Identification of Ground Engineering Hazards in London Through the Use of Predictive 4D Geomodelling Tools

Abstract

Unexpected ground conditions are responsible for a number of engineering problems and hazards across London. A major reason for the unexpected nature of these events is the historical proprietary approach to site investigation, which has restricted knowledge transfer and inhibited the development of a London-wide geological context. Recent changes mean that much of these data are now accessible in the public domain for site investigation and useful in predicting the engineering hazards resulting from complex and variable geology. We advocate applying predictive 4D modelling to better constrain geological structures, facies, fissures and groundwater flow, and adopting an iterative approach that both informs local site models and updates the regional context. Reverse normal faulting, indicative of basin inversion, pull-apart structures and periglacial scour/pingo features are identified in a pilot study regional model. Applying this model to a small site investigation predicted otherwise unexpected faulting, generating horizontal fissuring that causes water to flow along the length of the fault system. Widely adopting this approach in London and other urban areas may substantially reduce the risk of unexpected ground hazards.