Terrain evaluation techniques were used for the
Durres to Morine road upgrade assessment in Albania
Terrain evaluation incorporates a number of techniques used
primarily by geomorphologists and engineering geologists to provide
assessments of the ground.
Our techniques tend to be based on an interpretation of aerial
photography or satellite imagery, or direct field mapping of ground
surface landforms. Maps can be produced at a variety of scales to
reflect the nature of the project requirements. When combined with
a geotechnical desk study initial maps can be refined and
provisional ground models may be derived. The need for additional
ground investigations are then assessed for validating and refining
existing ground models. If further investigations are proposed then
they should be targeted in areas where sub-surface information is
lacking. This approach helps ensure cost effectiveness and
accountability of the investigations as well as seeing that
solutions are properly directed. In addition, terrain evaluation is
an option used to assist in delineation of geomorphological and
geological hazards, and helps identify areas where there is
potential for similar hazards to be present. It is a particularly
useful application in constraints studies for infrastructure
corridors.
Mott MacDonald has extensive experience of undertaking terrain
evaluation for various civil engineering projects, which include
long linear structures such as railways, highways and flow transfer
pipelines, and areal studies for large landslide complexes and
resource surveys.
