Engineering Geology
Ground structures and groundwater behaviour are critical controls on many schemes. The engineering geology and hydrogeology can influence stability, contamination migration and exploitation of water, oil and other minerals.
The natural world is complex and analytical solutions have to be tested against real-world conditions. Failure to do so can put feasibility and safety at risk.
Our experience in the area of Engineering Geology includes:
- Stability assessments of colliery spoil and refuse tips in the mountainous Welsh Coalfield.
- Stability design of opencast coal sites throughout the UK.
- Management of water resources in arid regions.
- Geochemical attack on construction materials in the UK and Middle East.
- Solving quarrying problems at minimum cost and disruption to the operator. Assisting in deepening, extensions, stability assessments and environmental impact assessments.
- Management of complex groundwater conditions, notably artesian groundwater conditions whilst cutting into the hillside of a Welsh valley. These conditions had the potential to cause catastrophic failure during construction and completion of the development. An understanding of hydrogeological system for the site was required and appropriate mitigation measures were designed.
Project Example: Geotechnical investigation and Emergency Stabilisation works following a slope wash out failure at Llanbradach Train station.
ESP undertook a targeted, time critical investigation of a railway embankment following its failure after heavy rain. This involved an initial desk study and intrusive works, in order to develop an accurate geotechnical Conceptual Model and the design of a remediation plan. These initial works and subsequent engineering design were completed, and approved by Network Rail within five days, with the ESP gabion revetment design completed by the contractor within seven days. The solution provided suitable protection from future ground movement or wash out failures and has allowed unrestricted continuation of rail services.
Read more about this project here: Llanbradach Train station
Project Example: Expert report for claim relating to impact of opencast mining on a residential property
An assessment of whether the activities of an opencast coal mine, located approximately 20 metres from a residential property, was causing structural movement.
Cracks of up to 20mm were noted in the building during a site visit, and findings showed that movements in both a horizontal and vertical direction were taking place.
ESP utilised in-house expert knowledge gained from over 32 years’ experience in these fields, including landslip monitoring and remediation, structural and hydrogeology, and extensive knowledge of the Welsh coalfield to formulate a pragmatic remedial approach.
Project Example: Stabilisation works for a large active landslide threatening housing at Mynydd yr Eglwys, Rhondda
Earth Science Partnership were employed to design a site investigation, assist in the production of contract documentation and oversee the tendering and award of the contract to a suitable remediation contractor. ESP subsequently supervised all site works, ensuring they were completed to the high standard necessary. All factual reports produced by the contractor were then reviewed and following this an interpretive report was produced by ESP for the proposed remediation of the Mynydd-yr-Eglwys landslips.
Project Example: Engineering and Geological appraisal of the Carboniferous Limestone of Knab Rock
Earth Science Partnership undertook a geological appraisal of the Carboniferous Limestone promontory at Mumbles, Swansea Bay.
The former sea cliff section is particularly prone to weathering along its mudstone partings and beds of mudstone were exposed at the base of the cliff after a pumping station was constructed. This along with faults present and the steeply dipping beds created an on-going problem for rock falls. Our recommendations included dentition to provide support to critical key stones which showed signs of failure and rock bolting to support individual blocks for which dentition was impossible or inappropriate. Netting was also recommended to control the loosening of weathered rock faces.
Read more about this project here: Knab Rock, Mumbles
A selected list of example projects can be found on our Projects and Technical page.