CVEN90044 Eng Site Characterisation

- Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

The University of Melbourne >

 Today…
• Slides prepared by Prof Ian W. Johnston
• Desktop site characterisation
• Geology of Melbourne and surroundings
 Reading

Notes – Eng Geol of Melbourne – (class notes

prepared by Prof Ian Johnston – LMS Resources)

Additional information
“Blue book” (Eng Geol of Melbourne) – (Library)
LMS Resources
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

When undertaking a geotechnical site investigation, there is

always information to help with planning the investigation:
•What to expect and where to expect it
•What sort of drilling, sampling and testing is required
•What foundations are likely – therefore what detail is required
•Forewarning of any problems
•Likely outcomes of investigation and likely conclusions
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Main sources of geotechnical information for Melbourne:

• Experience of local geotechnical engineers and geologists

• Files and records of public authorities, consultants and
contractors
• Engineering Geology of Melbourne (“Blue Book”)
• Geological maps
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Geological maps

• Geological Survey of Victoria 1:63,360 series

 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Geological maps

• Geological Survey of Victoria 1:63,360 series

1. Anglesea
7. Cranbourne
9. Geelong
14. Kinglake
16. Melbourne
21. Portarlington
23. Ringwood
24. Sorrento
25. Sunbury
26. Westernport
28. Yan Yean
- Engineering Geology: Melbourne (16) -
- Engineering Geology: Ringwood (23) -
- Engineering Geology: Ringwood (23) -
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Geological maps

• Geological Survey of Victoria 1:31,680 series

- Engineering Geology of Melbourne -
Geological
Cross Section
of Melbourne

Section Line
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

CBD, Inner & Middle Suburbs, 6 Main Soil and Rock Types
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

• Published in 1992
• Contains 43 papers on a range of topics
• Data on origin, occurrence and engineering characteristics
of all main geotechnical materials of the area
• Specific hazards (e.g. compressible soils, reactive soils,
slope instability, earthquakes, ground water, contamination)
• Construction and quarry sources
• Construction Issues (tunnels, domestic footings, anchors
and road foundations).
- Engineering Geology of Melbourne -
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

Example of detail – Yarra Delta Group (light green on map)
•Port Melbourne Sand
 Mainly south of the Yarra
 Variable density, trend to be denser upstream
 About 5m thick near Webb Dock
 Thicker to south and east
- Engineering Geology of Melbourne -
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

Example of detail – Yarra Delta Group (light green on map)
•Coode Island Silt
Extensive over area, dominates foundation choice
Very soft and compressible near surface
Better at depth
Up to about 30m thick
Serious consequences with groundwater lowering
More later
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

Example of detail – Yarra Delta Group (continued)
•Jolimont Clay
Found by Yarra near the CBD and Jolimont Rail
Yards
Stiff to very stiff silty clay
Can be several metres thick
Good founding soil
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

Example of detail – Yarra Delta Group (continued)
•Newer Volcanics/Burnley Basalt Flow
East and north of the CBD
Stiff/very stiff/hard residual clays over basalt rock
Up to 30m thick
Good in bearing but residual soil highly reactive
More later
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

Example of detail – Yarra Delta Group (continued)
•Fishermens Bend Silt
 Extensive over many areas
 Stiff to very stiff silty clay
Can be up to about 6m thick
Good founding soil
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Engineering Geology of Melbourne

Example of detail – Yarra Delta Group (continued)
•Moray Street Gravels
Extensive over delta area
Often up to about 15m thick, can be thicker
Generally dense sands and gravels
Good founding material
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Coode Island Silt – Undrained Shear Strength v Depth

Su (kPa)
Depth z (m)
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Coode Island Silt - Compression Index v Moisture Content

w (%)

Cc
 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Quaternary Basalt – Subsurface extent

 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Blue Book Sections around the Yarra Delta

 - Engineering Geology of Melbourne -

Section along line of Westgate Freeway

 Summary
• Enginering geology of Melbourne
• Overview – geological maps
• Main characteristics of each formation

Reminders:
Tutorial = none this week
PC Lab = Yes, 1hr with tutors to ask questions 
Field practical = none this week (BUT self-guided week 3)
Assignments = Check LMS>Assessment and Feedback
 PC Lab Session
• 1 hr PC lab session this week
(check Tut/PC/FT schedule in LMS)
• Your fieldwork timeslots/stream  Tut/Prac stream
• Attend YOUR own pract timeslot
• Evacuate your doubts

Groups
• Self-guide visit (group effort)
• Groups posted by ~Friday in LMS
• Your fieldwork timeslots/stream  Tut/Prac stream