and climatic changes. A generalized lithostratigraphical model has been produced and this is used here to help understand and predict the variability of the geotechnical properties. The stratigraphical trends in texture, mineralogy and structure are considered within four broad genetic categories: 1) coarse-grained glacial deposits, 2) glaciomarine deposits, 3) very distal glaciomarine deposits, and 4) shallow-marine deposits. These divisions can often be recognized within the logs of geotechnical reports, which suggested that they could provide the basis for development of three-dimensional models which have both geological and geotechnical predictive power within the vicinity of Göteborg. They could also act as a guide for the development of similar models in urban areas elsewhere.
The Tees laminated clay
Authors: Bell F. G. , Coultard J. M.
Published: April 2008

The Tees Laminated Clay forms a continuous deposit around the Tees estuary and was deposited during late glacial times. It overlies till, with which it has a sharp contact, and varies in thickness up to 9 m. The laminations consist of alternate layers of clay and silty sand. They are frequently indistinct or may be contorted and in some areas are not observed. It has been suggested that these laminated clays represent fluvio-glacial deposits laid down in an ice-dammed lake.

The fabric of the clays was examined in thin sections under polarized light and measurement of transmitted light intensities on rotation of the microscope stage gave values which indicated a medium particle orientation or parallel planar fabric of the clay minerals. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of quartz, illite, kaolinite and some chlorite.

In addition to the determination of the basic soil properties of the Tees Laminated Clay, the influence of its anisotropic character on the more noteable engineering properties, in particular, on the strength of the clay. In fact, it was found that the shear strength along the laminations on average, was 25% less than it was normal to the laminations. It also was found that the clay suffered a significant loss of strength on remoulding, it being medium sensitive to sensitive. The laminated clay is lightly consolidated with a medium to high compressibility.
A review of the mechanisms of cambering and valley bulging
Authors: Parks C. D.
Published: April 2008

A study has been undertaken to investigate the mechanism of cambering and valley bulging. Previously proposed primary mechanisms are critically reviewed and discussed. The primary mechanism proposed here is that of frost heave and creep of valley slopes, enhanced by slope erosion and cap rock load during a period of periglaciation, partly at the onset of the cold period but predominantly whilst the ground was in frozen and thawing states. The mechanism is supported by experimental study, a mathematical model and field evidence.
Highway construction aspects of the Quaternary engineering geology of West Java
Authors: Cook J. R. , Younger J. S.
Published: April 2008

Quaternary materials, consisting of a variety of both volcanic and sedimentary deposits, cover a large area of the Indonesian province of West Java. These deposits have been subjected to a tropical weathering environment which has emphasised their distinct characteristics. Broad groupings of the Quaternary deposits have been made with respect to their Potential behaviour as road construction materials, cuttings and foundations. Aspects of this behaviour are illustrated by examples from the Authors’ experience of recent road projects in the area.
The distribution, formation and engineering properties of Quaternary regional Sediments in China
Authors: Guorui G.
Published: April 2008

In China, there exist various regional sediments of the Quaternary such as loess soils of the Yellow River in northern China, lateritic soils in southern China and expansive soils in the broad plains of the Yangtze River. In the past, these Quaternary Sediments were often treated as special soils and their engineering properties tended to be studied accordingly. However, not much attention was given to relationships that may exist between these regional soils and, so far, the distribution and formation of regional Sediments have not been systematically studied. Only when it was found that regional classifications of soils (their names and their engineering properties) were in disagreement with each other for adjacent areas was the subject of relationship considered.

Recently, the author has tested and studied a number of samples of various Quaternary regional Sediments. The relationship of their composition and microstructural features to their engineering properties has first been analysed on the basis of their basic properties. The distribution of regional sediments has then been studied in detail according to geographical environment and climatic conditions. Finally, formation and development processes for the various regional Sediments of the Quaternary in China have been postulated.
Consolidation characteristics of gypsiferous soils
Authors: Sirwan K. , Majeed A. H. , Wadood B. A.
Published: April 2008

Recently developed gypsiferous soils areas have posed unprecedented Problems in construction. Structures, buildings, leaking canals, and pipe works have cracked, tilted, and collapsed due to drop of strength and settlement on soaking: and in cases of continuous water seepage to foundations the soils were washed away.

Immediate and long term continuous settlements are characteristic of gypsiferous soils: more over, sites' heterogeneity makes the design of foundations all the more difficult. On the other hand, the apparent strength of these soils, when they are dry, has led to errors which have eventually led to cracks and failures of many structures.

It is the aim of this paper to describe the basic engineering characteristics of these soils in terms of normal consolidation, as well as long term settlement behaviour under stress.

It is recomnended that foundation pits should be kept dry during foundation construction: further, low hearing capacity values in design should be adopted to minimize settlement as well as creep of soils in both dry and wet situations.
British Geological Survey thematic geology maps of Quaternary deposits in Scotland
Authors: Browne M. A. E. , McMillan A. A.
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the portrayal of the surface distribution of Quaternary deposits (drift) in a range of maps prepared by the Geological Survey (Scotland). It considers three methods of classification involving the use of 1. the familiar BGS symbol scheme, 2. the descriptive lithological codes of thematic map packages and 3. an alphabetical Classification adopted in a recent thematic study of the Clyde valley. The three dimensional distribution of Quaternary deposits has rarely been portrayed in map form. A lithological profile scheme, also prepared as part of the Clyde valley project, is advocated as an appropriate method of representing the third dimension in complex sequences.
The significance of mottling in the description of Quaternary estuarine soils
Authors: Hawkins A. B. , Lloyd I.M. , Nash D. F. T.
Published: April 2008

During detailed examination of fresh material from split Delft samples extensive mottling was noted in the alluvial deposits at the SERC test bed site at Bothkennar on the Forth Estuary, Scotland. The mottles, invariably related to small diameter holes, are only recognisable for about thirty minutes before becoming indistinguishable due to general oxidation.

The mottles have been categorised into fine, medium and coarse size and are recorded by their percentage cover. They show some evidence of cyclic development. Laboratory tests on the mottled material indicate that only the moisture content is significantly affected. Observation of the mottles is important in that they are related to fine holes which in turn will influence the in situ permeability of the material.
Quaternary engineering geology: a summary
Authors: Muir Wood D.
Published: April 2008

Introduction

The position of the summer-up is perhaps the least to be envied of all those invited to speak at this Conference: others can say their piece and then relax, or even depart (Fig 1); he has to attend every session and to hear all that is said knowing that his own remarks are likely to be made to an ever-dwindling audience. It would be nice to be able to feel that the importance of the various elements of the conference was inversely proportional to their duration (Fig 2) - just as this conference has thrown the spotlight uniquely on the Quaternary, which occupies but the smallest fraction of the geological history of our planet. We are told that the Quaternary represents the last 4 hours of the earth’s history compressed to 1 year : the summing up represents the last few minutes of the four days of the conference.

As a period of geological history, the Quaternary encompasses a whole spectrum of climatic variations. Though there has been concentration in this conference on processes more or less loosely associated with glaciation, other processes have continued also. It is only by understanding the processess by which the surface of the earth has been shaped that we can hope to form a coherent picture of the distribution of soils and rocks and their properties.

Our concentration in civil engineering tends to be on structures with a lifetime of, say, 50 to 100 years.
The significance of engineering geology to construction
Authors: Bell F.G. , Cripps J. C. , Culshaw M. G.
Published: April 2008

The paper discusses the important contribution that engineering geology makes to the construction processes of excavation and the forming of foundations. The contribution to the construction of highways is described. In particular, the influence of geology on cut slope stability, soft and hard ground excavation (including tunnelling), bearing capacity, settlement, subsidence and the choice of foundation type are all considered. Particular problems associated with the use of fills and waste
materials are also mentioned. The importance of adequate site investigation is stressed.