Tab Article
Growing urban populations have resulted in the development of marginal land and brownfield sites as well as increasing the desirability of maximum utilisation of underground space. As a result, there is an increasing need for urban planners and developers to understand the geotechnical and geo-environmental issues involved in urban construction.
Hidden aspects of urban planning aims to raise the awareness of geotechnical and geoenvironmental issues among urban planners and within the urban planning frameworks across Europe. This report describes some basic geotechnical concepts, and illustrates how geotechnical engineering can be used to overcome potential problems. It demonstrates the benefits of using underground space and ‘brownfield’ sites with numerous examples of international best practice.
The report addresses the issues of:
- utilisation of underground space
- urban regeneration, its demands on the environment and the re-use of brownfield sites
- underground thermal energy storage
- use of geological and geotechnical information in urban planning
- geohazards, risk of damage and associated costs
- sustainable development of the ground
The authors have made use of case studies from across Europe and beyond to illustrate key issues.
Hidden aspects of urban planning will enable planners to avoid the increased risks, construction costs and delays that may result if geotechnical issues are not considered sufficiently early in the planning process. Endorsed by the European Council of Town Planners, this report will be essential reading for planners, architects and developers and the geotechnical engineer interacting with these professions.
