Pells Consulting - Engineering Consultants

Selected Papers

This website includes selected publications by Philip Pells and co-authors published between 1980 and 2009. Many of these publications include guidelines that have been widely used in the design of earth dams, tunnels and foundations.

They are included here to provide ready access to fellow professionals and may be used freely*.

Surface and Groundwater

In November 2010, Pells Consulting commenced a self funded study into the water levels of the Thirlmere Lakes (NSW) to assist in understanding the reasons why the lakes dried out progressively from 1996 to 2011. A report was issued in October 2011 and is available here, together with addenda covering additional work since that time.

Rock Mechanics and Tunnel Support

The ten papers published on this website relate to the development work undertaken, between 1990 and 2011, in the construction of tunnels in the Triassic rocks of the Sydney Basin. These tunnels range in spans up to 24 metres and are all supported with permanent rockbolts and shotcrete. The papers give information on the engineering geology of the rocks and describe the design methods developed for the permanent support of these tunnels.

Foundations on Rock

Between 1980 and 1993 a substantial research study was undertaken in Sydney to develop design methods for high capacity foundations on rock. This includes the design of rock socketed piles. The three papers describe the design methods developed out of this research program; methods that have been widely applied by practitioners in the Sydney area for almost two decades.

Hawkesbury Sandstone

Commencing during his sojourn at Sydney University, Philip Pells developed an interest in the structure and engineering properties of Hawkesbury Sandstone, as part of developing design methods for high capacity foundations and the support of tunnels in this Triassic sandstone. One paper is presented that summarises the engineering properties of Hawkesbury Sandstone and the second paper gives a summary of the engineering geology of this geological formation.

Dams & Tailings Disposal

Two papers are given, one setting out design methods for reinforced rockfill dams, and the second presenting an analysis method for complex, large strain consolidation of tailings.

Slope Stability

The three papers given under this topic cover a wide range of issues. The first describes a design method for soil nail support of vertical cuts in weak shales. The second describes what is probably a unique quick clay landslide in the equatorial area of Sumatra. The third paper gives a method for designing rockfall protection fences.

*Pells Consulting and the authors accept no liability for the use or misuse of the information in these publications and do not guarantee their accuracy or their sufficiency for any design purpose.