|
The First Glossop Lecture |
‘Lafonia’, 11A Edgar Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9SJ, UK
This First Glossop Lecture explores the borderland between geology and engineering, partly historically and through the attitude and education of the practitioners but mainly by consideration of site investigation practice and the use of the geological model in the characterization of a site for engineering purposes. It starts with a historical overview, including the work of Glossop, to introduce the subject matter.
The text is illustrated by tables and line drawings, many of which are block models. All models are annotated so that they largely speak for themselves. Text boxes are included for readers with less geological or geotechnical knowledge.
Considered simply, the geology at any one site is a product of its history. The engineering geological environment of the site includes the geological history and the current geomorphological processes and climatic conditions. The development of the geological model for any site therefore requires specific consideration of the regional and local geological and geomorphological history and current ground surface conditions. This concept is examined from the scale of plate tectonics to the smallest geological features and micro climate. Simple models of various terrains, rock associations and surface environments and their effect on the geology and geomorphology are presented as geology for engineers, and these are used together with case histories from Britain and overseas to illustrate the development of a model for any particular site. Conclusions are drawn, based on experience of the use of models in practice. Appendices give details of various engineering geological environments.
At each stage of site investigation, the status and capability of the model to anticipate are reviewed. Examples are given of varying approaches to each stage dependent upon the local geology and the project, and estimates are given of the potential improvement in geological knowledge at each stage depending on local circumstances. Geological mapping is an underused but important component in getting the model right. The geologist's role is to get the geology right.
The model is also simply examined from risk and uncertainty viewpoints, geometry of local site geology, small scale features, sampling and also from a cost effectiveness perspective. The power of the model is more in its ability to anticipate conditions than to predict them precisely. Anticipation is turned into reality by the ground investigation. A Geological Enviromnental Matrix (GEM) to help anticipate the geology at any one site is presented and examples given of the matrix tested in operation.
The paper concludes with consideration of unforeseen and unforeseeable geological conditions in a contractual situation; and discussion on the education, training, research and experience of geologists and engineers in improving teaching, communication and understanding in the borderland of geology and engineering. On any site, an experienced and appropriate geotechnical team is needed to get both the geological and the companion geotechnical models right, to outline objectives and questions to be answered and to determine activities to achieve these.
The current status of development in engineering geology on a parochial and world scene is briefly judged. At present engineering geology is largely seen as a service profession, but the potential for developments in understanding the earth and earth's processes for the benefit of mankind through engineering is exciting. Engineering geology should not lose its distinct role but communication and interaction with engineering need fostering.
This article has been cited by other articles:
 |
|
 |
|
  M.H. de Freitas Geology; its principles, practice and potential for Geotechnics Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2009; 42: 397 - 441. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G.J. Hearn and C.I. Massey Engineering geology in the management of roadside slope failures: contributions to best practice from Bhutan and Ethiopia Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2009; 42: 511 - 528. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. R. I. Clayton Urban site investigation Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2009; 22: 125 - 141. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Griffiths Engineering geology core values: a UK perspective Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2009; 22: 277 - 280. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A.K. Turner The historical record as a basis for assessing interactions between geology and civil engineering Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2008; 41: 143 - 164. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 L. J. Donnelly Communication in geology: a personal perspective and lessons from volcanic, mining, exploration, geotechnical, police and geoforensic investigations Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2008; 305: 107 - 121. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. Properties of clay materials, soils and mudrocks Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2006; 21: 73 - 138. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. World and European clay deposits Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2006; 21: 139 - 151. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. British clay stratigraphy Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2006; 21: 153 - 175. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M.G. Culshaw From concept towards reality: developing the attributed 3D geological model of the shallow subsurface Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2005; 38: 231 - 284. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Griffiths and M. G. Culshaw Seeking the research frontiers for UK engineering geology Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2004; 37: 317 - 325. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J.S. Griffiths, J.N. Hutchinson, D. Brunsden, D.J. Petley, and P.G. Fookes The reactivation of a landslide during the construction of the Ok Ma tailings dam, Papua New Guinea Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2004; 37: 173 - 186. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Martino, S. Martino, A. Prestininzi, and G. Scarascia Mugnozza Geological-evolutionary model of a gravity-induced slope deformation in the carbonate Central Apennines (Italy) Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2004; 37: 31 - 47. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. C. Waltham, A.C. Waltham, and P.G. Fookes Engineering classification of karst ground conditions Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2003; 36: 101 - 118. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. G. Newman, T.G. Newman, R.G. Allen, and R.N. Mortimore Geological modelling, the observational method and management of ground hazards: Ramsgate Harbour Approach Road Tunnel Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2003; 36: 35 - 50. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Brunsden and D. Brunsden Geomorphological roulette for engineers and planners: some insights into an old game Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2002; 35: 101 - 142. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. J. Hearn and G.J. Hearn Engineering geomorphology for road design in unstable mountainous areas: lessons learnt after 25 years in Nepal Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2002; 35: 143 - 154. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Griffiths, J.S. Griffiths, A.E. Mather, and A.B. Hart Landslide susceptibility in the Rio Aguas catchment, SE Spain Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2002; 35: 9 - 17. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Chowdhury, R. Chowdhury, and P. Flentje Uncertainties in rainfall-induced landslide hazard Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2002; 35: 61 - 69. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
References Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2002; 19: 223 - 241. [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Croot, D. Croot, and J. S. Griffiths Engineering geological significance of relict periglacial activity in South and East Devon Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2001; 34: 269 - 281. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Griffiths and R. J. G. Edwards The development of land surface evaluation for engineering practice Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 3 - 9. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. H. Charman Desk studies Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 19 - 21. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Griffiths Engineering geological mapping Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 39 - 42. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. J. Phipps Terrain systems mapping Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 59 - 61. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. G. Fookes and D. T. Shilston Building the geological model: case study of a rock tunnel in SW England Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 123 - 128. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. J. Hearn, R. Blong, and G. Humphreys Terrain hazard around the Ok Tedi copper mine, Papua New Guinea Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 143 - 149. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Brunsden and J. S. Griffiths Land surface evaluation: conclusions and recommendations Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 2001; 18: 241 - 243. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Hoek Putting numbers to geology--an engineer's viewpoint Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 1999; 32: 1 - 19. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
