Engineering properties of fine superficial deposits at Sellafield

Overview

The Sellafield site is probably one of the most extensively investigated in the world and hundreds of historic ground investigation factual reports are available in the Sellafield Ltd archive. 

A recent study by Sellafield reviewed over 300 reports, selecting 64 with relevant laboratory and in-situ test data. The primary purpose of this study was to consolidate historic ground investigation information, to derive site-specific correlations and establish ranges of key geotechnical parameters. These correlations are particularly important for areas of the site where geotechnical laboratory testing is restricted due to potential radiological contamination of samples and only in-situ tests can be conducted. A technical paper on the findings was published in the January 2026 issue of the Ground Engineering Magazine.

This presentation will summarise the findings of the study carried out by the geotechnical section of Sellafield Ltd’s CS&A capability team.

Whilst the study was undertaken for Sellafield, its findings have wider relevance. The derived properties and correlations provide a useful reference for projects across West Cumbria, an area of strategic interest for the energetic future of the country (i.e. Moorside, Geological Disposal Facility).