Events & Courses

A geological hazard (geohazard) is the consequence of an adverse combination of geological processes and ground conditions, sometimes precipitated by anthropogenic activity. The term implies that the event is unexpected and likely to cause significant loss or harm. To understand geohazards and mitigate their effects, expertise is required in the key areas of engineering geology, hydrogeology, geotechnical engineering, risk management, communication and planning, supported by appropriate specialist knowledge of subjects such as seismology and volcanology. There is a temptation for geoscientists involved in geohazards to get too focused on the ‘science’ and lose sight of the purpose of the work, which is to facilitate the effective management and mitigation of the consequences of geohazards within society.

The study and assessment of geohazards into the wider social context, helping the engineering geologist to better communicate the issues concerning geohazards in the UK to the client and the wider public.

Module Overview

Problematic Soils: Peat

Peat found through out the UK but most of these deposits are in Northern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is present across 32.3% of the UK land mass but many geologist’s and engineers still fine dealing with this unique material a challenging activity. Peat is a highly compressible material with time dependant consolidation and rheological behaviour which is determined by its structure, degree of humification and hydraulic properties. Peat has a 'remarkable' water conten,t from over 100% to 1,800%, and there is no simple relationship between magnitude and rate of compression of peat with loading. It also often highly inhomogeneous both laterally and vertically at a site. This lecture will review the engineering background to peat behaviour and considers ways these hazards may be mitigated.

Speaker

Chris S Eccles Eur Geol, FGS, CGeol, CSci, SiLC, UK RoGEP Adviser

Chris Eccles has over 30 years' experience in both contracting and consultancy, mainly in the UK. He provides integrated advice on environmental, geotechnical and waste management issues to derive pragmatic sustainable solutions. He has designed their mediation of contamination, embankments, foundations, roads, slope stability and earth retaining structures. He has worked on a number of projects where peat has formed the primary project risk due to its unique properties. 

Time and date

This module will take place virtually via Zoom on Thursday 18 July at 16:00 BST and will run until approximately 17:30 BST, depending on audience participation.

Fees

If you are not a Fellow of the Society, save money for this course and much more by applying for Fellowship. Find out more.

Concessions 

We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter. 

The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact [email protected] (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)

Registration

If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email [email protected] 

Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place. 

We can offer bespoke discounts on group registrations of five or more. Please email [email protected] to enquire.