Publications and Research

Over the years GWP has produced many publications, papers for conference and journals and on occasions software, going back to the release of Dr Alan Cobb’s slope stability computer program, GPSSP, originally developed in 1976 and included in the “Handbook on the Design of Tips and Related Structures” in 1991. GPSSP remained in regular use until just 10 years ago when programs with more developed front ends became commercially available.

The links below enable you to download copies of publications, research reports, public reports, conference papers and software programs that GWP have created or been involved with.

A Quarry Design Handbook, 2014 Edition.
Authored jointly by GWP Consultants LLP and David Jarvis Associates Ltd

The primary objectives of good quarry design are the safe, efficient and profitable extraction of the maximum usable material from the available land whilst causing the minimum environmental disturbance and resulting in beneficial final restoration and land-uses. The Handbook sets out to provide a source of reference and guidance to those involved in designing and operating quarries in the UK or elsewhere. In particular, it should assist them in preparing good quality mineral planning applications for new and extension sites, which also incorporate compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements (notably, in the UK, the Quarries Regulations, 1999) and demonstrate effective mitigation of environmental impacts.

The 2014 edition of the Handbook is a completed and updated version of the pre-publication draft Handbook first produced in 2007 as the output of a project funded from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) and managed by the Mineral Industry Research Organisation (MIRO). Research and writing was carried out by GWP Consultants LLP and David Jarvis Associates Ltd.

GWP can print and ring bind a copy of the Quarry Design Handbook for you at cost price. Please contact us for further information.

To read more about the Handbook CLICK HERE.

To read the Handbook starting from the contents pages CLICK HERE.

To download the entire document (an 8Mb zip file containing PDFs of all chapters), CLICK HERE

Secure and Sustainable Final Slopes for SME Aggregate Quarries

ISBN 0897766882

A handbook prepared for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Mineral Industry Research Organisation by the GWP Consultants and David Jarvis Associates.

• Background and project objectives in the context of the 1999 Quarries Regulations and Government policy.
• Discussion on the interested parties with respect to final quarry slopes (SME’s, the HSE, MPA’s, English Nature and other interest groups).
• General settings of quarries and the various rock types worked in England for Aggregate.
• A review of general approaches to landform replication, slope restoration, ground preparation and planting.
• A review of the major mechanisms of slope failure and rockfall, and lists of the geotechnical/safety issues for consideration in planning and design of final slopes.
• Description of the specific restoration techniques of landscape restoration and slope stability by reference to the quarry rim, faces, intermediate benches and floor.
• Discussion on the findings of the project and quarry visits with respect to the landscape issues for successful final restoration.
• Discussion of the findings of the project and quarry visits with respect to the security of final slopes and rockfall.

A study of Silica Sand Quality and End Uses in Surrey and Kent (2010)

GWP also produced a report for Surrey and Kent County Councils titled “A study of Silica Sand Quality and End Uses in Surrey and Kent” in 2010 which was a background document for the Kent Mineral Plan 2013-2030.

PERC, CRIRSCO, and UNFC: minerals reporting standards and classifications

A paper by Stephen Henley and Ruth Allington published in European Geologist, number 36, November 2013.

To download a copy of the paper CLICK HERE.

DUBLIN’S METRO NORTH: THE ROLE OF INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING EXPERTS – Conference paper

In 2008, the Irish Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) agreed to provide independent engineering advice for the benefit of property owners and residents possibly affected by the construction and operation of Metro North. RPA’s initially published objective was for the experts to provide to the public accessible information about the scheme and proposed mitigation measures for significant impacts. This objective quickly developed to include promotion of meaningful consultation enabling local concerns to be translated into technical solutions in some cases.

This paper describes the work that was done and the value and outcomes of the appointment of independent engineering experts from both the client’s and experts’ perspectives, looking back. It reflects on: cost-benefit of this approach; how the independence of the experts was assured (and perceived); response from the community and RPA, and the deployment of listening and communication skills alongside technical expertise.

To download a full copy of the paper, CLICK HERE.