A methodology for mapping of quick clay in Sweden

Abstract

Landslides may cause severe destruction that affects both the individuals and functions vital for society. Minor landslides in an area with quick clay may trigger secondary slides, influencing a much greater area compared to slides in areas with no quick clay. Today’s expanding societies demand new areas for exploitation. To effectively meet this demand, there is an increased need to identify areas where quick clay may occur. Direct or indirect methods for assessing the presence of quick clay have previously been presented as well as a strategy for site investigations in quick clay areas. In this article, a methodology for mapping quick clays for the Swedish conditions with methods commonly available in this area is presented. The methodology presented in the article is structured in steps with different levels of detail and visualized with two conceptual flowcharts. Depending on the stage of planning, different types of surveys are recommended. The methodology has been applied at four sites where integrated interpretation of airborne and ground geophysical measurements as well as geotechnical investigations have been carried out. The results from two of these sites are presented here. The study reveals that all the methods used have their advantages and limitations. However, a combined use of the information provides much more accurate interpretation that can be used for a more cost-effective future planning and decision-making.

High‐resolution P‐ and S‐wavefield seismic investigations of a quick‐clay site in southwest of Sweden

“…Previous studies at the location of the 1957 quick‐clay landslide and nearby areas alongside the Göta River have shown that different geophysical tools can successfully detect quick clays and improve the understating of their depositional environment (e.g., Dahlin et al., 2013; Malehmir, Bastani, et al., 2013; Malehmir, Saleem, et al., 2013; Pertuz & Malehmir, 2023; Salas‐Romero et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2016; With et al., 2022). Techniques, which are popular for landslide characterization (e.g.…”