Construction design data provided by the investigation of geomorphological processes and landforms

In the United Kingdom engineering geomorphology occupies a niche within engineering geology concentrating on mapping surface form. The main aims of the mapping have been to identify natural hazards and to provide a framework within which an engineering geological model of the ground conditions can be developed through traditional site investigation procedures. However, the natural landscape contains a wealth of information relevant to civil engineering construction works. Significantly over the past 30 years, geomorphologists have moved away from the qualitative description of the landscape into detailed analyses of the geomorphological processes that have created them. These analyses provide data that have direct application in civil engineering. For example, studies of natural sub-surface piping provide data relevant to soft ground tunnelling. Evaluations of hillslope form and landslide investigations are applicable to earthworks design. Geomorphological studies of fluvial systems involve analyses of flood recurrence intervals and scour potential, that can be used for the design of bridges. As this geomorphological research has predominantly been carried out in university geography departments, the subject has largely been discounted as qualitative and descriptive by civil engineers. However, with reference to on-going research in Southeast Spain, this paper illustrates how geomorphological studies can provide quantitative data of direct relevance to civil engineering in three distinct subjects areas, landscape history, hillslopes, and ephemeral river systems.

• Introduction

• 1. Landscape history (Case Study Site 1)

• 2. Hillslopes (Case Study Site 1)

• 3. Ephemeral river systems (Case Study Site 2)

• Conclusions

• Acknowledgements

• References