CHARACTERIZATION OF GLACIAL TILLS FROM AN EXCAVATION NEAR FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA

Andrew Bayliss

In the proceedings of: GeoQuébec 2015: 68th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference

Session: Rock Mechanics and Engineering Geology III / Mécanique des roches et génie géologique III

ABSTRACT: An excavation conducted beneath the north starter dyke of the Sand Cell 2 Tailings Dam has permitted the geological mapping and geotechnical characterization of complex sub-glacial assemblage composed of glacial tills and rafted bedrock that overlie an infilled, tunnel valley, known as the Kearl Channel. The mapping data was supplemented with borehole and laboratory testing data from drilling programs and geographical information system data from the Alberta Geological Survey. This study concluded that the moraine was composed of a sub-glacial traction till, analogous to the Firebag Till, and rafted bedrock derived from the Clearwater Formation. The moraine was overlain and interbedded by deformed sands and gravels indicative of a sub-glacial braided canal system. Updated interpretations of the glacigenic units are proposed based on recent developments in glaciological studies.

RÉSUMÉ: Une excavation réalisée sous la digue de démarrage Nord du barrage de résidus Sand Cell 2 a permis la cartographie -glaciaire composé de tills glaciaires et de fragments de socle rocheux reposant sur une vallée tunnel remblayée, connue sous le nom de Kearl Channel. Les forages, ainsi que d-glaciaire analogue au till de Firebag et de fragments de socle rocheux issus de la Formation de Clearwater. La moraine a été recouverte et interstratifiée par du -glaciaires anastomosés. Des interprétations actualisées des unités glaciaires sont proposées et basées sur les réc

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Cite this article:
Andrew Bayliss (2015) CHARACTERIZATION OF GLACIAL TILLS FROM AN EXCAVATION NEAR FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA in GEO2015. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{673,author = Andrew Bayliss,title = CHARACTERIZATION OF GLACIAL TILLS FROM AN EXCAVATION NEAR FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA,year = 2015}