bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microseismic monitoring of the infill trial at Castlefields Mine, Dudley
Authors: Miller A. , Richards J. A. , McCann D. M.
Published: April 2008

During the infill trial at Castlefields Mine, a network of geophones and seismometers was used to monitor any seismic activity associated with roof or pillar failure. Roof-falls in the infill area were not excessive (38 were detected in three months of overnight recordings), and there was no evidence of any very large collapses in this part of the mine during the infill trials. Records of activity in the non-infill area of the accessible mineworkings, which was used for test pumping of infill materials, suggested a relatively high rate of deterioration in this area. A crownhole, which appeared above the flooded workings some 150 m north of the monitored area prior to the main infill, did not produce any dramatic seismic events on the back-up recording
system. However, the detection of some possible precursor events indicates that the seismic monitoring technique might provide warning, even at this late stage in the crownhole’s development, with a more localized network.
The monitoring of open underground mine workings beneath a major road construction
Authors: Smith M. J. , Sutherland J. A.
Published: April 2008

The Al Edinburgh to London trunk road has been diverted in the vicinity of the Blue Circle Cement Works near Dunbar, in order to free an area of land for opencast extraction of limestone. Limestone has been extracted in the past in this area both by opencast and underground mining techniques. A section of the new Al route passes directly over an area of shallow underground workings which were abandoned in 1959.

In 1979 Lothian Regional Council appointed consulting engineers Thorburn Associates to examine the condition of the abandoned workings in order to assess their long term stability in the light of the new alignment of the Al, and to determine whether any additional safety measures might be required.

Room and pillar extraction techniques were employed in the mine. The limestone pillars and roof appear to be in good condition and a convergence gauge monitoring system was introduced into the mine in 1977 to determine the extent of any movements. The potential for roof collapse required careful consideration, and, therefore, a ground investigation was carried out and additional support measures were considered to reduce the probability of failure.

The paper outlines the background history of the mine, the results of the ground investigation and laboratory testing, and the remedial safety measures considered, together with details of the monitoring system employed.

Conclusions are drawn concerning the monitoring results and their implications with regard to stability and the need for continued monitoring. In addition, the usefulness of such a monitoring exercise for this type of problem is assessed, and compared with the immediate implementation of structural/stabilization works.
Subsidence associated with the abstraction of fluids
Authors: Bell F. G.
Published: April 2008

Subsidence of the ground surface due to the withdrawal of groundwater, oil, gas or brine from sedimentary deposits has ccurred in many parts of the world. The abstraction of groundwater has been the principal cause of subsidence, primarily because more groundwater is abstracted than all the other liquids put together. Subsidences of several metres have been recorded, for example, in California due to the exploitation of oil, as well as groundwater. Such ground movements represent a notable problem in engineering geology. Generally these subsidences take place slowly but the occurrence at the surface of sinkholes as a result of water tables being lowered in limestone terrains is a rapid process.

In the case of groundwater, gas or oil abstraction the reduction in pore pressure in the voids due to the decline in head leads to an increase in effective load on the sediments concerned, bringing about consolidation, which is reflected at the surface as subsidence. On the other hand when mineral deposits are worked by solution mining the rock material itself is removed which, if uncontrolled, resultsin subsidence.

The removal of fluids from sediments frequently has resulted in the formation of fissures at the surface. Indeed there are cases on record where faults are alleged to have been formed. Such fissures often occur around the periphery of the subsidence trough.
Subsidence resulting from the dissolution of Permian gypsum in the Ripon area; its relevance to mining and water abstraction
Authors: Cooper A. H.
Published: April 2008

Because gypsum dissolves rapidly in flowing water the subsurface dissolution of Permian gypsum at Ripon results in severe subsidence. The pattern of subsidence and methods of propagation are similar to those which might result from mining. Breccia pipe propagation and bulking factors for Permian rocks are discussed. The implications both of gypsum dissolution and the forceful expansion of anhydrite by hydration in flooded gypsum mines are assessed. The removal of gypsum and possible subsidence caused by large-scale water abstraction and mine dewatering are also considered.
Fault-plane analysis of microseismicity induced by fluid injections into granite
Authors: Green A. S. P. , Baria R. , Madge A. , Jones R.
Published: April 2008

A hot dry rock geothermal reservoir has been created at a depth of 2 km in the Carnmenellis granite by fluid injection, inducing approximately 6000 locatable microseismic events. The onset of seismicity and the direction of growth of the microseismic locations depends upon the
in situ
stresses, jointing and pore pressure. Analysis of a number of composite fault-plane solutions indicates that the maximum horizontal stress has an orientation of 310–315° N. This is consistent with near surface overcoring stress measurements and in agreement with hydrofracture stress measurements carried out at depths of approximately 2 km. The fault-plane solutions also indicate that failure is on existing subvertical joints that strike NW-SE.

Measurement of the
in situ
stresses and jointing has been relatively successful at a depth of 2 km. However it is uncertain that these measurements will be possible at 6 km, the depth of an economic hot dry rock reservoir. The good agreement at 2 km between the known stresses and jointing and the fault-plane solutions of the microseismic data indicates that analysis of microseismic data induced at a depth of 6 km will become a powerful diagnostic tool for understanding the
in situ
conditions.
Strength and deformation parameters from pressuremeter tests in clay
Authors: Anderson W. F. , Pyrah I. C. , Pang L. S.
Published: April 2008

Pressuremeter tests in clay have been simulated at laboratory scale by expanding hollow cylindrical specimens of clay using different expansion procedures. The results clearly demonstrate the influence of time dependent phenomena (consolidation and creep) on the pressuremeter expansion curves and the derived undrained strength and shear modulus values. The findings of the laboratory scale study have been confirmed by results obtained using a Cambridge Self-Boring Pressuremeter in a clay calibration chamber. Recommendations are made for test procedures which minimize the time dependent effects.
Pressuremeter interpretation for weak rock
Authors: Johnston I. W. , Haberfield C. M.
Published: April 2008

When a pressuremeter test is carried out in a weak or weathered rock, it is likely that tensile cracks will be formed and propagated during instrument expansion within the rock mass. By using numerical modelling techniques, it is shown that pressuremeter response can be radically affected by these cracks. Consequently, current methods of interpretation for weak rock require significant reappraisal if relevant engineering properties are to be derived from the tests.
Pressuremeter tests on stiff clays and soft rocks: factors affecting measurements and their interpretation
Authors: Marsland A. , Powell J. J. M.
Published: April 2008

Results from pressuremeter tests performed on a number of stiff clays and soft rocks are summarized. The tests measuremets and the resulting interpretations made are shown to depend upon a number of factors including the type of instrument used and the methods of insertion, the soil: its fabric and stress history, and the methods of analysis. The pressuremeter results are compared with those from other test methods and the full scale performance of instrumented foundations. These comparisons have proved most valuable in assessing the most appropriate methods to be used in the interpretation of the results.
Measuring the creep properties of ice in situ
Authors: Shields D. H. , Domaschuk L. , Kjartanson B. H. , Azizi F.
Published: April 2008

The pressuremeter can be applied to the measurement of the creep properties of ice. There is reasonable argeement between the results of carefully controlled, constant pressure, pressuremeter tests and the results of constant stress, uniaxial compression tests of equally high calibre. In addition, field tests in the artic in winter have shown that the pressuremeter is a versatile and viable tool for in situ creep tests.

Careful calibration of the pressuremeter is essential. For example, the resistance of the rubber membrane of the pressuremeter probe varies not only with how much it is stretched as the probe expands, but also with the temperature of the rubber and the length of time after the start of the test. In the field a wide range of ice temperature may be encountered. Since the length of time that any particular test is run is a function of both the test pressure and the temperature of the ice, temperature has a double role to play in determining the resistance of the membrane at any particular test location. There is merit in equipping the probe with a thermocouple or thermistor to measure the temperature.
Field tests on pavement foundations
Authors: Dawson A. R. , Thom N. H.
Published: April 2008

Generally the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is used to quantify the properties of subgrades for use in pavement design. In the last few years, a wide variety of less familiar, but potentially more useful, tests has been developed. This paper describes some trials in which the results of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, Clegg Hammer and Falling Weight Deflectometer tests are compared. Comparisons with the output of an instrumented vibrating roller and Plate Bearing Test results are also made.

The practical problems of relating the collected information to the engineering properties (particularly stiffness) of the soil are discussed and some tentative proposals for dealing with these problems are put forward.
In situ and laboratory testing of Anglian stage Pleistocene sands and gravels
Authors: Little J. A. , Carder D. R.
Published: April 2008

An accurate knowledge of ground properties is essential in the design of civil engineering structures and this information is usually obtained by a combination of in situ and laboratory testing. The interpretation of in situ testing depends in the main on empirical correlations with published data, whilst the usefulness of laboratory soil testing depends on how realistically the field conditions can be reproduced. This paper provides a comparative study of ground properties determined using a number of different techniques in a sequence of Pleistocene sands and gravels overlying till in the Vale of St Albans. In situ testing techniques included both static and dynamic cone penetration tests and also a limited number of self-boring pressuremeter tests in the sands. Recovery of bulk disturbed samples from the site enabled laboratory shear tests to be carried out on large samples of the soil compacted to their maximum density conditions. Values for modulus, angles of shearing resistance and relative density from the in situ and laboratory tests on the soil are compared, and these in turn are correlated with data published by others for similar soil types.
Seismic refraction surveys for predicting the intensity and depth of weathering and fracturing in granitic masses
Authors: Lee S. G. , de Freitas M. H.
Published: April 2008

Seismic refraction surveys were employed for shallow investigations (down to 20–30 m depth) and conducted across the top of vertical exposures where the underlying geology could be directly inspected. The suitability of shallow seismic refraction surveys for identifying the intensity and depth of rock weathering and fracturing at the respective locations could thus be correctly assessed. Research completed on granites of Jurassic and Cretaceous age from Korea had previously indicated that these granitic materials could be divided with reasonable accuracy into five weathering groups using visual and simple mechanical techniques. Weathering boundaries determined by seismic refraction methods were found to agree within a 2 m variance with visible differences in weathering in the vertical exposure beneath each test site. The intensity of fracturing could also be predicted by seismic refraction surveys with relatively good accuracy. It was concluded that the field seismic survey method in shallow Korean granitic masses could be considered a very useful and cost-effective technique for assessing the intensity and depth of weathering and fracturing.
The measurement of reinstatement backfill quality by a non-intrusive method
Authors: Winter M. G. , Selby A. R.
Published: April 2008

The need for reinstatements to be performed to a higher and more reliable standard was identified in the Horne Committee Report of 1985. This end was perceived as desirable not only to improve road quality and safety, but also to increase the protection offered by the overlying layers of fill to the utility apparatus, thereby reducing the number of excavations required for its repair and replacement. One possible method of improving backfill quality is the introduction of an in situ test on the surface of the unbound reinstatement. Acceptance, or rejection, of the work could be based upon the result of such a test, which should give an evaluation of backfill stiffness throughout its depth. Current research at the University of Durham involves the measurement of propagation velocities of Rayleigh-type surface waves, set up in unbound granular materials, to give an indirect evaluation of soil stiffness properties as a function of depth. Tests are currently being conducted, in a purpose-built laboratory trench facility, on granular fills under a range of carefully controlled compaction levels. Implicit within the method is the assumption that the effective depth of propagation of a Rayleigh wave is one-half the wavelength, within an isotropic elastic half-space. The applicability of this analysis to the waves under consideration has been assessed by means of measurements taken from buried accelerometers. Laboratory tests suggest that wave propagation velocity is a much more sensitive measure of the degree of compaction than are either dry density or Impact Value measurements. Preliminary field trials of the technique also show promising results.
Crosshole and downhole seismic surveys in the UK Trias and Lias
Authors: Pinches G. M. , Thompson R. P.
Published: April 2008

Crosshole and downhole seismic surveying methods are being used increasingly in geotechnical investigations to evaluate dynamic properties of soils and rocks when earthquake effects on structures have to be considered. The paper describes two case histories for which crosshole and downhole seismic surveying has been carried out. It was found that the compressional and shear wave velocities are related to depth and have a close correlation with lithology. For both sites, crosshole measurements had higher values than those obtained from downhole methods. This might be construed as evidence for anisotropy. Both sites are interbedded, one with mudstones and limestones and the other with mudstones and siltstones. It is therefore suggested that the crosshole velocities are exaggerated in the vicinity of stronger beds in horizontally layered ground. The derivation of dynamic soil properties from the results of seismic surveys is discussed using the velocity data obtained from the two sites. The sensitivity of dynamic Poisson’s ratio to low
V
p
/
V
s
ratios is examined and the sensitivity of dynamic shear modulus to velocity variations is demonstrated.
Developments in in situ permeability testing
Authors: Corke D. J. , Smith A.
Published: April 2008

Assessment of field permeability of soil and rocks can be made using the various techniques outlined in BS 5930, Section 4. Recently, two additional techniques have been used; the slim hole packer testing equipment developed by Soil Mechanics Limited, and the multiple port piezometer Westbay system. This paper describes the equipment and methods used, together with examples of the results obtained.

A suite of slim hole packer equipment has been developed to provide testing capability in very low to moderate permeability ground (10
−10
to 10
−5
m s
−1
). Pressures are measured with either a manometer board or transducers and flows monitored using a parafin/water manometer or gapmeters. An on-site computer is used to record and plot test data and calculate permeability results.

The Westbay multiple port piezometer system consists of plastic casing, connected with ‘o’-ring seal couplings, installed in a borehole. Casing lengths can be selected so as to divide the borehole into a series of isolated response lengths. The couplings can incorporate monitoring ports for water pressure measurement and groundwater sampling or pumping ports for permeability testing and groundwater. This system has been used to carry out rising head tests by first lowering the water level in the access tube and then recording the change in water level either by using a dipmeter inside the access tube, or via an adjacent monitoring port using a Westbay electronic pressure probe.
Packer testing in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Walthall S.
Published: April 2008

The packer test has been used for many years as a simple method of assessing the hydraulic conductivity of a limited section of a borehole. Separate developments in grouting, engineering geology, the oil industry and, particularly, in hyrogeology have improved the testing techniques dramatically. The use of continuous recording equipment, modern materials for packers, lightweight installations and revised testing procedures have enabled accurate economic testing. It is suggested that a revised specification should be adopted, other than that given in BS 5930 and other standards, in order to improve the quality of the test and the information obtained. In particular, it is suggested that, wherever possible, outflow testing should be used and, under normal conditions, a testing pressure not exceeding 25% of the hydrostatic head, or 10 m head for deep wells, should be used for reliable measurements. Large differential heads only should be used to investigate hydraulic fracturing and associated problems. A procedure for interpretation of the results obtained is suggested, together with information on the investigation of fissures and the effects of anistropy in the test zone. The paper includes a suggested specification for the testing procedure such that high-quality, reliable, useful and economic packer testing may become routine in conventional site investigation.
Engineering geology of Quaternary soils: II Methods of treatment
Authors: Bell F. G.
Published: April 2008

The various soils of Quaternary age present a wide range of engineering problems such as low density, low strength, high compressibility, high permeability, collapsibility and high swell/shrink potential, as well as difficulties caused by the presence of high water tables and zones of high pore water pressures. This introductory paper describes a number of methods of ground treatment that can be used to alleviate these problems including exclusion techniques, grouting, ground freezing, drainage and groundwater lowering techniques, electro-osmosis and electro-chemical stabilization techniques, compaction and reinforcement, and methods of chemical and thermal stabilization.
Some influences of ice thrusting in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Cruden D. M. , Tsui P.C.
Published: April 2008

Ice-thrust features are widespread on the Interior Plains of Canada and cause geotechnical problems. Case histories here show that shear zones from ice-thrusting have strongly influenced design, construction and Instrumentation of coal mine slopes and earth and tailings dams.

The identification of ice-thrust terrain requires aerial photograph analyses, geological field mapping and study of borehole logs and topographic maps. Three geomorphological settings which are susceptible to glaciotectonic deformation are described as escarpment, valley and plains settings. Ice-thrust features can be expected where local slopes are inclined toward the former glacier margin and where proglacial water bodies were impounded. These water bodies cause disintegration of proglacial permafrost hence decreasing the resistance of subglacial strata to ice thrusting.

A fissured, brecciated Palaeocene mudstone, once heavily overconsolidated, from an ice-thrust shear zone, behaved as normally to lightly overconsolidated in laboratory tests. Shear deformation was non-brittle with a maximum strength close to residual. Fabric elements present included principal displacement shears, Reidel shears, conjugate sets of particle alignments, cutans, lithorelics and aggregations which had a dense core of randomly oriented clay platelets wrapped by an external layer of oriented clay particles. The fabric is similar to shear zones formed by tectonic activity and by laboratory shear tests, suggesting that all these shear zones were formed under similar kinematic restraints. This was confirmed by back analysis of movements of a mine highwall and two earth dams.
The influence of fissures on the consolidation of a glacial till
Authors: Hossain D. , McKinlay D. G.
Published: April 2008

The influence of fissures on the permeability, compressibility and consolidation rate properties of glacial till at three sites in and near Glasgow, Scotland has been studied. This included both the determination of the orientation and other characteristics of the fissures in the tills, both in-situ and in laboratory specimens, and measurement of the above properties by testing large specimens at various loading/drainage orientations.

Comparatively large variations in permeability and consolidation rate and small variations in compressibility were observed for specimens of different sizes and orientations of sampling and testing. The influence of fissures was found to be most marked at the lower effective stresses.
Report on Session 1b
Authors: Little J. A.
Published: April 2008

INTRODUCTION

The published literature on the topic of glacigenic sediments is both transdisciplinary and extensive.

Table 1 shows the papers in this session but includes two papers shown, at the bottom of the Table, which were included in Session 1a. Nine out of the twelve papers listed deal with till as one of the soils, consequently this review concentrates on this particular soil type.

BACKGROUND

Glacial soils of the Quaternary may be as old as 2 million years on the one hand and yet may be very recent on the other. In reality, most of the glacially-derived soils (at least in the mid-latitudes) derive from the Anglian stage of the Pleaistocene or younger, and therefore are less than 500,000 years old.

Subsequent to deposition, Pleistocene soils may have experienced multiple episodes of vertical and horizontal ice-loading and unloading and the further combined effects of, for example, permafrost, freeze-thaw, oxidation, decalcification and weathering may all have contributed to the making of an end-product quite difference as an Engineering material from the original sediment.

The generalised lowland glacial domain, within which these sediments are formed, classically embodies proglacial, subglacial, englacial and supraglacial components which, taken together, can produce complex superimposed till-outwash-till sequences.

GRADING

It could be argued, therefore, that textural and mineralogical criteria along are inadequate as a basis for the identification of difference till types due, mainly to the considerable overlap in this respect. Therefore as a basis for discrimating between various till types there has been increasing emphasis in the geological literature
The influence of late and post glacial slope development on the engineering geology of Wenlock Shale near Ironbridge, Salop
Authors: Gostelow T. P. , Hamblin R. J. O. , Harris D. I. , Hight D. W.
Published: April 2008

A section of the road route chosen for the Ironbridge bypass crosses the northern valley slopes of the River Severn, near Buildwas, Salop. The slopes are underlain by Silurian Wenlock Shale which have been affected by slope degradation dating from the end of the last (Devensian) glaciation. The road design included cuttings and a large embankment up to 20 m high and circa 300 m long which was constructed across landslipped ground. This paper describes the engineering geology of the shale and the slopes, and draws particular attention to the difficulties of selecting critical potential failure mechanisms where there are complex, periglacially disturbed ground conditions.
The in situ density and shearing resistance of the Hampshire Basin Plateau Gravels
Authors: Barton M. E. , Evans G. J. , Haji Yusof S. B. , Wai Kin Ho
Published: April 2008

One of the principal Quaternary deposits in Central Southern England are extensive spreads of sandy fine to coarse, mainly flint gravels: those at the higher elevations being referred to as “Plateau” Gravels to distinguish them from the “Valley” Gravels. The most widely accepted view of the origin of the Plateau Gravels is that they represent fluvial terraces deposited under periglacial conditions. Although they have provided excellent conditions for foundations, their actual in-situ density and shear strength characteristics were virtually unknown. To remedy this deficiency, a series of in-situ density tests using the sand replacement technique and direct shear tests using 300 mm square samples have been carried out.

Samples of sandy gravel from Highcliffe were compacted by hand tamping to minimise particle breakdown and tested in a saturated condition with a dry density approximately 97% of the in-situ value. The results show a curved failure envelope which in the usual form of power law notation gives a best fit result of:-
τ = 1.475 σ
n
′ 0-955
Over the range of normal Stresses from 80 to 370 kPa used in the tests, this corresponds to secant φ′ values from 51°. to 48°. Tests carried out on dry samples gave φ′ values up to 4° higher. Tests on other samples with different grain size distributions show that the shearing resistance increases with the percentage gravel (as opposed to sand) content. These results have been combined with published work on other well graded, mainly flint gravels to give a preliminary quantitative evaluation of the influence of percentage gravel content on shearing resistance.
Ground investigation, design and construction monitoring of a full-face tunnel drive in layered Quaternary deposits
Authors: Starr D. C. , Mulroney A. A.
Published: April 2008

The paper describes the results of ground investigations carried out to assess alternative methods of constructing a pipeline at shallow depth close to old buildings. A layered sequence of Quaternary alluvial and fluvio-glacial deposits is described, and high groundwater flows in gravels are linked to upstream underground sources in limestone. The effectiveness of two sets of ground probing radar equipment is assessed, and a maximum penetration of 4m is indicated where gravel layers are thickest. The first use in the UK of an Iseki Unclemole EPB tunnelling machine is described, and measurements of settlement and heave above the centre line of the pipeline indicate maximum vertical displacements of about 10mm. Mix design for the bentonite slurry face support is briefly discussed.
Pleistocene deposits of the South Wales Coalfield and their engineering significance
Authors: Wright M. D.
Published: April 2008

The importance of glaciation in the modification of landscape in the South Wales coalfield has long been acknowledged. The effect of periglacial conditions has never been fully assessed, even though these are of enormous relevance to the geomorphology and to the prediction of the engineering characteristics of the superficial deposits.

Examination of field relationships and sedimentology has proved the presence, in valley-floors, of glacial lodgement tills, meltout tills and associated water-lain deposits. On lower valley-sides, however, a large proportion of the drift has moved downslope by gelifluction or as mudflows. These redistributed sediments contain silt bands which can cause side-slope collapse in cuttings. They also extend over valley-floors and may conceal glaciolacustrine deposits which can contain water at artesian pressures.

Higher valley-side slopes and hilltops show extensive modification by periglacial processes, and there are solifluction terraces and nivation hollows. A good understanding of depositional processes is required for any investigation of slope stability.
Theme lecture: Tropical processes causing rapid geological change
Authors: Blight G. E.
Published: April 2008

Geological conditions and processes in the tropics may differ considerably from those in temperate climates. After briefly considering the nature of tropical soils, the paper describes some of the geological processes, occurring in the tropics, that may result in rapid geological change. These processes may act sufficiently quickly to produce significant change in a lifetime or at the very least, in a few centuries.
Undisturbed pit sampling of tropical red clay soils
Authors: Culshaw M. G. , Northmore K. J. , Hobbs P. R. N.
Published: April 2008

The tropical red clay soils, formed by the Quaternary weathering of volcanic deposits (and other rock types) in tropical and subtropical environments, have a very open structure and consequent high voids ratio. These soils are particularly sensitive to disturbance during sampling and subsequent transportation and extrusion of the samples. This technical note describes a simple method for obtaining high quality, undisturbed samples from pits in a way that does not require extrusion or trimming of the sample in the laboratory prior to triaxial testing, and only minimal preparation prior to oedometer testing.
Recent developments in engineering Quaternary geology in the Geological Survey of The Netherlands
Authors: de Mulder E. F. J. , Hillen R.
Published: April 2008

The Geological Survey of The Netherlands is involved in a number of Quaternary engineering geological projects. Traditionally, a “top-down” approach is followed, that is, at a client’s request, thematic maps derived mainly from the basic data of the geological mapping Programme are produced. More recently, projects have been started that require a “bottom-up” approach: for each such project, criteria are formulated that are to be met throughout all phases of the project, that is, from data aquisition to the presentation of the results. Both approaches are needed to maintain the vitality of the geological advisory work as well as of the regular geological mapping programme.
Mass Classification of Quaternary gravel deposits
Authors: Maurenbrecher P. M. , Kronieger R.
Published: April 2008

A mass Classification index was devised to determine the variability of highly variable Quaternary gravel deposits in the Netherlands. To classify the “mass” properties trials have been carried out using the “scanline” concept. The scanline concept was verified in Spain to classify river gravel and glacial deposit mass properties such as grading, particle shape and rock type. Using a mass Classification system called the Scanline Quantification of Uniformity for Aggregate Designation or SQUAD, the scanline concept was adapted to determine representativeness of a sample with respect to the surrounding soil mass e.g. for aggregate assessment. When mapping the Quaternary gravel deposits the SQUAD values can be used to determine the confidence levels of contour lines.
Landslide history in a Tertiary sedimentary basin in the Quaternary in Japan
Authors: Okusa S. , Takahama N. , Fujita Y.
Published: April 2008

The landslide activities in the Quaternary of the Japanese Islands have been controlled by active neotectonic movements and humid climatic conditions. Most of the present active landslides in Cenozoic muddy sediment in the Japanese Islands occur in the ancient landslides site. In the Musigame landslides site in the Cenozoic Niigata sedimentary basin, the present active landslides are concentrated along the fissures and cracks in the ancient primary landslide blocks. The initial failure of the primary Musigame landslides might have occurred in the mudstone with the intact undrained shear strength and the retrogressive failures with a combination of the intact undrained shear strength and residual undrained strength. Secondary and presently active landslides have occurred in the previously disturbed mudstone in accordance with the residual drained shear strength. The analysis of the occurrence, movement and history of the primary and secondary landslides is essential to understand the present activity of landslide.
Predictive models for the engineering properties of some Quaternary clay deposits in the U.S.S.R
Authors: Tkachuk E. I.
Published: April 2008

The influence of indicators of composition, induration state and physical property on strength (durability) and deformation characteristics of genetically dissimilar Quaternaryclay rocks has been investigated. About 200 samples describing specific territorial geological-genetic rock types and including from 18 to 980 values for each of between 12 to 60 property indicators are analyzed. The type, form and closeness of relationships are considered together with the quantitative behaviour pattern of the most important property variations. From this the most informative indirect indicators are determined, property behaviour Statistical models are obtained and the predictive values of the model parameters are analyzed.
The relationship between Quaternary geology and ground subsidence for some cities in China
Authors: Yu Hai L.
Published: April 2008

Three problems are discussed in this paper in relation to subsidence: the present Situation, the geological environment models relating to the ground subsidence in certain cities of China, and the relationships between the ground subsidence and the Quaternary geological environment. It is pointed out that the layers which consolidate giving rise to ground subsidence are controlled by the type and the character and the age of the Quaternary deposit. The differences in the ground subsidence in Chinese cities depends on the Quaternary geological environment. It is pointed out, also, that neotectonic activity has some influence on the ground subsidence in certain areas. Therefore, research into the Quaternary geological environment is important in solving ground subsidence problems.
Case history of a piled embankment in London's Docklands
Authors: Card G. B. , Carter G. R.
Published: April 2008

Innovative geotechnical solutions were required to overcome the difficult logistics of construction phasing and poor ground conditions at the Royal Albert Dock Spine Road in London's Docklands. The ground conditions comprised up to 7 m of variable fill overlying soft compressible alluvium. To control settlement, a piled raft solution was designed to support the road embankment on either side of the conventionally piled Docklands Light Railway trough. The raft, comprising a granular mattress
reinforced with layers of geogrid, was designed to transfer about 85% of the embankment loading onto the pile caps. This novel load transfer platform to the piled embankment produced a stable and economical foundation solution on poor ground while enabling a fast overall construction programme of 12 months to be achieved. The foundation options for the embankment and the subsequent design philosophy for the geogrid reinforced piled embankment are reviewed, together with a description of its
construction.
Jet grouting in construction
Authors: Morey J. , Harris R. R. W.
Published: April 2008

This is a descriptive paper which outlines the basic jet grouting methods, and provides examples of their versatile application in applied geotechnical engineering. However, the technique requires the application of concentrated force and could be immensely destructive if incorrectly applied. A cautionary section of this paper is therefore devoted to the control of this force in order to achieve the required results.
Role of engineering geology in NATM construction
Authors: Beveridge J. P. , Rankin W. J.
Published: April 2008

The basic design philosophy of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) of construction is implicitly reactive; it has been referred to as an observational method as monitoring is required to allow the optimization of support and to ensure that deformations are maintained within the definitions of safety. Benefits are obtained by optimizing the timing and nature of the primary ground support to suit the conditions exposed based on observations of performance during incremental construction. Engineering geologists have a pivotal role in investigating ground conditions and assessing the key design parameters in design modelling, monitoring and in observing the changing ground conditions during construction. Engineering geologists are also involved in decision-making processes for altering support types based on feedback from performance monitoring.

Four major projects are discussed where multiple heading and incremental excavation and sequential support techniques have been implemented, which required the skill of engineering geologists and rock mechanics engineers. There is a need for a systematic appraisal of ground conditions and for further documented case studies. There are many opportunities for engineering geologists in this interdisciplinary, interactive, observational design and construction process.
A new tunnel roof support system with specific reference to the Brovello Tunnel
Authors: Kettle C. T. , Gandais M.
Published: April 2008

Recent practical and technical developments in traditional geotechnical and foundation engineering techniques have opened the way to new applications and opportunities for contractors, and more efficient and cost-effective solutions for clients.

In the UK contractors have traditionally lagged behind their continental colleagues because of the contractual procedures which have prevented the client, contractor and engineer from working more closely together at the design stage of projects. In addition, the fact that many of the new techniques have been entirely developed by specialist contractors has meant that many consultants have been unaware or unsure of such techniques and their application.

The Brovello Tunnel is an example where extreme limitations on the allowable settlement have necessitated specialist expertise not available internally within the client or main contractors' organizations. Potential subcontractors were therefore asked to make their own independent assessment of the ground conditions and submit proposals for a design and build agreement with the main contractor and client. In the light of the sensitivity of the site to settlement, the subcontract was awarded to the subcontractor whose scheme was considered to most significantly reduce the risk of settlement.

The approved scheme involved a combination of conventional minipiling and ground anchoring techniques, subvertical and inclined jet mix columns for block ground stabilization and subhorizontal jet mix columns for tunnel roof support. The combination of these techniques has provided a degree of support which could not have been guaranteed by traditional ground stabilization or construction techniques.
Assessments of ease of blasting in Troodos Sheeted Dyke Complex and Lower Pillow Lava Series
Authors: Nathanail C. P.
Published: April 2008

After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, ceasefire lines were established running approximately east-west across the island and through the capital, Nicosia. The United Nations buffer zone in the western part of the DANCON sector crosses the northwestern foothills of the Troodos Mountains. The track that runs along the buffer zone is used by United Nations patrols and requires regular repair. Engineering geological assessments using two published schemes were applied at seven sites along the track in basalts of the Sheeted Dyke Complex and the Lower Pillow Lava Series. The different discontinuity patterns in the two formations were reflected by the schemes. The classification schemes had been developed to assist in selecting the method of excavation and assumed ANFO explosive would be used. Only PE4, a high explosive, was available, and a correlation factor with ANFO of 2:1 was found to give satisfactory results.
Slope works associated with site formation excavation at Tsing Lung Tau, Western New Territories, Hong Kong
Authors: Nicholls K. H.
Published: April 2008

A substantial site formation has been carried out on a hill slope in the Western New Territories of Hong Kong for a water treatment works and service reservoir as part of ongoing infrastructural development. Formation of the site required substantial slopes to be formed and existing slopes to be modified.

The geotechnical works undertaken included excavation by drill and blast, upgrading of an existing rock slope overlooking a major highway, and stabilization works to internal slopes formed by blasting. Substantial works were required as part of the contractor's temporary works to safeguard the highway during construction, especially to guard against possible failures associated with blasting.
Engineering properties of two types of pulverized fuel ash
Authors: Mahmoud M. , Morley R. S.
Published: April 2008

The engineering characteristics of two types of pulverized fuel ash (PFA) are investigated in terms of their geotechnical properties. The two PFAs investigated are (1) a ‘lagoon’ PFA, subsequently stockpiled and then end-tipped for infilling an old gravel pit in Staffordshire, and (2) a ‘conditioned’ PFA used to create a mound adjacent to a coal power station in Yorkshire. Measurements of strength and compressibility characteristics are discussed with respect to predicting the behaviour of these two PFAs
vis-à-vis
slope stability and settlement. Charts are presented (a) for determining settlements of lagoon PFAs, and (b) for establishing strength parameters of conditioned PFAs.
Avian botulism associated with a waste disposal site
Authors: Lloyd B. J.
Published: April 2008

An epidemic of botulism in gulls was reported in 1989 near a waste disposal site at Stewartby in Bedfordshire, England. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that all samples taken from the leachate treatment plain of the waste disposal site were contaminated with botulinum toxin, whereas control samples from the Stewartby lake edge, where gulls were seen dying, were negative. A causal relationship between botulism in the gulls and the waste disposal site was indicated. It is suggested that the organically enriched, anaerobic mud flats from which the toxins were isolated require ploughing in order to manage and reduce the risk of toxaemia arising from such sources.
Stabilization of an urban refuse dump and its planned extension near Ancona, Marche, Italy
Authors: Bromhead E. N. , Coppola L. , Rendell H. M.
Published: April 2008

The paper describes the stabilization of a solid urban waste dump near Ancona, Marche Region, Italy. The 40 000 m
2
dump was established on the western slope of Monte Umbriano on a slope of 8°–10° over underlying materials comprising sandy-silty colluvial clays. Refuse was deposited to a maximum height of 13 m with a graded slope. Prior to placing the refuse, trench drains were constructed parallel to the direction of maximum slope. These drains were filled with 18–21 mm washed river gravel protected by geotextiles. The leachate from the tip was collected from the drains, and led to drainage shafts connected to a treatment plant.

In August 1988, active slip surfaces were encountered in the inspection shaft at a depth of about 9 m below ground surface. Following the installation of inclinometers, the slow mass movement of the whole of the slope was confirmed. The causes of the slip were studied via a series of field and laboratory investigations, and a series of stability analyses were undertaken.

The slope was stabilized by the construction of a system of deep drainage. The area of the existing tip was drained by installing subhorizontal drilled drains from pits near the toe of the waste dump, and the area of extension of the tip was drained by deep shafts from which an array of bored drains were installed. The extension of the tip over the drained area appears to have been successfully completed. Leachate from the tip has been collected and fed to the existing purification works for treatment.
Application of the STRATA3 visualization software to the investigation of landfill sites
Authors: Al Masmoum A. , Bentley S. P.
Published: April 2008

STRATA3 is a PC-based computer program which provides a powerful means of storing and interrogating quantitative information on subsurface ground conditions. The input data may be any items of geological or geotechnical information that can be defined spatially; the program is at its most powerful when it is used to create three-dimensional models of subsurface environments. Two categories of data can be extracted from the models: qualitative data in the form of visual images and graphics and quantitative data in the form of precise measurements displayed in numeric form. The practical applications of the STRATA3 program to civil engineering practice are described and two case studies are presented. The first concerns the collation of site investigation data in an environmental geology project. The second case study illustrates the use of the program for managing chemical contamination data at an old gasworks adjacent to Cardiff Bay.
Coal carbonization in northeast England: investigating and cleaning-up an historical legacy
Authors: Forth R. A. , Beaumont D.
Published: April 2008

The combustion of coal in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere produces a complex mixture of gaseous, liquid and solid components depending on the coal composition and the temperature of combustion. Large quantities of coke, attaining a peak production of some 30 x 10
6
t per annum in 1956, were produced, generally on large sites. Hundreds of small gas works existed throughout the British coalfields in the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. Liquids such as tar, amoniacal liquors and crude benzol were produced. Spent oxides, containing cyanides (‘blue billy’), produced during the final stages of gas production were frequently dumped near the gas works on available land. Local authorities have, in some cases, been given the task of identifying the location of these long-abandoned and heavily contaminated sites to bring them into productive use either as residential, industrial or recreational sites. This paper discusses the investigation and treatment or disposal of the hazardous waste products. It recommends that engineers and planners discuss redevelopment plans and remedial measures for sites at an early stage and maintain close and continuing liaison throughout the site investigation and construction phases of redevelopment programmes.