Fred Shrimer (Golder Associates, Vancouver, Canada) has published a paper on the geomechanics of heave due to pyrite oxidation.
The paper, titled “Geomechanics of heave due the use of pyritic mudstone, Ireland” follows previous presentations and publications by Shrimer:
Shrimer, F.H., and Briggs, A. (2014). Pyritic heave in Ireland: A case study in selection. Paper presented at the 67th Canadian Geotechnical Conference (GeoRegina 2014). Saskatchewan, Canada, September 28th-October 1st 2014. Link to full paper PDF (permission granted by Fred Shrimer to upload PDF).
Shrimer, F.H., and Bromley, A.V. (2012). Pyritic heave in Ireland: The role of petrography.… Read the rest
The Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) has produced eight reports since the Pyrite Remediation Scheme was introduced in February 2014. Statistics are provided on the PRB website and in recent news articles. See statistics below and follow links for original data.
The Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) has produced eight reports since the Pyrite Remediation Scheme was introduced in February 2014. Further statistics are provided on the PRB website and in recent news articles. See statistics below and follow links for original data.
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice, Campos Sanchez-Bordona has delivered an opinion on Case C-613/14 (James Elliott Construction Ltd v Irish Asphalt Ltd). The Opinion was given in response to the request for a preliminary ruling from the Supreme Court of Ireland. The Opinion was delivered on 28/01/2016. The full text of the Opinion and the conclusions can be read by clicking here.
George Matheson (Matrock Consulting) and Paul Quigley (Irish Geotechnical Services Ltd) have published a paper on the petrological examination and assessment of aggregates that have undergone pyrite-induced swelling.
The paper, titled “Evaluating pyrite-induced swelling in Dublin mudrocks” follows previous presentations and publications by the Matheson:
Matheson, G.D, and Jones, G.L.I. (2015). The habit and form of gypsum crystals in Irish mudstone aggregate affected by pyrite-induced swelling. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. 48, 167-174. Click here to read a summary of the paper.
Matheson, G. (2012). Pyrite-induced swelling. Annual Guest Lecture given to the Geotechnical Society of Ireland.… Read the rest
George Matheson (Matrock Consulting) and Gareth Jones (Conodate Geology) have published a paper on the mineralogy of gypsum in aggregates that have undergone pyrite heave. The authors used advanced petrography to examine the form of gypsum and its relation to forceful or passive growth with regards to aggregate expansion.
The paper, titled “The habit and form of gypsum crystals in Irish mudstone aggregate affected by pyrite-induced swelling” follows previous presentations by Matheson, e.g., in December 2012:
Matheson, G. (2012). Pyrite-induced swelling. Annual Guest Lecture given to the Geotechnical Society of Ireland. 6.12.12, Engineers Ireland, Dublin. Click here to see original flyer.… Read the rest
Mourice Czerewko (AECOM) and John Cripps (University of Sheffield) have published a paper on the investigation of pyrite heave affecting properties in Dublin, Ireland. The authors report on a case study from north Dublin, where pyrite bearing fill had been used below the new-build property floor slabs.
The paper, titled “Investigation of destructive ground heave affecting new-build properties constructed using pyrite bearing fill in the Dublin area of Ireland” follows prior research on the Irish pyrite problems (click here to view literature on the Irish pyrite issues).
Abstract
“Although structural damage caused by the expansion of bedrock and fills due to the presence of pyrite has been documented internationally since the 1960s, there is an apparent lack of awareness of the potential for these problems in the construction industry, particularly the domestic housing sector.
The Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) has produced six reports since the Pyrite Remediation Scheme was introduced in February 2014. Further statistics are provided on the PRB website and in recent news articles. See statistics below and follow links for original data.
Homebond’s repudiation of purchasers’ claims – was it lawful?
Joseph Tyrrell (FCII, FCILA, FUEDI-ELAE), an insurance claims expert from Dublin, has published an extensive report on HomeBond’s repudiation of purchasers’ claims under the Major Defects Warranty in the HomeBond Agreement for Damage by Pyritic Heave.
report executive summary
In the report summary, Joseph Tyrrell writes:
“Following a wide-ranging investigation, I am satisfied that HomeBond’s rejection of hundreds of its warranty-holders’ claims was invalid, for reasons which I have examined in detail in the main body of this report…”
“It is astonishing, to my mind, that no one in authority appears to have looked closely at the reasons given for wrongfully turning down so many Purchasers’ claims, but it seems that this is what happened and that HomeBond has thus far got away with its shameful behaviour.
The Pyrite Resolution Board report (for 2014) was published on 17th June 2015. The report PDF can be found on the Pyrite Resolution Board website, or by clicking this link.
Applications Summary (END of 2014)
The PRB first annual report provides a summary of applications to the Board. Photographs of typical damage and the remediation process are included within the report. At the end of 2014, the applications were as follows:
620 applications in total
145 applications at Validation (including 6 refused applications)
171 applications Validated, at Verification
3 applications Verified and awaiting decision on inclusion
301 applications Included in scheme
106 applications in Planning/Scheduling
190 applications at Specification and Tender Preparation stage
0 applications in Remediation
5 applications Remediated
expenditure
The total expenditure reported for 2014 was reported as €796,969, with the following breakdown:
IT System Setup €72,320
Engineers €145,380 (€306,722 outstanding at end of 2014)
Works Contractors €144,371 (€3,701 outstanding at end of 2014)
Homeowner’s Payments €142,756
Administration & Overheads €292,142
The above can also be considered in terms of proportions of the whole expenditure (own calculations, not those of the PRB):
IT System Setup (9 %)
Engineers (18 %)
Works Contractors (18 %)
Homeowner’s Payments (18 %)
Administration & Overheads (37 %)
An additional €1,663,224 is possible for future payments “…in respect of the 301 dwellings included in the Scheme in 2014 for the Building Condition Assessment, alternative accommodation and storage…”
legal proceedings
The PRB report states that “…legal proceedings by the PRB against a developer in respect of 17 dwellings have commenced and it is anticipated that others will follow.… Read the rest
Click to download as PDF