EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Engineering Geological Maps Can be used to identify potential ground problems can be used as a base for hazard mapping can be used as a basis for planning applications CANNOT be used for site specific investigations
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Regional Maps Limited indication of geotechnical variability and uncertainty Individual geotechnical features e.g. seepage or landslides may be beyond the resolution of these maps Can highlight problems which may be encountered at a site specific area Can also highlight regional problems which may affect a site (e.g. groundwater)
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods More data in new maps: The BGS Engineering Geological Map includes additional data on the engineering properties of important geological units. In this case plasticity (upper) and Standard Penetration Test (lower) data for the Upper Greensand Rocks.
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Engineering Geological Plans Generally at scales of better than 1:2500 Will often include individual site specific observations such as spring lines and landslides Poor regional context Can be used for design of more detailed SI
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Engineering Geological Maps EARS5010 Engineering Geology EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods The use of aerial photography allowed the identification of relict solifluction features at Sevenoaks in southern England Geomorphological maps require a specialized investigator
may be more valuable to surface construction Of limited use for underground excavations - although features such as deep seated landslides may still have a geomorphic expression Geomorphological maps can be divided into four main types: Morphological, Morphographic, Morphodynamic and Morphogenetic
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Making Engineering Geomorphological and Geological Maps Should have a field survey or ground truth component must be based on observed data Interpretation should be at the hands of a skilled operator aerial photography is invaluable Remains a qualitative rather than a quantitative tool
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Aerial Photography Repeat pass aereal photography can provide a view of change over time stereoscopic images can allow for detailed geomorphological mapping can be used to make inferences about ground conditions Remains a qualitative rather than quantitative technique Requires a skilled interpreter to make the link between landform and geotechnics is expensive in the United Kingdom. Can suffer serious geometric distortion. Engineering Geological Maps EARS5010 Engineering Geology EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Summary Regional maps only useful for regional problems Site specific plans are useful for guiding Site Investigation work Remains qualitative rather than quantitative Suffers from all the problems associated with geological and geomorphological maps An excellent means of highlighting potential problems prior to SI. Coverage remains very patchy in the UK Engineering Geological Maps EARS5010 Engineering Geology EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Some concluding comments On this module you have been introduced to: What controls the strength of rock materials and rock masses What data are available prior to SI Using aerial photography for applied geomorphology Methods of Site Investigation (including engineering geophysics for MSc students) Methods of in situ testing and monitoring
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Some concluding comments You should now be capable of: Making some sensible assessments of rock strength Using desk study methods to highlight geotechnical problems Plan appropriate methods for investigating the ground Choose appropriate in situ testing and monitoring methods for specific problems
EARS5191 Ground Investigation Methods Some concluding comments Additionally MSc students should: Understand the limitations of laboratory assessments of soil and rock materials Describe rock and soil materials for engineering purposes Select appropriate geophysical methods for SI Carry out discontinuity surveys Be aware of the limitations of aerial photography for engineering geomorphological assessments