UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K

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

Aecom & Network Rail
Southern Mining Evaluations – Risk Assessment & Prioritisation for Network Rail

AECOM, in conjunction with Network Rail, has undertaken a pro-active review of legacy mining hazards across 150km of track in Sussex, Wessex and Kent, a region which has seen significant and varied mining (including chalk and ironstone) throughout a long period of it’s history, which poses unique geotechnical challenges. This project introduced an innovative step-change to industry standard and “best practice” assessments of mining risk. The adapted process is better suited to local geological conditions and historical industrial legacies beyond coal mining. In doing so, it provided a novel framework incorporating the “likelihood” of hazard presence and “priority” for future works rating to the client, thus enabling a more efficient and cost-effective approach to remediation and highlighting areas of safety concerns. The developed system has the potential to be implemented on other projects within the Southeast, further adapted to address other regions, or other large-scale proactive geotechnical asset management programmes.

Bachy Soletanche
Llyn Egnant Dam Anchors

Bachy Soletanche was responsible for the design, supply and installation of nine post-tensioned permanent ground anchors to provide long-term stabilisation to the concrete dam at Llyn Egnant Reservoir. The remote location, high altitude, and environmental sensitivity required detailed planning, logistical management and innovative solutions. Bachy Soletanche opted for DYWIDAG multi-stage anchor systems, which enabled them to extend the fixed length of the anchors beyond the usual limits. As the anchors were supplied in multiple strands, Bachy Soletanche was able to work around the access and space constraints on site. Bachy Soletanche also avoided the use of a crane by reducing the pre-grouted, bonded lengths of each anchor. Further to this, Bachy Soletanche designed a bespoke stuffing box system to capture drill arisings, which prevented contamination of the reservoir.

Bam Ritchies, National Highways & WSP
Wynhol Viaduct - High Rise Investigations

As part of the 10-year maintenance check on the slopes of the split-level motorway section, Wynhol Cuttings, between junctions 19 and 20 of the M5, a team of over twenty specialist rope operatives from BAM Ritchies and WSP carried out the ultra-safe surveys above the traffic. High above the travelling motorists, on the steep rock slopes, teams have been carrying out intensive and lofty geotechnical work. The Wynhol cuttings were blasted from the hard rock of the Gordano Valley, and the viaduct, constructed soon after as part of the M5 section between the Avonmouth Bridge and East Brent. Included in the survey work, at heights of up to 38 metres, new cutting-edge sensors have been installed and existing sensors checked across a mile of the cutting to monitor bolts, anchors and rock strength. The surveys will inform National Highways whether, anchors, bolts and netting will need updating.

Bam Ritchies & Team 2100
Purfleet and Grays Ground Anchor Testing- Anchored to the Future

The anchor inspections and maintenance at Purfleet and Grays was not a ‘usual’ inspection contract. The age of the asset and poor condition of many of the ground anchors necessitated collaborative decision making between all the stakeholders to come up with robust yet practical solutions to repair damaged anchors or protect them from further degradation. Some of these solutions required the rapid fabrication of bespoke components and adaption to methodology which was managed extremely efficiently by the site team. The implementation of the chosen solutions was able to be delivered through our in-house multidisciplinary capability which resulted in minimal impact on the programme. The maintenance and repairs undertaken have extended the longevity of the ground anchors and flood defence structure providing assurance to the client and locally based stakeholders that they are protected from flooding for years to come.

Fugro, Nexus and Furrer & Frey
Newcastle Metro RILA Survey

Fugro worked with Nexus, the public body which owns Newcastle Metro, and specialist engineer Furrer + Frey, utilising our innovative Rail Infrastructure Alignment Acquisition System (RILA®) to conduct a safer and more efficient review of their rail assets versus a traditional manual survey. The RILA® equipment includes a bespoke lightweight box fitted to the coupling of a Metro car to gather on-track data from trains during operating hours, delivering Nexus full comprehensive survey data to inform the design of allocation drawings for the whole overhead line (OHL) system. The RILA® surveys produced a substantial cost saving for Nexus compared to the alternative of deploying engineers on foot over at least 100-night shifts and with requirements for overtime within that. The method is also much safer, because engineers are not out on the track, and has less margin for error.

Geobear, Surrey County Council & Ringway
A323 Aldershot Road - Clay Shrinkage Stabilisation

Surrey County Council & Ringway worked with engineering contractor Geobear to develop a solution used to stabilise the deep clay soil beneath a section of the A323. The project represents a pioneering achievement in ground engineering, marked by the innovative use of Geobear's injected geopolymer treatment. This first-of-its-kind application in the UK successfully stabilised challenging clay soil beneath a major road, minimising the typical disruptions associated with extensive excavation. The project was completed in just two weeks, significantly reducing the duration and impact of roadworks on residents and businesses, especially a nearby school. This method dramatically reduced CO2 emissions by at least 62% compared to traditional methods, showcasing a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The project's efficiency, minimal disturbance to the public, and focus on safety and sustainability set a new standard in the field, demonstrating our capability to handle complex geotechnical challenges with innovation and sustainability.

Mainmark Ground Engineering UK & Demolition Services Group
Arena Point

Construction of Arena Point, Leeds, set to be the world’s tallest Purpose Built Student Accommodation, has been able to go ahead thanks in no small part to the expertise of Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) who stabilised the ground prior to excavation. The proximity of nearby buildings, infrastructure and the restricted site meant traditional piling and ground anchor techniques were unsuitable. Mainmark UK developed an innovative new approach using its Teretek® geopolymer resin injection technology. This was injected in a very high density to fill any voids, compact the ground and bind together larger cobbles and brick fragments. It was completed cost-effectively in just ten days, without the need for heavy plant, allowing the project to continue on schedule. Now proven, this application of Mainmark’s Teretek® can be used for projects across the UK where traditional piling solutions is unsuitable, allowing prime development and brownfield sites to be utilised.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Balfour Beatty & BakerHicks
Tynybryn Footbridge

During Storm Dennis in 2020 the River Ely caused significant scour damage near the A4119 in Tonyrefail, between Tynybryn Road and Park Lane. As such work was required to realign the river away from the direction of private properties, in addition to proving flow calming. As part of the scheme an existing footbridge was replaced by a fibre reinforced plastic bridge and upgraded to an Active Travel Scheme standard to promote walking and cycling. Initial concept designs developed by others suggested the use of piles to transfer loads to greater depths. During the detail design a change in approach was developed. As an alternative methodology, an innovative geopolymer ground improvement scheme was utilised to eliminate the need for piling. This approach had many benefits to the scheme including safety, cost, programme and sustainability.