Deformation, diagenesis, and the mechanical behaviour of the chalk

The chalk of England is a highly variable material resulting from numerous deformation processes of which the most important are diagenetic or tectonic in nature. The engineering behaviour of the chalk is influenced greatly by these processes thus giving rise to the necessity of carrying out studies of physical properties to aid the prediction of engineering performance. The results of these studies are of value when examining deformation mechanisms associated with diagenesis and tectonism. In this paper use is made of results obtained from engineering laboratory index tests to study deformation mechanisms associated with early diagenesis and the influence of overburden and tectonism.