As part of the Geo-engineering properties and processes team,
the British Geological Survey is characterising UK geological formations
in terms of their lithological and engineering properties. These
properties can provide information on potential engineering behaviour,
such as problem ground conditions and geological hazards. This information
may be used to assist ground engineers and planners in undertaking
feasibility studies and site investigation design for engineering
projects and land-use planning for regional development.
All geotechnical data from these studies are stored in the National
Geotechnical Properties Database.
Formations selected for study to date comprise:
- Bedrock geological formations
- The Gault Formation is susceptible to landsliding and severe shrink-swell problems.Download available.
- The Mercia Mudstone Group underlies many major urban areas and can present problems in the construction of foundations, earthworks and tunnelling. Download available.
- The Lambeth Group underlies much of London, has a complex stratigraphy and lithological variation, which, can constrain underground development.
- The Lias Group underlies many major urban areas, is susceptible to landsliding and, in some areas, reacts with concrete to form thaumasite leading to weakening of buried concrete foundations
The work on the Mercia Mudstone and Lambeth Groups compliments reports published by CIRIA (the Construction Industry Research and Information Association). The BGS is a contributor to both CIRIA reports.
Map showing general distribution of bedrock formations studied
to date
Superficial deposits
Map showing general distribution of loessic brickearth.
Loessic brickearth occurs as irregular spreads mainly across southern and south-eastern England; in places, under engineering loads, it is prone to rapid ‘collapse’ settlement when saturated.
Glacial till is widespread across the UK north of the southern limits of the Anglian and Devensian glaciations. It is of markedly variable thickness, lithological composition and engineering behaviour.
Map showing extent of glaciations.
For further information contact: enquiries@bgs.ac.uk
