16 December 2005
Landslide research wins award for Dundee student
Research into the causes of a dramatic landslide which trapped 20 vehicles on the A85 in Glen Ogle in 2004 has won a Dundee University postgraduate student top prize in a national competition.
Fraser Milne (24), a PhD student in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, impressed the judges of the poster competition organised by the Scottish Geotechnical Group and The Geological Society West of Scotland Group with his investigation into why the landslide happened and what can be done to protect us from landslide hazards.
The hazard prevention strategies featured in his submission included the establishment of a debris flow warning system based on weather forecasts, the use of road diversions and engineering solutions such as debris canopies and traps.
"The research is part of my PhD work on the effect of climate change on the debris flow hazard along the Scottish road network," explained Fraser, who already has a geography degree and a Master of Research degree from the university.
"Debris flow is a kind of landslide and they happen quite a lot in Scotland. Occasionally they come across a road and the effects can be very dramatic as was the case in Glen Ogle where 20 vehicles were trapped and 57 people had to be airlifted to safety.
"They are becoming more frequent. They are usually triggered by intense rainfall and with climate change we can expect more extreme weather and heavier rainfall. I'm trying to understand what factors control where they happen and what can be done to manage future hazards."
As well as submitting his poster Fraser, who is originally from Forfar, had to give a short presentation on his research and took part in a question and answer session.
His prize for being voted top entrant was an engraved quaich and the recognition that his research work is well on track.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The poster competition in Geotechnical Engineering and Applied Geology was jointly hosted by the Scottish Geotechnical Group and the Geological Society West of Scotland Group. Entry was open to geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists and related construction professionals including research students aged 30 and under.
For more information contact:
Hilary McNally,
Press Office
Tel: 01382 344021,
Email: h.mcnally@dundee.ac.uk | 
