The Characteristics of UK Puddle Clays – a Review

The majority of significant British embankment dams completed in the period 1840–1960 were of so-called ‘Pennines’ profile, with a comparatively slender central core of puddle clay. In dams completed prior to c. 1880–1890 the use of puddle clay extended also to the cutoff trench, many excavated to considerable depth. Satisfactory long-term performance of puddle core and/or trench is critical to embankment integrity. Progressive deterioration has been identified in a number of ‘Pennines’ embankments, some 75% of which were constructed pre-1930. Assessment of such dams requires an appreciation of the nature and characteristics of puddle clay. The intention of this paper is to provide a concise first review of puddle clays in the UK.

• INTRODUCTION

• THE ‘PENNINES’ EMBANKMENT

• PUDDLE CLAY

• PUDDLE CLAY CHARACTERISTICS

• PUDDLE CLAY CORES: PERFORMANCE

• CONCLUSIONS

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• SELECTED REFERENCES