The structure and operation of the BGS National Geotechnical Properties Database. Version 2

The main part of this report describes the development history, structure and content of the BGS National Geotechnical Properties Database, with a final section describing planned future developments to enhance ease of access to, and promote wider use of, the database information for a variety of applications. The National Geotechnical Properties Database primarily holds geotechnical information extracted from site investigation records provided by clients, consultants and contractors, and from field and, secondarily, from laboratory test results carried out by the British Geological Survey. Information held within the database includes locations to British National Grid Coordinates; borehole, core and in situ test data; sample data; and a range of laboratory index, mechanical properties and chemical test data on soils, rocks and water. The database tables and fields are designed to be compatible with data supplied in the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) industry standard digital transfer format, enabling rapid addition of data electronically, in addition to manual entry of analogue legacy data. This information forms the basis for the geotechnical attribution of the 2D and 3D digital geological models and underpins BGS core and commissioned engineering geology research. It also provides an important information resource for external customers and internal/external enquiries. The role of Geotechnical Database Manager has been undertaken by Suzanne Self since 2000.