Prepare a desk study report based on the envirocheck data provided

Assignment Brief

Civil Engineering

Aims

1. To develop the full-time students’ ability to carry out standard shear strength tests in the field.
2. To develop the full-time and part-time students’ ability to interpret data obtained during the desk study phase of a ground investigation.
3. To develop the full-time and part-time students understanding of soil geology and interpretation of geological maps.

Prepare a desk study report based on the envirocheck data provided for the Newton Rigg College, Penrith, site (the fields at the eastern part of the Newton Rigg campus should be the centre for your desk study based discussions – full-time students are expected to add a site description, but part-time students are NOT expected to do that part because they will not have been able to walk across the site).

NOTE: An Exemplar Desk Study Report is provided on Moodle to provide an example of the structure of your report (simply delete the parts that are not relevant to this specific site) BUT that does NOT necessarily focus as much on the GEOTECHNICAL aspects as Module CIE5005 requires. Avoid spending excess time on the environmental aspects, but try to relate any environmental aspects that would form part of a geotechnical engineer’s brief. Identifying and discussing geotechnical risks and likelihood plus ways of overcoming or mitigating those risks is the main focus of your work.

Provide a geological summary for the three sites identified on the Rochdale Geology map sheet provided on Moodle, and summarise the field work carried out and interpret the shear strength profile across the site using the data your group obtained.

Sample Answer

Desk Study Report for Newton Rigg College, Penrith

Introduction

This report presents the findings of a desk study carried out for the eastern fields of Newton Rigg College, Penrith. The purpose of the study is to identify the geological, geomorphological, and geotechnical conditions of the site, supported by envirocheck data and relevant geological mapping. The study also provides an interpretation of shear strength test data collected during fieldwork, as well as geological summaries for three additional sites identified on the Rochdale Geology map sheet. The aim is to identify potential geotechnical risks and assess their implications for future construction works.

Site Description (Full-time students only)

The site under consideration is located in the eastern part of the Newton Rigg campus, comprising open agricultural fields with gently undulating topography. Vegetation is mainly grassland, with hedgerows along field boundaries. Drainage features are visible, suggesting seasonal variations in groundwater levels. No significant existing structures were observed within the study area, but the proximity of college infrastructure must be considered in any future development.

Desk Study and Envirocheck Data

The envirocheck data indicates a site with limited historical development, primarily agricultural in use. No significant industrial activity is recorded, reducing the likelihood of contamination from anthropogenic sources. However, agricultural practices may have introduced localised contaminants (fertilisers, fuel storage). From a geotechnical perspective, environmental issues are not the primary concern, though potential groundwater contamination could influence foundation design and excavation practices.

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