Geotechnics & Soil Mechanics
It is necessary to reopen a mine under the sea to extract potash. There is a flat area on the site near to the beach
which was used in the past as a logistic centre for the mine to bring in supplies and export the potash inland. This
area is only about 4 m above mean sea level. The soil below this area is mainly soft sand with some made ground
and some ridges of clay. A short distance inland from this area there are some steep rocky hills and two abandoned
quarries. You have just started working with this company and are part of the team that is making preparations for
developing the mine and the logistics area.
Task 1
a) State the three main classes of rock and outline the main features of their formation
b) Give one example of how each type of rock is used in construction
c) Briefly outline the Bowen Series of rock classification and indicate to what extent this can explain the weathering characteristics of rocks
d) What are the most important mechanical characteristics of rocks used in the following situations:
i) as foundations for roads
ii) as facings for structures
iii) as aggregate for concrete
