Large scale geomorphological mapping and Highway engineering design

TLDR

Geomorphological mapping in highway engineering site investigations rapidly yields key information on ground conditions by identifying surface feature origins, ongoing geological processes, and material distributions. The study outlines eight objectives of geomorphological surveys for highway engineering, evaluating them relative to small‑scale maps and large‑scale plans. Illustrative case studies from Nepal and South Wales demonstrate how these objectives are applied in practice. The review confirms current applications of geomorphological mapping in site investigation and recommends expanding its content for future work.

Abstract

Summary Geomorphological mapping in site investigations for highway engineering is proving to be a rapid means of obtaining much relevant information about ground conditions. Such mapping requires the recognition of both the origin of surface features and the geological processes that still influence them. In addition information about materials is recorded and inferences made about their extent. The paper identifies eight aims of a geomorphological survey for highway engineering and discusses these in the context of small-scale maps and large-scale plans. The latter are illustrated by case studies from Nepal and South Wales. The review identifies the established applications of geomorphological mapping to site investigation and concludes that further work can usefully be directed towards a broadening of the geomorphological content of site investigation.