D29GS Arthurs Seat Coursework

There are two pieces of coursework worth 12.5% each for the D29GS module. The first bit of coursework is explained
below. The aim is to prepare a ground survey report for a (hypothetical) water storage tank on Arthurs Seat. You should
work in groups of 4 people.

New water treatment works

Edinburgh is currently renewing its water treatment and supply network. The largest part of the project is the development
of the new Glencorse water treatment works near Penicuik. Once this new works has been built the existing water
treatment works at Fairmilehead and Alnwickhill will be demolished and the sites redeveloped. The new facility at
Glencorse has the capacity to treat 175 Ml of water per day which is then fed by gravity to the population of Edinburgh.
Part of the site is a large clearwater tank with a capacity of 90 Ml. Should the water processing need to be stopped for
maintenance this tank can supply Edinburgh for between 16 to 18 hours (depending on the time of day). This has been
deemed an acceptable level of risk for the time being but at the moment there is very little other storage capacity for
emergency water supply.

Threats to the water supply

It is unlikely that the new supply would ever be stopped by vandalism as the new facility is enclosed and therefore much
more secure. The new pipeline has four pipes two for water supply and two for the waste water produced to reach the
sewer network. This means that if there is a problem with either of these there is some redundancy to accommodate
maintenance. So the water supply will be more secure than it has been previously.
However, a risk assessment (by PT!) has highlighted that a prolonged failure (of e.g. the power) could stop clean water
production. One solution to reduce this risk is to build additional secure storage capacity. The existing open tanks in the
old sites are not suitable and would need to be rebuilt anyway. Therefore there is the option of building alternative smaller
storage tanks in a number of locations to spread the risk. For each potential site the exact location and service routes
would need to be fully explored and a ground investigation report prepared to establish the viability of the site. The
information obtained can then be used as part of a cost-benefit analysis to compare different options. Ideal locations
would be gravity fed but elevated so that they can service as many customers as possible with a higher pressure supply.

Design brief
Your group has been asked to come up with a proposed solution on Arthurs Seat. You are asked to find an appropriate
location for a water storage tank with the following requirements:

Capacity of tank = 20 Ml,

Gravity fed from Glencorse but higher locations will serve more people,

Covered so secure from vandalism,

Connected to the nearest part of the mains water network (assume any street with buildings has an appropriate
water mains),

Reduce costs where possible,

Aesthetically pleasing or preferably invisible as in a green visible area of the city.

Resources
You may find the following useful sources of information:

Your own field trip observations see below

Geology/surface deposit maps and keys provided in class (from Digimap x2 and older field sheet)
Pauline Thompson (24/08/2012)

Salisbury crags stratum contours map

Topographic maps provided in class/or from Digimap

Satellite photographs (e.g. Google/Flashearth)

Photos from EU virtual fieldtrip (http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/field/holyrood/)

Arthurs Seat animation on VISION

Final report to be submitted by deadline in course schedule on VISION

Your report should include:

Location of your proposed solution and the pipe network on a map,

A couple of sketch elevations/plans to explain the location of the tank itself and how it fits into the landscape,

At least two cross-sections to show the subsurface structures,

A short written account of the formation of the ground conditions in chronological order,

What materials that are likely to be encountered during construction with an initial assessment of their likely
properties,

Any measures that may need to be considered during construction,

What further information you would still need to obtain for a complete ground investigation report

Emphasis of any added value that you think your proposal has.

Field trip
As part of your investigation you will be expected to visit the site and collect some of your own evidence. There will be a
guided trip round some parts of the area. For this you will need to meet at the location on shown on the map below at
9.00 am. Working with your group you will spend some of the time looking for possible sites independently and some of
the time on a guided trip around the Salisbury crags area. This should give you a better idea about what the rocks and
soils look like in situ and will hopefully help you understand the 3D structure and formation of this area. Please bring with
you:

Good footwear (e.g. walking boots)

Waterproof clothing in case it rains

Notebook, pen, pencil and waterproof bag

Camera

A handlens or magnifying glass if you have one.

(Binoculars work quite well as a magnifying glass if used backwards!)

Any food and drink you need for the day.

Please note that taking samples or damaging the rocks in this area is not allowed.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&
msid=111082394294403920185.00047bdc724038d854cbd&ll
=55.946028,-3.160758&spn=0.021604,0.064802&t=h&z=15
Grid Reference: NT 27141 72754
Catch bus to Commonwealth Pool (buses 2/14/30/33/48)
No free parking nearby and need ~3.5+ hours. Nearest free
parking Duddingston or out beyond Cameron Toll.

Pauline Thompson (24/08/2012)