| If Safe Cities are to be achieved, decision-makers must have access to, and an appreciation of, sound interpretations and understanding of ground conditions. However, currently, decisions are often based on partial and out-of-date information, and insufficient understanding of the subsurface. To improve this situation, a much better means of access to, and use, and re-use, of data and knowledge is required than is generally the case at present.
The British Geological Survey’s Clyde Urban Super-Project (CUSP) has, in partnership with Glasgow City Council (GCC) and others, developed detailed, attributed 3D models of the superficial deposits (including anthropogenic deposits) and, bedrock of the Glasgow area. These models are the most ambitious and extensive of their kind yet completed in the UK, covering most of the Glasgow area, and at lower resolution of the Clyde catchment. They are based on capture, coding and interpretation of c. 55,000 boreholes, and data capture from 100s of mine abandonment plans. Modelled units are attributed for a wide range of engineering geological properties, estimates of uncertainty/confidence are made for modelled surfaces and buried infrastructure can also be incorporated within the models. In addition, a voxellated (3D cellular) model of the uppermost 20-30 metres of the subsurface of central and eastern Glasgow has also been developed. This forms an alternative basis, relevant at site scale, for modelling near-surface engineering and geotechnical properties.
The models have been used, by GCC and others, in developing contaminant remediation strategies, and numerical modelling of groundwater (recharge and flow) in major regeneration areas. The models are also being used to assess ground source heat and thermal storage potential of the shallow groundwater and minewaters in the urban area, and infiltration potential across the urban area for sustainable drainage (SuDS). This will enable conflicting uses of the subsurface, and particularly of the groundwater and its properties, to be recognised and resolved. Similarly, they are used to asses potential hazards associated with abandoned mineworkings.
BGS’s intention is now to make these models available to end-users in Glasgow through a pioneering knowledge exchange network (ASK – Accessing Subsurface Knowledge), to be launched soon. This aims to transform subsurface data and knowledge exchange in the area and will explore the full potential of the models by decision makers (local and regulatory authorities) and industry (developers, consultants, contractors). The network can also act as the means for efficient exchange of data to enable updated models to be produced. As a result, potentially significant improvements can be achieved, particularly in reducing the potential for unforeseen ground conditions, so that the sustainable development of Safe Cities can be realised.
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