Drift-filled hollows: a geological phenomenon or an engineer’s nightmare?

Introduction

Early Career Group Event – Drift-filled hollows: a geological phenomenon or an engineer’s nightmare?

Date: 30th January 2019 at 6.30pm

Venue: Robert Bird Group, Level 1, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0BS

Presented by: Amy Flynn

Amy is a final year PhD student at Brunel University London researching anomalous ground conditions within the London Basin, often termed “drift-filled hollows” (DFHs). DFHs are currently believed to be cone-shaped depressions developed into the local bedrock, infilled with a mélange of gravel and surrounding sediments. They can range from 5-500m in width, up to 75m in depth and are often extremely problematic if identified or missed during a site investigation. Many large and small scale projects across London have identified and been hampered by DFHs. These include Thames Tideway, the Olympic Park and Battersea Power Station. Engineering implications associated with the mélange filled features include, but are not limited to: water ingress whilst tunnelling and also through retaining walls during sub-surface construction, pile test failures and differential settlement.

Amy’s research has focussed on around 90 anomalous features within the Basin, mainly concentrating on central London and has identified the extent of their variability, not just between each feature, but also within a single feature. Her talk will focus upon the variability and unpredictability of DFHs, with particular emphasis on features identified during the ground investigation at Battersea Power Station and other recent projects in the Battersea, Nine Elms area.

Drinks & nibbles will be provided. This event is sponsored by Robert Bird Group. A flyer for the event can be found here.

The event is free to attend, however advanced booking is required. To register for this event, please email bga-ecg@britishgeotech.org.uk.