Mass Classification of Quaternary gravel deposits

Abstract

Abstract A mass Classification index was devised to determine the variability of highly variable Quaternary gravel deposits in the Netherlands. To classify the “mass” properties trials have been carried out using the “scanline” concept. The scanline concept was verified in Spain to classify river gravel and glacial deposit mass properties such as grading, particle shape and rock type. Using a mass Classification system called the Scanline Quantification of Uniformity for Aggregate Designation or SQUAD, the scanline concept was adapted to determine representativeness of a sample with respect to the surrounding soil mass e.g. for aggregate assessment. When mapping the Quaternary gravel deposits the SQUAD values can be used to determine the confidence levels of contour lines.