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

Problem Soils - quick clays, collapsible soils

The term 'quick clay' has been used to denote the behaviour of highly sensitive Quaternary marine clays that, due to post depositional processes, have the tendency to change from a relatively stiff condition to a liquid mass when disturbed. On failure these marine clays can rapidly mobilise into high velocity flow slides and spreads often completely liquefying in the process. Fora clay to be defined as potentially behaving as a quick clay in terms of its geotechnical parameters it must have a sensitivity (the ratio of undisturbed to remoulded shear strength) of greater than 30 together with a remoulded shear strength of less than 0.5kPa. The presence of quick clays in the UK is unclear, but the Quaternary history of the British islands suggests that the

precursor conditions for their formation could be present and should be considered when undertaking construction in the coastal zone.

Speaker

Professor Ian Jefferson (University of Birmingham)

Time and date

This module will take place virtually via Zoom on Monday 1 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.