Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Geomorphology in engineering geological mapping and modelling

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

By now, geomorphological assessment should have become an important component of engineering geological investigation and modelling and yet there are concerns that its use lacks clear guidance. As a result, and for reasons of unfamiliarity, geomorphological assessment can be either under-utilised or not utilised at all, sometimes with adverse engineering outcomes. Four case studies are described that provide illustration of the inclusion of geomorphological assessment a) within engineering geological modelling and b) directly within the sphere of engineering decision-making and design. The discussion focuses on how geomorphological assessment can be utilised to 1) assist in the planning of ground investigations and the interpretation of subsurface ground conditions for ground modelling purposes, 2) assess the geohazard posed by slope, fluvial and other processes and 3) consider the sensitivity of geomorphological systems (geo-systems) to change, thus providing some insight into how geohazard mechanisms, locations and intensities might change during the operational lifetime of engineering schemes. Outline procedures are proposed for the development of geomorphologically inclusive approaches to engineering geological modelling.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Engineering geomorphology is the application of geomorphology—the study of Earth surface processes, landforms and their constituent materials—to inform engineering design and help answer and resolve engineering questions and problems associated with the terrain, its geohazards and its ground conditions. To the author’s knowledge, A Hansen (Hansen 1984) was the first among UK/Hong Kong-based geo-practitioners to refer in print to the term engineering geomorphology, in relation to landscape interpretation in Hong Kong.

  2. Since the first Glossop Lecture (Fookes 1997), an extensive body of literature has been published describing the use of, inter alia, geological models (e.g. Fookes 1997; Fookes et al. 2001; Brunsden 2002; Knill 2003; Culshaw 2005; GEO 2007; Baynes 2010; Culshaw and Price 2011), geomodels (e.g. Griffiths and Stokes 2008; Fookes et al. 2015), landscape (evolution) and geomorphological landform models (e.g. Hansen 1984; Brunsden et al. 1981; Fookes et al. 1985; Fookes et al. 2001; Griffiths and Stokes 2008; Hearn et al. 2012; Ruse et al. 2013; Fookes et al. 2015; Hearn and Pettifer 2016), engineering geological models (e.g. Griffiths et al. 2004; Culshaw 2005; Parry et al. 2014), engineering geomorphological models (Ruse et al. 2013), engineering geological ground models (Griffiths 2016), engineering geology environment models (Fookes et al. 2001), ground models (e.g. Vaughan 1994; Brunsden 2002; Knill 2003; GEO 2007; Hearn et al. 2011; Ruse et al. 2013; Moore et al. 2017; Sweeney 2017) and design models (GEO 2007). Here, the following terms are used: i) geological model to depict the 3D structure of the underlying geology; ii) landscape model to demonstrate how the landscape has evolved and continues to evolve in relation to underlying geology and geomorphological processes; iii) engineering geological model to synthesise and portray all available geo-data in terms of its engineering significance and iv) ground model to show the depth and configuration of rock and soil layers, slip surfaces, groundwater table and other pertinent engineering geological features for geotechnical analysis and design. For simplicity, ii) might be considered as a variant on i) with an emphasis on geomorphology, while iv) is the end-product of iii).

  3. Neither BSI (2015) ‘BS EN 5930:2015 Code of Practice for Site Investigations’ nor Parry et al. (2014) ‘Engineering Geological Models’ provide any guidance.

  4. Processes that lead to a change in geo-system structure and behaviour, such as major geophysical events, land use change and climate change

  5. Contrasting, for example, with the 3D digital ground models developed by Kessler et al. (2008) in the UK and USA.

References

  • Abbate E, Bruni P, Sagri M (2015) Geology of Ethiopia: a review and geomorphological perspectives. In: Billi P (ed) Landscapes and Landforms of Ethiopia. World Geomorphological Landscapes, Springer Science and Business Media Dordrecht, pp 33–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8026-1_2

    Google Scholar 

  • BSI (2015) BS EN 5930:2015 Code of practice for site investigations. British Standards Institution, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Baczynski N, Bar N (2017) Landslide monitoring and management challenge in remote Papua New Guinea. In: Mikos et al. (eds) Advancing Culture of Living with Landslides, Fourth World Landslide Forum, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Springer International Publishing, 343-354. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53485-5_40.

  • Baynes FJ (2010) Sources of geotechnical risk. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 43:321–331. https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baynes FJ, Fookes PG, Kennedy JF (2005) The total engineering geology approach applied to railways in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 64:67–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brunsden D (2002) Geomorphological roulette for engineers and planners: some insights into an old game. The Fifth Glossop Lecture. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 35:101–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brunsden D. (2003) Geomorphology, engineering and planning. In: Gregory, K.J. (ed) Extreme Events and the Transformation of the Landscape. Geographia Polonica, Warsaw, Poland 76, 2:185-202.

  • Brunsden D, Doornkamp JC, Fookes PG, Jones DKC, Kelly JMH (1975b) Large-scale geomorphological mapping and highway engineering design. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology 8:227–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brunsden D, Doornkamp JC, Fookes PG, Jones DKC, Kelly JMH (1975c) Geomorphological mapping techniques in highway engineering. Journal of the Institution of Highway Engineers 22(12):34–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunsden D, Doornkamp JC, Hinch LW, Jones DKC (1975a). Geomorphological mapping and highway design. In: Sixth Regional Conference for Africa on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Durban, pp 3–9.

  • Brunsden D, Jones DKC, Martin RP, Doornkamp JC (1981) The geomorphological character of part of the Low Himalaya of eastern Nepal. Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, Neue Folge, Supplementband 37:25–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Corominas J (1996) The angle of reach as a mobility index for small and large landslides. Canadian Geotechnical Journal 33:260–267

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Culshaw MG (2005) From concept towards reality: developing the attributed 3D geological model of the shallow subsurface. The Seventh Glossop Lecture. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 38:231–284

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Culshaw MG, Price SJ (2011) The contribution of urban geology to the development, regeneration and conservation of cities. The 2010 Hans Cloos Lecture. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 70(3):333–376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-011-0377-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fookes PG (1997) Geology for engineers: the geological model, prediction and performance. The First Glossop Lecture. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology 30:293–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fookes PG, Sweeney M, Manby CND, Martin RP (1985) Geological and geotechnical engineering aspects of low cost roads in mountainous terrain. Engineering Geology 21:1–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fookes PG, Baynes FJ, Hutchinson JN (2001) Total geological history: a model approach to the anticipation, observation and understanding of site conditions. In: GeoEng 2000 Conference, An International Conference on Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 19-24 November, 2000, Melbourne Australia, vol 1. Technomic Publishing Co. Inc., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pp 370–460

    Google Scholar 

  • Fookes PG, Baynes FJ (2008) Successful use of the Total Geology Approach, using Reference Conditions for the design and construction of heavy duty railways in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Ground Engineering, March 2008:39–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Fookes PG, Pettifer G, Waltham T (2015) Geomodels in Engineering Geology: An Introduction. Whittles, Publishing, Caithness

    Google Scholar 

  • Franks CAM (1996) Study of rainfall induced landslides in the vicinity of Tung Chung New Town, Lantau Island. Special Project Report SPR 4/96. GEO Report No 57. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Office, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong

  • Franks CAM (1999) Characteristics of some rainfall induced landslides on natural slopes, Lantau, Hong Kong. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology 32:247–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GEO (1999) The natural terrain landslide study: Phases I and II. Geotechnical Engineering Office Report No 73 (originally SPR 5/97), Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Development Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Evans NC, Huang SW, King JP). Hong Kong

  • GEO (2002) Guidelines for Natural Terrain Hazard Studies. Special Project Report SPR 1/2002. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Reissued in 2003 as GEO Report No 138 (Ng et al. 2003). Hong Kong

  • GEO (2007) Engineering Geological Practice in Hong Kong. GEO Publication No 1/2007, Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Development Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong

  • GEO (2011) Guidelines on the Assessment of Debris Mobility for Channelised Debris Flows. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Technical Guidance Note No 29. Hong Kong

  • GEO (2012) Guidelines on the Assessment of Debris Mobility for Open Hillslope Failures. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Technical Guidance Note No 34. Hong Kong

  • GEO (2013) Guidelines on the Assessment of Debris Mobility for Failures Within Topographic Depression Catchments. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Technical Guidance Note No 38. Hong Kong

  • GEO (2014) Guidelines on Enhanced Approach for Natural Terrain Hazard Studies. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Technical Guidance Note No 36. Hong Kong

  • GEO (2016) Guidelines for Natural Terrain Hazard Studies. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Department, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. GEO Report No 138 2nd Edition (Ho HY, Roberts KJ). Hong Kong

  • Gariano SL, Guzzetti F (2016) Landslides in a changing climate. Earth Science Reviews 162:227–252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2016.08.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glade T (2003) Landslide occurrence as a response to land use change: a review of evidence from New Zealand. Catena 51(3):297–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grant GE, O’Connor J, Safran E (2017) Excursions in fluvial (dis)continuity. Geomorphology 227:145–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths JS (2014) The fourteenth Glossop Lecture. Feet on the ground: engineering geology past, present and future. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 47:116–143. https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2013-087

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths JS (2016) Incorporating geomorphology in engineering geology ground models. In: Eggers MJ, Griffiths JS, Parry S, Culshaw MG (eds) Developments in Engineering Geology. Geological Society of London, Engineering Geology Special Publications 27:159–168. https://doi.org/10.1144/EGSP27.14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths JS, Mather AE, Stokes M (2004) Construction design data provided by the investigation of geomorphological processes and landforms. Advances in Geotechnical Engineering: The Skempton Conference: Proceedings of a three-day conference on advances in geotechnical engineering, organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers and held at the Royal Geographical Society, London, UK, on 29–31 March 2004, pp 1292-1303. https://doi.org/10.1680/aigev2.32644.0051.

  • Griffiths JS, Stokes M (2008) Engineering geomorphological input to ground models: an approach based on Earth systems. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 41:73–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths JS, Whitworth MZ (2012) Engineering geomorphology of landslides. In: Clague JJ, Stead D (eds) Landslides: Types. Mechanisms and Modeling. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 172–186

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths JS, Stokes M, Stead D, Giles D (2012) Landscape evolution and engineering geology: results from IAEG Commission 22. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 71:605–636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-012-0434-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadley D, Hearn GJ, Taylor GR (1998) Debris flow assessments for the Foothills Bypass, Hong Kong. In: Li KS, Kay JN, Ho KKS (eds) Slope Engineering in Hong Kong. AA Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 153–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen A (1984) Engineering geomorphology: the application of an evolutionary model to Hong Kong’s terrain. Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, NF Supplementband 51:39–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart J, Hearn G, Chant C (2002) Engineering on the precipice: mountain road rehabilitation in the Philippines. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 35:223–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ (1995a) Terrain hazard mapping at Ok Tedi mine, Papua New Guinea. In: Bell DH (ed) Landslides, Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium, 10-14 February. Christchurch, New Zealand, pp 971–976

    Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ (1995b) Landslide and erosion hazard mapping at Ok Tedi copper mine. Papua New Guinea, Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology 28:7–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ (1995c) Engineering geomorphological mapping and open-cast mining in unstable mountains. A case study. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy. Section A: Minerals Industry 104:A1–A17

    Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ (2002) Engineering geomorphology for road design in unstable mountainous areas: lessons learnt after 25 years in Nepal. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 35:143–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ (2016) Managing road transport in a world of changing climate and land use. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer 169, 3:146-159. DOI:10.1.1680/muen.15.00009.

  • Hearn GJ (2017) Engineering geomorphology of the Koshi Highway, east Nepal. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 50:354–367. https://doi.org/10.1144/gjegh2016-112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ, Blong R, Humphreys G (2001) Terrain hazard around the Ok Tedi copper mine, Papua New Guinea. In: Griffiths JS (ed) Land Surface Evaluation for Engineering Practice. Geological Society of London Special Publications 18:143-149. Washington DC. https://doi.org/10.1029/135GM05

  • Hearn GJ, Massey CI (2009) Engineering geology in the management of roadside slope failures: contributions to best practice from Bhutan and Ethiopia. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 42:511–528. https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ, Hunt T, d’Agostino S (2011) C3 Soil slope stabilization. In: Hearn GJ (ed) Slope engineering for mountain roads, Geological Society London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, vol 24, pp 165–188. https://doi.org/10.1144/EGSP24.12

    Google Scholar 

  • Hearn G, Hart A, Morgan C, Wise D, O’Donnell N (2012) Assessing the potential for future first-time slope failures to impact the oil and gas pipeline corridor through the Makarov Mountains, Sakhalin Island, Russia. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 45:79–88. https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/10-033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ, Pettifer GS (2016) The role of engineering geology in the route selection, design and construction of road across the Blue Nile gorge. Ethiopia. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 75(1):163–191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-015-0724-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn GJ, O’Donnell NA, Hart AB (2016) Discussion on ‘Landslide risk assessment: the challenge of communicating uncertainty to decision-makers’ Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. Vol 49:267–268. https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2016-031

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho KKS, Lau JWC (2010) Learning from slope failures to enhance landslide risk management. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 43:33–68. https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hooke R LeB (2003) Predictive modeling in geomorphology: An oxymoron? In: Wilcock, P. & Iverson, R. (eds), Prediction in Geomorphology: American Geophysical Union Geophysical Monograph 135: 51-61.

  • IPCC (2012) Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Field CB et al. (eds)). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

  • Kenney TC (1959) Discussion. Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers 85, SM3:67-79.

  • Kessler H, Turner AK, Culshaw MG, Royse KR (2008) Unlocking the potential of digital 3D geological subsurface models for geotechnical engineers. In: Cities and the Underground Environment. Second Regional European Conference of the International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment. EuroEnGeo 2008, Madrid, Spain, 15-19 September 2008.

  • King JP (1997) The Natural Terrain Landslide Inventory. Technical Note TN 10/97, Geotechnical Engineering Office, Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knill JL (2003) Core values. The First Hans Cloos Lecture. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 62:1–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Korup O, Densmore AL, Schlunegger F (2010) The role of landslides in mountain range evolution. Geomorphology 120:77–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lau KC, Woods NW (1997) Review of Methods for Predicting the Travel Distance of Debris from Landslides in Natural Terrain. Geotechnical Engineering Office, Hong Kong, Technical Guidance Note No TN7/97.

  • Lee EM (2016) Landslide risk assessment: the challenge of communicating uncertainty to decision-makers. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 49:21–35. https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2015-066

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee EM, Fookes PG (2015) A note on the origins of engineering geomorphology in the UK. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 48:147–156. https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2014-048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore R, Hencher S, Evans N (2001) An approach for area and site-specific natural terrain hazard and risk assessment. In: Ho KKS, Li KS (eds) Geotechnical Engineering: Meeting Society’s Needs, vol 1. Proceedings of the 14th South East Asian Geotechnical Conference, Hong Kong, pp 155–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore R, Hencher SR, Lee EM (2004) Debris flow risk to pipeline facilities in mountainous terrain: a quantitative risk assessment approach. International Conference on Terrain and Geohazard Challenges Facing Onshore Oil and Gas Pipelines. Institution of Civil Engineers, London, pp 271–282

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore R, Carey JM, McInnes RC (2010) Landslide behaviour and climate change: predictable consequences for the Ventnor Undercliff, Isle of Wight. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 43:447–460. https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-086

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore R, Davis G, Stannard M, Browning N (2017) Stabilising Lyme Regis – a strategic approach. Civil Engineering, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers 170, CE2: 63-70. https://doi.org/10.1680/jcien.16.00008.

  • Parry S (2016a) Quantification of landslide hazards: examples from Hong Kong. In: Aversa S, Cascini L, Picarelli L, Scavia C (eds) Landslides and Engineered Slopes: Experience, Theory & Practice. Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Landslides, Napoli, 12-19 June, 2016, CRC Press, Balkema, pp 1567-1574.

  • Parry S (2016b) Landslide hazard assessments: problems and limitations. Examples from Hong Kong. In: Eggers MJ, Griffiths JS, Parry S, Culshaw MG (eds) Developments in Engineering Geology. Geological Society of London, Engineering Geology Special Publications 27:135–145. https://doi.org/10.1144/EGSP27.12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parry S, Ruse ME, Ng KC (2006) Assessment of natural terrain landslide risk in Hong Kong: an engineering geological perspective. In: Culshaw MG, Reeves HJ, Jefferson I, Spink TW (eds) Engineering Geology for Tomorrow’s Cities, Geological Society of London, Engineering Geology Special Publications 22, Paper 299. London

  • Parry S, Baynes FJ, Culshaw MG, Eggers M, Keaton JF, Lentfer K, Novotny J, Paul D (2014) Engineering geological models - an introduction: IAEG commission 25. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 73:689–706. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0576-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips JD (2006) Evolutionary geomorphology: thresholds and non-linearity in landform response to environmental change. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 10:731–742

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phipps PJ (2001a) Ground models for the design and construction of a high-speed rail link. In: Griffiths JS (ed) Land Surface Evaluation for Engineering Practice. Geological Society of London, Engineering Geological Special Publications 18:221–225

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phipps PJ (2001b) Slope instability within a residential area in Cleveland, UK. In: Griffiths JS (ed) Land Surface Evaluation for Engineering Practice. Geological Society of London, Engineering Geological Special Publications 18:215–219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robbins JC (2016) Rainfall characteristics and critical rainfall for landslides in Papua New Guinea. In: Aversa S, Cascini L, Picarelli L, Scavia C (eds) Landslides and Engineered Slopes: Experience, Theory & Practice. Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Landslides, Napoli, 12-19 June, 2016, CRC Press, Balkema, pp 1731-1744.

  • RGS (2003) The environment and development in high mountain environments. Annual General Meeting of the Royal Geographical Society, London. Geographical Journal 169(3):283–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruse M, Lewis I, Lockwood J, Jonsson V, Edmonds V (2013) Engineering geomorphological models of the north-west Yilgarn, Western Australia. Australian Geomechanics 48(2):7–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha S, Bajracharya AR, Babel MS (2016) Assessment of risks due to climate change for the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project in Nepal. Climate Risk Management 14:27–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2016.08.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sidle R, Bogaard TA (2016) Dynamic earth system and ecological controls of rainfall-initiated landslides. Earth-Science Reviews 159:275–291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoffel M, Wyzga B, Marston RA (2016) Floods in mountain environments: a synthesis. Geomorphology 272:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney M (2017) Terrain and geohazard challenges for remote region onshore pipelines: risk management. Geoteams and Ground Models. The Fifteenth Glossop Lecture. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 50:13–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • TRL (1997) Principles of low cost road engineering in mountainous regions. Overseas Road Note 16, Transport Research Laboratory, Crowthorne, Berkshire, UK.

  • Vaughan PR (1994) Thirty-fourth Rankine Lecture: Assumption, prediction and reality in geotechnical engineering. Geotechnique XLIV 4:571–609

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong HN, Lam KC, Ho KS (1998) Diagnostic report on the November 1993 natural terrain landslides on Lantau Island. GEO Report No 1969, Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering Office, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong

Download references

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank G Pettifer for his invaluable contribution to the work illustrated from Ethiopia, along with that of I Hodgson and S d’Agostino. The Ethiopian work was undertaken on behalf of URS Scott Wilson, now AECOM, for its client the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), which is also gratefully acknowledged. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Hong Kong work illustrated was also undertaken while the author was employed at Scott Wilson. The PNG work was carried out on behalf of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) with guidance and contributions from P Fookes (principal consultant to OTML), R Blong, G Humphries, R Mason and P Maconochie. Comments received by P Fookes, I Hodgson, G Pettifer and T Hunt on drafts of this paper are gratefully acknowledged, as are those of R Moore and another anonymous reviewer. All drawings were prepared by K Finlay of KJ Creative.

The Dharan-Dhankuta road was designed by Rendel Palmer & Tritton (RPT, now Rendel Ltd) and it was RPT’s engineering geological consultant P Fookes that specified the use of geomorphological assessment as part of the road design.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hearn Geoserve Ltd, 23 Little Paddocks, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5NJ, UK

    G. J. Hearn

Authors
  1. G. J. Hearn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. J. Hearn.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hearn, G. Geomorphology in engineering geological mapping and modelling. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78, 723–742 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-017-1166-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-017-1166-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation