Flamborough and Burnham Chalk – measured properties and characteristics of some northern chalks

As a result of recent and ongoing major projects in the south east of England, the characteristics and properties of the southern chalks are relatively well known with numerous examples in the literature. In comparison, the chalk formations in northern England are not widely reported on. This Paper reports on in situ and laboratory testing undertaken on two of the northern chalks; Flamborough and Burnham Chalk Formations. These results predominantly originate from investigations for significant tunnel works beneath the Humber supplemented by investigations for a smaller tunnel to the west of Kingston-upon-Hull.

A range of test results are examined including index testing, laboratory strength testing, stiffness measured in laboratory and field and field permeability. Differences in measured properties between the two sites are discussed and test results are compared with guidance give in CIRIA C574 (Lord et al. 2002) and other published literature. It is intended that this paper will provide a valuable reference for anyone undertaking engineering works within these materials.