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
Derbyshire countywide landslide susceptibility assessment
Derbyshire County Council (DCC) sought to better understand where their “Resilient Routes Network” is most susceptible to landslides, to facilitate the development of proactive hazard management approaches, improving user safety, reducing network impacts, and improving the efficiency of their funding spend. Through early Client (DCC) engagement, AECOM designed and proposed a low-cost solution in the form of a custom-made, GIS-based, frequency ratio landslide susceptibility model. This model had a 1m spatial resolution, covered the entire Resilient Routes Network, and included innovative inputs that considered the complex interactions between the Bowland Shale Formation and overlying Millstone Grit Group. The model sensitivities were assessed, and the model uncertainties clearly communicated to ensure that any future interpretations of the model were appropriate. The designed modelling approach can now be easily applied to other high landslide hazard areas, providing a crucial component for large-scale risk and resilience assessments.
Arcadis
A30 Lanivet
This project exemplifies excellence in ground investigation through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Arcadis' role in Early Contractor Involvement transformed complex geotechnical challenges into opportunities for innovation. Advanced non-intrusive techniques, such as microgravity, FEM profiling, and GPR, paired with an award-winning excavator-mounted drilling rig, set new industry benchmarks for safety and efficiency. Comprehensive data from integrated investigations ensured risks, including uncharted mineshafts, were effectively mitigated. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders ensured seamless delivery, minimising disruption to the travelling public while maximising value. This submission stands out by addressing significant risks with cutting-edge solutions, delivering high-quality outcomes, and setting a benchmark for innovation and safety.
AtkinsRéalis
Powderham Banks improvement project
This project leverages non-intrusive, digital technologies to holistically assess the condition of a deteriorating flood defence. By combining multiple drone (imagery, topographic, multi-spectral, thermal) and geophysical (3D resistivity, ground penetrating radar, electromagnetics) datasets as well as sporadic historical information, a list of 20 ‘at-risk’ locations was determined from multiple lines of evidence interpreted from the surveys. In the following 14 months, 25% of these locations would go on to fail. A PRIME system, an autonomous system to collect daily resistivity data from the embankment was installed in September 2024. This data has been used to not only detect piping failures, but used to both identify areas for low-impact early intervention repairs and then to monitor the efficacy of those repairs. This project underscores the value of implementing non-intrusive and cost-effective characterisation and monitoring methods to enable data-driven decision-making regarding repair schedules and future monitoring and management of the asset.
Bam Ritchies
Battscombe Quarry
BAM Ritchies assessed the Batts Combe quarry for drilling and blasting near the fixed plant area, which dated back to 1924-1926. The quarry wanted to establish a new stocking area to improve efficiency. The old kiln site, decommissioned in 2012, was ideal but posed challenges due to its proximity to the plant and geological issues. BAM Ritchies’ team designed a complex blast plan, ensuring safety, adherence to the quarry’s development plan, and optimal blast performance. The blast pattern and reduced charge weights minimized vibration and prevented damage to the plant. The blast was successful, exceeding customer expectations with excellent fragmentation and no damage to the plant. The final face required no additional stabilization, reducing project costs and time. Kyle Boyd, Production Supervisor, praised the team’s exceptional results and positive impact on operations.
Binnies
Blackbrook Dam
Blackbrook Dam reportedly suffered damage due to seismic events in 1957 and 1984. As part of an inspection in 2024 the Inspecting Engineer requested a seismic assessment be undertaken to prove overall dam safety. Following a literature review, Binnies proposed to carry out FEA to USACE manuals using a Binnies derived wave function rather than a pseudo-static approach. This was done because Binnies identified a risk to the upper wall section of the dam that could not be assessed using a mass pseudo-static approach. The results were aligned with design criteria given in the USACE manuals and satisfied overall dam safety requirements whilst identifying possible mode of failure of upper section. This was not initially required but was proposed to the Client as an added benefit to allow further investigation and/or remediation to reduce costs, whilst the analysis proved the overall safety and stability of the dam.
Enviromesh
Dover Grammar School for Boys
As part of the Priority Schools Building program Kier Group undertook the demolition of the existing Dover Grammar School, constructed in 1905 and the design & construction of a new teaching and sports facility. The sloping site was split into two horizontal development plateaus by a 12m high, gabion faced retaining wall. Utilising the Enviromesh E-Wall system, the screened & crushed demolition arisings were recycled to form the reinforced soil mass whilst locally sourced Kent Ragstone was used to fill the gabions. The structure was designed to suit the needs of the site, seamlessly switching from reinforced soil to mass gravity gabion to reduce excavation whilst also including anti-climb measures in areas of contact with students. A pedestrian bridge was installed to allow access directly into the new school building at high level therefor the structure had to resist temporary surcharge loads from the crane and permanent abutment loads.
CGL, Geoterra and SatSense
Stallingborough rock-armour emplacement remotely-sensed pre and post-construction dilapidation study
This site presented highly problematic access issues with Health & Safety implications such that traditional surveying techniques were dangerous and impractical. Additionally, the surface area to be covered by a conventional ground movement study would have been prohibitively expensive. CGL provided an innovative, remotely-sensed solution to provide a robustly surveyed ground model to give confidence that the post rock armour emplacement state of the access roads, sea-wall and storage areas was in the same condition as the extant, pre-works condition. UAV LiDAR and high-resolution orthophotos were complemented with satellite-derived InSAR data to generate pictorial and digital atlases of the project site, all hosted within an accessible GIS model. CGL provided the Client with a considerable cost saving when compared with on-the-ground surveying and provided a significantly larger spatial data set to fully characterise the before and after site model with respect to potential ground subsidence and damage.
CGL
Putting theory to the test in aeolian loess deposits at Collaton St Mary
CGL tackled a challenging development site with highly variable and low-strength ground conditions. CGL’s re-assessment and characterisation of the site’s geology identified potential geohazards associated with very loose Aeolian Coversand, which required a robust and innovative design approach. CGL researched and developed an innovative scheme to assess compaction of the loose soils using rolling dynamic compaction (RDC) alongside a detailed earthworks scheme, to assess viability of conventional raft foundations. Combining advanced 3D finite-element analysis with full-scale compaction trials, the approach provided real-world validation whilst identifying and addressing geotechnical risks and hazards at an early pre-planning stage. A collaborative ‘round table’ process engaged stakeholders, enabling seamless integration of technical, regulatory, and construction considerations. This methodology not only made the site viable for much-needed local housing but also set a new standard for geotechnical problem-solving at an early, site-investigation phase, offering cost-effective, sustainable, and NHBC-compliant solutions.
United Utilities
Rough Crag, Thirlmere: Innovative slope stability remediation
In a truly unique project, United Utilities and their contractor CAN/RSK, worked in collaboration with Natural England, the Lake District National Park authority, Cumberland County Council and interested local groups, to successfully deliver an innovative and sustainable solution, reinforcing the resilience of Rough Crag; thus, ensuring access to the stunning landscape with a backdrop of Helvellyn overlooking Thirlmere Reservoir. The stabilisation work was undertaken by hand, using specialist rope access techniques. The project was underpinned by a truly collaborative approach, meticulous planning of the programme with daily collaboration with Natural England and specialist raptor experts, to ensure there was minimal impact to the SSSI and SAC and no impact to nearby nesting peregrine falcons. This safety critical and challenging project delivered an innovative and environmentally sensitive solution to stabilise this incredibly dangerous rock face. A risk was removed, a SSSI and SAC protected and a stunning visual amenity reinvigorated.
Van Elle
Whorlton Bridge
A delicate and historically sensitive project that brought modern sustainability techniques together with Georgian Engineering to restore one of the UK’s earliest surviving Chain Cable Suspension Bridges. Designed with collaboration from all parties (VL,CSL and VE) with due consideration to site specific restrictions on access and environment, the teams utilised innovative plant and modern geotechnical installation techniques to value engineer the initial proposal, remove risk and provide safe solutions to the project without compromising on quality. A flexible working approach was crucial to maintaining and minimising programme delays where uncertainties in the operation meant that works were not always able to start when required/expected due to the nature of the works. The ‘can do’ approach from the team together with VE’s significant plant and Labour resource meant that the works were completed efficiently, on time and below initial budget through value engineering.
VolkerGround Engineering
Rother Tidal Walls
The Rother Tidal Walls project delivered an innovative solution to strengthen and raise flood embankments along the River Rother. The team installed 358 steel sheet piles over 240 metres, overcoming challenges such as narrow site access and constrained working widths. By employing a spider excavator with articulated wheels and an auger dangle drill, the project avoided the need for substantial temporary works while addressing high-level obstructions in the ground. Innovative logistics, including a radio-controlled tracked carrier, ensured safe and efficient operations. The project delivered exceptional value by proposing a steel capping beam instead of concrete, achieving a 272T CO2 saving. Sustainability and health and safety were prioritised, with rigorous protocols ensuring a flawless safety record. Recognised for its excellence, the project earned a £30k Carbon Net Zero Grant and an outstanding score in the Considerate Constructors Scheme audit. This collaborative and resourceful approach sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects.