ABSTRACT
Glacial soils are soils that are spatially variable in composition, fabric and structure: they are composite soils. This variation is a function of the geological processes that take place on a macro-, meso- and micro-scales, resulting in soils with physical and mechanical properties that are also spatially variable. They are one of the most diverse of generic soil types with compositions ranging from clay size particles to boulders and may be described as fine- or coarse-grained soils but exhibit features of both fine- and coarse-grained soils. They are complex soils, which are known to be difficult to deal with. Codes of practice and design guidelines may not provide sufficient, relevant information to assess the ground conditions and produce design parameters and, possibly, give wrong information. Design and construction practice based on sound scientific and engineering principles will produce safe, economic, sustainable structures that are fit for purpose. This has been demonstrated using case studies to highlight the characteristics of glacial soils and how they behave. Recent developments in data collection, management, interpretation and analyses have created opportunities to develop regional databases for glacial soil characteristics and use them to improve the selection of site-specific data. The purpose of this chapter is to set out a strategy using the guidelines in Eurocode 7 (BS EN 1997-1:2004+A1:2013, BS EN 1997-2:2007) to clarify what is required when engineering glacial soils.
