bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic approach for design optimization of rockfall protective barriers
Authors: Paronuzzi P. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Many alpine and pre-alpine areas of northern Italy are affected by dangerous rockfall phenomena. In designing rockfall protective barriers it is necessary to estimate the reliability of the defensive structures considering the following input parameters: (i) predicted impact energy field, (ii) possible rock block trajectories and (iii) impact strength of the barrier construction material. The reliability analysis aims at predicting the probability that a rock mass may go beyond the barrier (failure or overfly) or beyond the barrier system. The paper describes a design procedure which involves the evaluation of the probability of occurrence of a specific rock body bouncing down. This moving block is characterized by a certain rock mass (
m
), translation velocity (υ
t
) and rotation velocity (υ
r
). The paper discusses the practical application of a computer block trajectory simulation procedure used to design optimization problems in mountain sites of Friuli which are exposed to rockslide risk.
Seismic delineation of fissures associated with mining subsidence at Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham
Authors: Goulty N. R. , Kragh J. E. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Immediately north of Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham, is a low ridge of Permian Magnesian Limestone overlying the Carboniferous Coal Measures. Running along this ridge is a zone of surface fissures. These fissures are clearly associated with mining subsidence as they are of recent origin and are situated above a near-vertical fault which has acted as a barrier limiting mineworkings to the north and south in several underlying coal seams. Mining adjacent to the fault began in the last century and continued until 1960.
Seismic refraction profiles have been run across the fissured zone using shear and compressional waves. The fissured zone can be identified by its low shear-wave seismic velocity. Furthermore, the boundary of the fissured zone can be accurately located simply by observing the differences in amplitudes of compressional-wave arrivals received at geophones spanning the boundary from an explosive shot in solid ground. These observations could be useful in site investigation, and the seismic method is recommended for detecting similar fissures in brittle sedimentary rock overlying mineworkings.
The oxidation of pyrite in cement stabilized colliery shale
Authors: Thomas M. D. A. , Kettle R. J. , Morton J. A. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
This paper reports a study into the long-term performance of cement stabilized colliery shale. A total of 16 samples were obtained from various UK collieries chosen to provide shales with a representative range of physical and chemical properties. Cement stabilized specimens produced from these shales were exposed to three different environments. The engineering performance of the stabilized specimens was established through the monitoring of changes in linear dimensions and strength. The sulphur-bearing mineralogy was examined at regular intervals, and the samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy throughout the study. It is concluded that pyrite, a component of colliery shale, oxidizes in cement stabilized shale. The products of pyrite oxidation may cause distress in the stabilized material through the generation of crystallization pressures or, alternatively, may attack cement hydration minerals. The long-term performance of the stabilized shale is reliably correlated with the original sulphur-bearing mineralogy of the raw shale. Establishment of the limits of total, pyritic and sulphate sulphur are suggested to preclude the use of shales which may cause problems to the long-term durability of cement stabilized colliery shale.
Applications of geomorphology to small hydroelectric schemes
Authors: Birch G. P. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Small hydroelectric schemes are often sited in mountainous areas where the natural processes of uplift and erosion are relatively rapid. Significant benefit has been drawn from the application of geomorphology to the siting and design of schemes in Peru. The technique is based on the use of existing air photography to detect processes which could threaten the viability of a proposed site (e.g. active earthflows or river erosion). The information is presented as a 1:5000 scale geomorphology or hazard map which provides the design engineer with an understanding of the likely geotechnical constraints at a proposed site, at low cost and in advance of a site visit.
The attenuation of the organic component of landfill leachate in the unsaturated zone: a review
Authors: Mather J. D. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Current philosophies for the landfill disposal of wastes are reviewed. A survey of research and operating experience suggests that in some geological environments biodegradation of organic components is occurring within the unsaturated zone whereas little attenuation occurs elsewhere. The most important factor controlling this biodegradation is the buffering capacity of the strata. Aquifers with a significant carbonate content are able to buffer acid leachates favouring the development of microbial populations and leachate attenuation. The lack of buffering capacity within many Permo-Triassic Sandstones maintains acid conditions and limits the development of biodegradation reactions.
CBR and shear strengths of compacted laterite soils from southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ogunsanwo Olufemi 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Laterite soils derived from the basement complex and sedimentary areas of southwestern Nigeria are compacted at the energy of the standard Proctor. The compacted laterite soils possess unsoaked and soaked California bearing ratio values that make them adequate for use as sub-base materials. Their shear strengths are quite high under total and effective stress conditions and thus with their acceptable permeability level the soils are suitable for use in the construction of embankments and dams.
Devensian periglacial influences on the development of spatially variable permeability in the Chalk of southeast England
Authors: Younger P. L. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
In unconfined parts of the Chalk aquifer in southeast England, permeability generally varies laterally with the lowest permeabilities occurring beneath interfluve areas, and the highest beneath river valleys and dry valleys. Furthermore, the Chalk in the river valleys is normally in excellent hydraulic continuity with the overlying highly permeable Quaternary gravels. However, recent field investigations in the Thames Valley have demonstrated the existence of zones of anomalously low Chalk permeability associated with the development of thin discontinuous confining layers of low permeability ‘putty chalk’ at the gravel-chalk interface. Hitherto putty chalk in the Middle Thames Valley has mostly been reported from interfluve areas where it can occur as a periglacially frost-weathered mantle on the upper surface of the Chalk. The true extent and hydraulic significance of putty chalk in valley bottom positions is only now being realised. Existing models for the lateral variation in Chalk permeability cannot explain these new observations. A new model is therefore proposed in which it is envisaged that, during the Devensian, carbonate dissolution in perennial taliks (unfrozen zones) beneath the major channels of the braided palaeo-Thames caused the high-permeability zones, while permafrost beneath the interfluves restricted dissolution at those sites. Freeze-thaw action in seasonal taliks beneath minor channels would account for the formation of putty chalk at the gravel-chalk interface, and the persistence of permafrost beneath these seasonal taliks would lead to a restriction of dissolution, and thus to a zone of low permeability.
A note on the distribution, levels and temperatures of minewaters in the Northumberland and Durham coalfield
Authors: Harrison R. , Scott W. B. , Smith T. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
This Technical Note presents basic data on water levels, extraction rate and temperatures of minewaters in the Northumberland and Durham Coalfield. The data were collected during a survey of the coalfield undertaken for British Gas who have an interest in utilizing groundwater sources for heating gas at pressure reduction stations.
Examination of erosion resistance of clays in embankment dams
Authors: Atkinson J. H. , Charles J. A. , Mhach H. K. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Internal erosion is a possible cause of failure in embankment dams. Erosion may occur when soil in the vicinity of a Crack disperses into suspension and is transported by the water into the drainage system. An important factor in assessing the potential of a soil for dispersion is the true cohesion defined as the strength at zero effective stress. A new test, the cylinder dispersion test, has been developed to investigate true cohesion and dispersion in soils. Tests carried out on a number of different soils demonstrated the major influence of the pore water chemistry on the true cohesion and dispersion properties, and hence erosion resistance.
Application of marine seismic surveying methods to engineering geological studies in the near-shore environment
Authors: Dobinson A. , McCann D. M. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
This paper discusses the application of various marine geophysical techniques to engineering studies in coastal and estuarine environments. Sea bed morphology can be examined using echo sounding and sidescan sonar whilst geological structure is investigated using continuous seismic profiling surveys based on sparker and boomer sources. In both cases samples of sea floor sediments and rocks are collected and boreholes drilled to calibrate the seismostratigraphy in terms of geological structure. Current geophysical equipment and methods are reviewed and are illustrated by three case histories. The first describes a geophysical survey undertaken in the Wash to provide information on sediment movement as part of a feasibility study for bunded reservoir construction. The second discusses an appraisal of the engineering characteristics of the near-shore environment carried out in connection with coastal engineering studies in Lyme Bay, Dorset. Finally, a description is given of a survey which formed part of a study to investigate the distribution of sand and gravel aggregate resources off the East Anglian coast.
Whilst there have been continuous improvements in seismic profiling equipment and survey techniques, most of the underlying principles and interpretation techniques have remained the same. By combining the results from marine seismic surveys and geological sampling programmes it is possible to achieve an accurate assessment of the sub-bottom geology in the near-shore environment.
Modification of the formula used in the determination of the ten per cent fines value of aggregate
Authors: Bullas J. C. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
One established method of estimating the force required for the ten per cent fines test on an aggregate is to divide the number 4000 by the aggregate impact value. However recent analysis of ten per cent fines and aggregate impact data for 79 aggregate samples of various rock types suggests that this method commonly produces too high a fines yield. From the present work it appears that use of the value 2800 in the place of 4000 would increase the probability of a valid estimate of the test load.
Shallow reflection seismic-where are we now?
Authors: Morris D. B. , Barker R. 
Published: November 2007

Shallow reflection seismic surveys, which are now regularly carried out by several universities and companies in the UK for site investigations, were the subject of a well attended meeting held in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Birmingham on 25 October 1989. The meeting was organised on behalf of the Geological Society's Joint Association for Geophysics (JAG) because of the recent increase in the use of reflection techniques to investigate shallow geological structures down to depths of 100 m or more.
Several groups from the USA, Europe and the UK have been involved in the rapid development of the technique since digital recording instruments and portable PCs became available. This meeting brought together groups from the Universities of Birmingham, Leicester, Leeds, Cardiff and Reading and the British Geological Survey to discuss a wide range of problems and applications, and was attended by more than 70 delegates.
Introductory talks by R. King (Birmingham) and I. Hill (Leicester) described the basic principles behind the technique and showed that good results could be achieved with standard portable seismic instruments. High-frequency geophones are generally laid out at 2 m to 5 m intervals from a source of high-frequency energy such as a buffalo gun (Leicester University) or a sledge hammer (preferred by Birmingham). The seismic energy returning to the surface after a reflection at sub-surface interfaces is recorded in digital form for later processing. Field techniques are designed to enhance the strength of the signals.
Although much of the sophisticated data
Microtremor networks and seismic hazard assessment in the UK
Authors: Aspinall W. P. , Skipp B. O. , Ritchie M. E. A. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Microtremor networks have been instituted by the CEGB around the potential sites of PWR nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Dungeness in Kent and at two locations in north Wales, as part of a programme for the assessment of seismic hazard. Critical attention has been paid to the quality of the data obtained and advantage has been taken of recently developed software to explore the confidence which can be attached to the findings of the networks. During the periods of operation of the networks eight microearthquakes have been recorded within 60 km of Hinkley Point and 22 close to the north Wales sites, but none within 60 km of Dungeness. Magnitudes range from 2.9 M
L
down to -0.5M
L
. Well constrained hypocentre locations indicate that mid- and lower crustal depths of origin are most common in the first two areas. Focal mechanism solutions for these events suggest that ‘mixed mode faulting’ characterizes current tectonic behaviour in both areas. These findings are exemplified by results from the Hinkley Point network. The direct and indirect implications for hazard evaluation procedures are discussed.
Experimental investigation of crosshole seismic techniques for shallow coal exploration
Authors: Goulty N. R. , Thatcher J. S. , Findlay M. J. , Kragh J. E. , Jackson P. D. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Three crosshole seismic surveying techniques have been investigated using boreholes on opencast coal exploration sites in northern England. The objective has been to determine their potential for locating old mineworkings and small-scale geological structures. The first method was to propagate seam waves between boreholes, with source and receiver at seam level, to check for coal seam continuity. This method was found not to be viable because of the strong attenuation of high-frequency shear waves in shallow strata. The second and third methods shared a common field technique, with shots at several levels in one borehole recorded on an array of receivers in a neighbouring borehole. Processing the traveltime data for only the seismic first arrivals constitutes a tomography survey. Although careful processing produces a reasonable image of the velocity structure, the tomographic method is not sensitive enough to detect changes in seismic velocity due to subsidence above old workings. However, processing the reflected arrivals from one of the tomographic datasets has produced a seismic section with a vertical resolution of less than 2 m. It is suggested that, in conjunction with hole-to-surface seismic surveys, the crosshole seismic reflection method could complement exploration boreholes in a variety of exploration and site investigation applications.
Locating the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer with the aid of resistivity surveying in the Vale of York
Authors: Hawkins T. R. W. , Chadha D. S. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The Sherwood Sandstone aquifer in the Vale of York is generally confined beneath thick clay drift in the west and by thin drift plus an increasing thickness of Mercia Mudstone towards the east. Published geological maps show a gentle easterly dipping succession cut by one major east-west fault passing through Stamford Bridge. The junction between the Sherwood Sandstone and the Mercia Mudstone is shown by a north-south trending line south of this fault. Recent boreholes for water supply have shown that the structure is more complex however, and reliable predictions of depths to the aquifer frequently cannot be made without pre-drilling surveys. Consequently the results of over 50 resistivity sounding have been used in conjunction with all available well logs to redraw the important hydrogeological boundary between the Sherwood Sandstone and the Mercia Mudstone across the central part of the Vale. The results have shown that depths to the aquifer, up to around 200 m, can generally be predicted prior to drilling to within 100y surface resistivity methods, except where the ‘Mudstone’ is very thin in the ‘feather-edge’ zone. The results have also shown the presence of many persistent east-west or northeast trending faults with vertical throws up to 80 m and some strike faults or monoclines in this part of the Vale. The significance of these faults to groundwater flow and water extraction are discussed. Wireline logs at six wells suggest the occurrence of at least two thick units of gypsum and anhydrite within the Mercia Mudstone. These cause high, 100-150 ohm m, depth averaged resistivity values to be computed for the Mercia Mudstone.
Soil gas surveying of chlorinated solvents in relation to groundwater pollution studies
Authors: Bishop P. K. , Burston M. W. , Lerner D. N. , Eastwood P. R. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Soil gas surveying is a method gaining in popularity for groundwater chlorinated solvent pollution studies, particularly in the USA. Previously published methods have advocated on-site analysis; this study presents a simple method where samples are transported to a laboratory for analysis, hence minimizing the need for specialized field analytical equipment and trained field personnel. Tests show the method provides reliable results, comparable with those of established on-site analysis methods. The soil gas surveying method has been applied to a contaminated industrial site where it was successful in defining an area of significant chlorinated solvent pollution. Preliminary analyses from investigation boreholes indicate that this area has severe groundwater pollution.
Interpreting recovery data from pumping tests
Authors: Herbert R. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

The shape of hydrographs of the recovery of well water levels for pumping tests in confined aquifers is shown to depend on well storage. This demonstration suggests that the standard method of interpretation of such recovery curves, as described in Todd, will not give accurate values unless the time after start of recovery is greater than about 25
R
c
2
/
T
(see text for notation). Further, it is also demonstrated that if a leaky (low permeability) layer lies above or below the pumped aquifer the recovery curves can be modified significantly and are liable to misinterpretation.
Mackintosh-vs-vane estimation of undrained shear strength correlation for a Sabkha Clay of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hossain Delwar , Ali Kamal Mohammad 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

The results of field vane shear tests and Mackintosh probings in the soft clay of Obhor Sabkha, Saudi Arabia have been compared and correlated. It is observed that Mackintosh probing is less affected by the presence of gypsum crystals than vane testing and that an approximately linear correlation is possible between the undrained shear strength of this clay measured by a field vane and the
M
-value obtained from Mackintosh probing.
Editorial
Authors: Hawkins A. B. 
Published: November 2007

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the publication of QJEG it is appropriate to consider the style and content of the Journal and how it reflects the changing nature of both the academic and practical engineering aspects of applied geology.

The first issue of the
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology
was published on 20 September 1967. Its range of interest was to include the whole spectrum of ‘subjects within the field of geology as applied to civil engineering and mining practice’. In his foreword Professor J. E. Richey commented that ‘the variety of subjects treated is one of the noteworthy points about the publication’; an observation still true more than twenty years later.

The Board is pleased that the high reputation of QJEG amongst British workers has extended worldwide; a significant proportion of the papers published in recent volumes have been submitted by foreign authors. It is our intention that the Journal should extend its international coverage and we hope that our efficient service, high production quality and circulation of 2500 in 46 countries will encourage authors to use QJEG as the most appropriate avenue for disseminating their leading papers to an international audience.
In the 1970s an increasing number of hydrogeology papers appeared in the Journal, aided no doubt by the activities of the flourishing Hydrogeological Group of the Geological Society. This was acknowledged in 1979 when the words ‘Encompassing Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology’ first appeared on the front cover of Volume 12. In an editorial in that
Channel Tunnel: UK undersea crossover
Authors: Birch G. P. 
Published: November 2007

Background
To permit interchange between running tunnels, primarily to facilitate tunnel maintenance, the Channel Tunnel project incorporates two crossover caverns positioned under the Channel about a third of the way out from each portal.
At the location of the UK crossover the service tunnel, normally positioned between the two running tunnels, deviates below and to the side to enable the running tunnels to come into juxtaposition over a distance of some 500 m. The central portion of this run is opened out as a single cavern measuring 165 m long, 22 m wide and 15 m high—large enough to accommodate a five-storey building and probably the largest undersea cavern built to date.
Geological setting
The cavern is located within clayey carbonate mudstone sequences which straddle the boundary between the Chalk Marl (Lower Cenomanian) and the Gault Clay (Albian). The cavern crown is some 35 m below the seabed, the intervening strata comprising Chalk Marl overlain by the more fractured and therefore more permeable Grey Chalk which is weathered to within 20 m of the cavern crown.
The unconfined compressive strengths of the materials fall within the range 2 MPa to 16 MPa with the highest values being associated with limestone sponge beds in the Chalk Marl and the significantly stronger calcareous sandstone of the Tourtia or Glauconitic Marl.

Formation mass permeabilities are within the region of 1 × 10
-7
m s
-1
and 6 × 10
-9
m s
-1
at the cavern horizon, rising to in excess of 3 × 10
-6
m s
-1
in the
Geotechnical phenomena associated with piling in Hong Kong
Authors: Malone A. W. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The paper is a compilation of published accounts of geotechnical phenomena associated with piling in the various geological formations of urban Hong Kong. The occurrence of some of these phenomena may give rise to design and performance problems or construction difficulties. The paper examines the extent to which these problems and difficulties are addressed in traditional pile design. Limitations of traditional practice are identified and remedies are suggested.