Parisian Underground Limestone Mine Risk to Major Civil Engineering Projects: West Midlands Regional Group

The Paris Basin is a major sedimentary basin characterised by deposits of gypsum, limestone, sand, and sandstone. Many of these deposits have historically been exploited for construction purposes, through both underground and open-pit mining. Since 1777, a dedicated governmental agency has maintained records of these mines, assessed the risks associated with gypsum dissolution, prescribed mandatory ground investigations prior to building permits, and issued guidelines for managing underground cavities.

Over the past decade, large infrastructure projects such as the Grand Paris Express and other metro developments have encountered dissolution cavities and remnants of old underground mines, highlighting the importance of risk management in urban underground works.

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To attend in person, please contact the West Midlands Regional Group at geolsoc_wmrg@live.co.uk for sign up details.