UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £500K and £1M

This is for a ground engineering scheme (as a standalone project or part of a larger development) with a contract value of between £500K and £1M that stands out in terms of its credentials in innovation, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering.

AtkinsRéalis, Isle of Wight Council, Ringway Island Roads, Socotec and Soil Engineering Geoservices
The landslip, Leeson Road

In December 2023, following extreme rainfall, a catastrophic landslip took place on the coastal slopes below Leeson Road (A3055), Ventnor, Isle of Wight. The rear scarp of the landslide was less than 15m from the edge of road and as a result, Leeson Road, a strategic transport link connecting Shanklin and Ventnor, had to be closed. RIRL engaged AtkinsRéalis in January 2024 to undertake a forensic assessment of the geological and geotechnical information available on the ancient coastal landslide, and to understand the potential risk to Leeson Road from further expansion of the landslide. This included undertaking further monitoring and intrusive ground investigation works. The project culminated with the development of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) which allowed the road to be safely re-opened, and which helped to provide a long-term strategy for maintaining the route.

Ayesa, Geobear, Murphy and Network Rail
Grange-over-Sands embankment repair

In March 2024, a large void developed within a rail embankment near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria, leading to the derailment of a passenger train. The project team comprising Murphy, Ayesa, Geobear and Network Rail were deployed on an emergency basis to determine the cause of the void and develop a rapid remedial solution. Ground investigation works and site assessment determined the cause of the void as a soil piping feature, triggered by water seepage through the embankment and underlying soils. The failure was resolved using innovative, environmentally friendly ground improvement techniques comprising the injection of a state-of-the-art geopolymer to infill the void and stabilise the earthwork foundation prior to reconstruction of the railway embankment. The works were delivered safely by multiple teams, working day and night to allow the railway to be reopened quickly. The project showcased innovation, safety and efficient project delivery in the face of numerous challenges.

Bam Ritchies
Wall 23 TRU

This project exemplifies geotechnical excellence, successfully delivering a complex ground treatment solution within a highly constrained 700m² site. Located between an active railway and a fully operational concrete batching plant, the works required meticulous planning, innovative problem-solving, and close collaboration to ensure both safety and efficiency. The project aimed to stabilize the shallow Wheatley Lime Coal Seam before constructing a retaining wall. Drilling operations required highly maneuverable rigs capable of inclined drilling beyond the site footprint. To meet tight deadlines, a dynamic project management approach was adopted, including up to twice-daily stakeholder meetings and a digital tracking system for efficient data sharing. Efficiency was maximized by optimizing borehole selection and grout volumes, reducing unnecessary drilling. Safety was paramount, with a custom-designed stand for bagged PFA mitigating suspended load risks. This project highlights adaptability, precision, and the power of collaboration in geotechnical engineering.

Bam Ritchies
Trench lane

Trench Lane Cutting Soil Nailing, located on the BAG2 line, between Bromsgrove and Worcestershire Parkway saw BAM Ritchies install 500 soil nails and 4000m2 of erosion control and high tensile steel wire mesh. Works were undertaken during daytime Any Line Open (ALO) working, where BAM Ritchies utilised a long reach excavator, terrapin slope rigs and IRATA rope access techniques to install soil nails. We also utilised a number of weekend shifts during engineering hours to undertake works trackside with Road Rail Vehicles, equipped with our specialist drill masts, to install nails otherwise inaccessible safely. BAM Ritchies was further contracted for the removal of a 160m long retaining wall and toe slope regrade. BAM Ritchies worked with our specialist operatives, plant and supply chain partners to deliver the works for our client, whilst minimising delays and disruption for passengers, and ensuring the resilience of the cutting for years to come.

Menard
SmartParc Spondon: Greggs

Menard designed and installed an innovative CMC solution to support the foundations and ground floor slabs of a new state-of-the-art frozen manufacturing and logistics warehouse for Greggs at SmartParc, Spondon. In addition to supporting the regular shallow foundations and general ground bearing slabs, Menard proposed and executed a CMC design beneath a tight tolerance, automated racking slab with differential settlement criteria set at 1/2000. The CMC solution was designed to work below a specially designed slab with thickenings to provide a robust ground improvement solution which ensured both bearing capacity and the very stringent total and differential settlement requirements. Good collaboration with the principal contractor TSL and engineer Jubb ensured a successful project with substantial programme, cost and carbon benefits compared to proposed base solutions involving traditional piles.

Mott MacDonald Bentley and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Llyn Celyn Reservoir: PMF flood conveyance remedial works

Mott MacDonald Bentley were appointed by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to deliver the design and construction of an auxiliary spillway at Llyn Celyn Reservoir, near Bala in North Wales. The spillway was constructed in an open excavation through the northern shoulder of the dam. The location of the A4212 meant a simple battered excavation was not feasible without significant road closures, which were not permitted. To achieve the required batter angle of 70 degrees a soil nail wall was constructed. A site trial, with close collaboration between the ground engineering team, wider design team. site team and the appointed sub-contractor, resulted in an optimised soil nail design. Further optimisation of the design was achieved through live ground model updates and adopting an observational approach during the main works resulted in significant cost, programme, and embodied carbon savings.

QTS Group, Network Rail and MHB Consultants
Ratho rock cutting

In early 2024, remedial works to critical rock cuttings along the Glasgow-Edinburgh railway was undertaken during a five-day, round-the-clock operation. The 200-metre-long cutting, obscured by vegetation for years had prevented representative inspections taking place. The situation became urgent after a small rockfall triggered a comprehensive risk assessment. QTS Group, Network Rail, and MHB Consultants worked together to address the cutting’s unknown condition. The project involved installing high-tensile netting and ground anchors, with real-time adjustments during vegetation clearance. Multiple crews worked efficiently, managing a tight timeline and ensuring minimal downtime. Other legacy assets from the old station, including a hidden 6-metre-high retaining wall, were uncovered during the work. The project was completed on time, safeguarding a vital rail section under huge national media spotlight. Its success highlights engineering excellence, collaboration, community considerations and innovation, setting a new benchmark for managing complex challenges in the railway industry.

LEAP Environmental part of RSK Geosciences
Former MOD site investigation

The project comprised a detailed intrusive investigation using various techniques across a complex former MOD site within a stringent timeframe and budget, demonstrating excellent collaboration between disciplines. With complex hazards including UXO, ecology, radiological, buried structures, solution features and the logistical challenges for a site over 75 Ha, careful planning ensured the investigation was both efficient and sustainable, whilst maintaining the health and safety of all personnel. The extensive works completed allowed for thorough geotechnical and geoenvironmental analysis of the site, improving understanding of the ground model to reduce the need for over-excavation of materials during the development phase, refine foundation design and minimise the environmental impact, whilst protecting end users of the proposed development. The project's success highlighted effective teamwork, meticulous planning, and a commitment to sustainability in the face of complex constraints.

Tony Gee and Partners
Midlands Mainline embankment cutting during possession for the Radlett jack-box push

Exceptional measures were required to manage the temporary stability of a steep cut-slope 9m high for a jack-box excavation in Made Ground. This phase of works was key to the overall delivery of SEGRO Radlett Logistics Park, and the works drew both industry and public attention. The time dependency of the soil behaviour, and the uncertainty around the material composition, required an observational approach to be utilised, with close collaboration with all parties involved including NR. Possession time constraints, material volumes, slope stability and the safety of those working around these slopes were key factors in the consideration and approach. Tony Gee, for BWB, undertook the temporary and permanent works design for the jack box and cutting, and collaborated closely with VolkerFitzpatrick and Collins Earthworks Limited on site during the works to ensure that these works were delivered safely and on time for the hand-back of the Midlands Mainline Railway.

Walsh
Cecil Avenue development

The Cecil Avenue development is a £92 million regeneration scheme delivering 304 homes in Wembley. Walsh provided geotechnical and structural design for a 7.5m-deep basement, overcoming significant instability risks posed by the site's proximity to the Wembley Hill Railway Cutting—an area studied in Prof. A.W. Skempton’s seminal work on slope stability. Rather than deferring temporary works to the contractor, we designed an integrated solution using permanent piles for temporary lateral support. This eliminated internal propping, creating an unencumbered excavation area that improved buildability and cut eight weeks (6.5%) from the programme. Real-time monitoring and the Observational Method enabled proactive risk management, ensuring stability while maintaining cost and sustainability targets. Close collaboration between Walsh, Wates Residential, and GCL ensured seamless delivery. This project sets a benchmark for modern geotechnical engineering, demonstrating the impact of innovative, sustainable, and technically excellent design.

WSP, Walters and Somerset Council
B3224 Roundwaters retaining wall

A sustainable geotechnical solution to stabilise a failed embankment has been developed by WSP in collaboration with Somerset Council and Walters UK. The embankment is located on the B3224 in Exmoor National Park, spanning across the Larcombe Brook valley. The failure occurred during storm events which caused a significant portion of the embankment and adjacent highway to collapse. Following an optioneering exercise and ground investigation, a sheet piled solution adopting Giken Supercrush technology was taken through to detailed design. Walters developed a robust construction phase plan, minimising potential impacts associated with extreme water flows, temporary stability and plant operations, and all within a working area of no more than 6m width. All parties worked collaboratively to ensure site queries were dealt with proactively, providing regular updates to the community. Construction was completed safely 3 weeks ahead of programme, minimising impact on the local economy and the surrounding environment.