Geotechnics

Geotechnics

Geotechnics can be described as the application of geological, geophysical and hydrological scientific principles for the solution of engineering problems on or within the ground. The field of geotechnical engineering encompasses a whole host of application types, including foundation design, earthworks (excavating and filling), ground improvement, slope stabilisation and retaining wall construction.

These geotechnical applications offer promising opportunities for the use of secondary and recycled materials, given the massive quantities that are utilised and generally the lower mechanical strength requirements. Nevertheless, these outlets cannot be simply used as dumping grounds for waste and it must be shown that the use of such materials can deliver the required level of performance.

As geotechnics deals with materials in the ground, these applications are potentially more sensitive to environmental impacts, as there is a direct path for constituents released from the materials to make their way into the groundwater system and potentially lead to damaging effects on plants, animals and human life. It must also be taken into account that many of the materials in geotechnical applications are used in unbound form, as opposed to the bound form in applications such as concrete and ceramics.

The research undertaken with sewage sludge ash (SSA) has explored only a small part of the geotechnical applications, focussing mainly on soil stabilisation and also briefly covering its use as a fill material. Development remains in the early stages, with most of the work instigated after the turn of the 21st century. At Greenfield Resources, we stand on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to geotechnics, with nearly 30 years of experience under our belt our team has taken on seemly impossible projects and are committed to being able to re-use spent resources in a safe and well managed manor turning usable materials away from landfill.