Events & Courses

Course overview

One of the most frequent 'emergency' callouts that a geoscientist will receive is when the ground surface collapses suddenly and causes disruption to infrastructure or property. Questions will be asked, usually 'what caused it?', 'how do we fix it?', and 'is it going to happen again?'

The aim of this class is to prepare attendees for that 'first responder' role. Diagnosing unstable and collapsing ground requires knowledge of the underlying geological and hydrogeological conditions, the history of mineral extraction and other anthropogenic underground activity, an appreciation of previous land development activities, and an understanding of the cause-and-effect linkage with utilities / services, particularly in urban areas.

Who is this course aimed at?

All levels of geoscientist in the public and private sector who may be called as professional advisors following a ground collapse. Technical content will be at a level appropriate for CPD credits to Chartered Fellows.

Learning objectives

1. Build a background appreciation of what causes a collapse of the ground surface.
2. Understand the mechanics of void migration to the surface and the relationship between underground void space and overburden.
3. How to be a 'first-responder' geoscientist and minimise risk to life and property following a ground collapse.
4. Choosing appropriate geotechnical and geophysical tools to delineate unstable ground.
5. Explore methods of temporary and permanent ground stabilisation.
6. Identifying ground collapse before it occurs and choosing remedial strategies.

Programme

This course will be held virtually over two half-days on 4 and 11 February 2025, starting at 13:00 GMT and ending at approximately 17:00 GMT.

Speaker Bio

David Wilshaw, CGeol – Geotechnical Senior Principal at ECS Limited

David Wilshaw BSc (Hons) MSc (Eng), PG, CGeol, FGS is a Chartered Geologist and a Professional Geologist licensed in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. David has 39 years' post-graduate experience in engineering geology, geotechnics, geophysics, and geo-environmental assessments gained throughout the UK, Europe, the USA and the Caribbean.

Location

This course will be delivered virtually via Zoom. Joining details will be sent out the day prior, alongside any course materials that may be needed.

Fees (including early-bird rate)

	Early-bird rate (until 4 December 2024)	After 4 December 2024
Fellow	£306	£340
Non-Fellow	£612	£680
Student Member	£86	£95
Student Non-Member	£171	£190
Corporate Patron	£306	£340

* Early-bird discount applicable for all registrations until 4 December 2024. Simply select your delegate type on the registration form and the discount will be applied and reflected in the payment section at the bottom of the registration form.*

Group Discounts

We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off

For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email [email protected]

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.)

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

Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.

GSL reserves the right to postpone or cancel a Training Course in the event of low interest. In this instance, a full refund will be offered for registration fees.

Register now