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, will help the engineering geologist to better communicate the issues concerning geohazards in the UK to the client and the wider public.

Course overview

This course is ideal for geoscientists who are geoengineers, geotechnical experts or those who work in contaminated land. It is also useful for those who are in parallel sectors.

This course series comprises of fifteen modules, providing a comprehensive understanding of various Geological hazards, typically UK hazards. Modules can be booked individually or as a full programme package.

Each module is structured to give a presentation which sets the scene for the specific hazard, followed by discussion to develop understanding of the monitoring and the various elements which contribute to possible mitigation.

Each module is focused on a particular Geohazard.

Course module

Module 14. Carbonate hazard – mining and dissolution

Carbonate rocks like limestone and chalk present a particular set of engineering geological challenges both to existing development and whenever new development is planned. The advent of national cavity databases assists with the preliminary checks of whether natural or mining cavities are recorded on site or in its vicinity, but it is usually essential to further understand, in more detail, the site location in its wider geomorphological and historical context to truly assess the engineering risks. Many professional indemnity claims are frequently associated with a lack of due diligence of third party data, leading to incorrect assumptions and advice about sites and, in turn, risking unsafe development.
 
For natural cavities it is important to appreciate the range of types, depths and scales at which they can occur. The nature of the carbonate terrain and its geological and geomorphological development is important when creating a ground model for the site and using this to design and execute the ground investigation. The investigation needs to characterise the site sufficiently to provide safe engineering solutions. Similarly, knowledge of past regional factors (industries, styles, scales) that have led to the need for underground mining (often poorly or unrecorded and pre-dating published maps) requires appreciation in order to evaluate the potential for past mining at sites and how to develop safe site development strategies.
 
The training session will concentrate upon (1) guidance for improved methodology for the assessment of sites underlain by carbonate terrains to check their geohazard potential, given that this appears to be a weakness for many geotechnical investigations, (2) consideration for investigation strategies and (3) review

Speaker

Dr. Clive Edmunds

Clive Edmonds has more than 40 years’ experience of working in the geotechnical industry. In his early career years he became interested in ground stability geohazards, especially those upon chalk which became the focus of academic research. The research produced new geomorphology based methods for evaluating carbonate terrains and started the compilation of natural and mining cavity databases which later were extended nationally as part of government sponsored research. Latterly he was a Partner at Peter Brett Associates LLP where he was responsible for leading large numbers of ground stability related projects (new development and insurance claims work) including some funded by the Land Stabilisation Programme at Reading and elsewhere. He also undertakes expert witness cases in connection with ground instability problems which provides useful insight into why ground movement problems sometimes go unrecognised and can result in failing engineered solutions.

Registration

Registration will close 24 hours before the session takes place.

Concessionary Rates & Student Registration

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

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

Book the full course series

Book all 15 modules as a package with the Full Course option and enjoy a discount.

Book the full course series plus Special Publication

Book all 15 modules as a package plus Special Publication Geological Hazards in the UK: Their Occurrence, Monitoring and Mitigation by registering for the Full Course option and selecting the book package on the registration form.

Fellow	£60
Non Fellow	£80
Student	£12

We can offer bespoke discounts on group registrations of 5 or more. Please email [email protected] to enquire.

Alternatively, if you book all 15 modules it includes a discount.

Venue

These courses will be held virtually over Zoom between 16.00 GMT and will run until approximately 17.30 GMT depending on audience participation.

Delegates will receive joining instructions the day before they take place.

Register now