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.

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.

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 2. Problematic Soils: Peat

Peat Hazards - Compression, Drainage and Failure

Peat  found through out the UK but most of these deposits are in Northern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  It is present across 32.3% of the UK land mass but many geologist’s and engineers still fine dealing with this unique material a challenging activity.  Peat is a highly compressible material with time dependant consolidation and rheological behaviour which is determined by its structure, degree of humification and hydraulic properties.  Peat has a ‘remarkable’ water content from over 100 % to 1,800 % and there is no simple relationship between magnitude and rate of compression of peat with loading.   It also often highly inhomogeneous  both laterally and vertically at a site.  This lecture will review the engineering background to peat behaviour and considers ways these hazards may be mitigated.

Speaker

Chris S Eccles Eur Geol, FGS, CGeol, CSci, SiLC, UK RoGEP Adviser

Chris Eccles has over 30 years experience in both contracting and consultancy mainly in the UK.  He provides integrated advice on environmental, geotechnical and waste management issues to derive pragmatic sustainable solutions.  He has designed: the remediation of contamination, embankments, foundations, roads, slope stability and earth retaining structures.  He has worked on a number of projects where peat has formed the primary project risk due to it’s unique properties.

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. 

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.