Challenge: Adverse Weather Conditions and Site Expansion
GeoEnviro Solutions Ltd was engaged to conduct a detailed site investigation for the Belvoir Ironworks redevelopment. The project faced several obstacles due to severe winter weather, which left large portions of the site waterlogged and inaccessible. Additionally, the local authority acquired an adjacent parcel of land, expanding the project’s scope. This required revisiting areas that were previously inaccessible and conducting additional investigations on the newly incorporated land.
The primary challenges included:
- Severe Weather Impact: Prolonged wet conditions left significant parts of the site waterlogged, impeding access and making site investigation challenging.
- Expansion of the Development Area: The acquisition of adjacent land required extending the site investigation to ensure accurate assessment across both the original and newly added areas.
- Environmental Concerns: A comprehensive investigation was essential to identify any contamination risks, assess groundwater conditions, and determine soil suitability for the proposed redevelopment.
Given the site’s complexity, a thorough geotechnical and environmental site investigation was necessary to ensure the project could proceed safely and in compliance with local regulations.
Solution: In-Depth Geotechnical and Environmental Site Investigation
GeoEnviro Solutions Ltd carried out a comprehensive site investigation to address the challenges presented by the Belvoir Ironworks project. The approach included:
- Windowless Sampling Boreholes: Boreholes were drilled by our sister company Borehole Solutions at strategic locations, some of which were converted into monitoring stations to track groundwater and gas levels. This provided valuable data on the site’s subsurface conditions.
- Trial Pits and Soil Testing: A series of trial pits were excavated to assess soil composition and suitability for construction, including BRE365 soakaway testing to evaluate water infiltration rates.
- Supplementary Investigation for new areas: With the site’s expansion, additional investigations were conducted in newly acquired land to ensure consistent assessment and incorporate the new area into the overall development plan.
- Contamination and Environmental Risk Assessment: Tests were conducted to identify any contamination issues, ensuring that risks were managed, and environmental impacts were minimized.
These investigations provided a thorough understanding of the site’s geotechnical and environmental conditions, allowing for the design of effective drainage systems and informed decision-making for the redevelopment.
Result: Successful Site Investigation and Recommendations for Ground Improvement
The site investigation revealed several key findings:
- Contamination Discovery and Remediation Plan: Some areas of the site were found to contain contaminants, and GES recommended a remediation strategy to ensure safe redevelopment.
- Ground Improvement Recommendations: Due to the site’s geological characteristics, GES recommended ground improvements to enhance soil stability and support construction.
- Comprehensive Site Data for Development Planning: The detailed investigation provided critical data on soil and groundwater conditions, enabling the design of sustainable drainage solutions and reducing the risk of flooding.
This thorough site investigation ensured that the Belvoir Ironworks redevelopment could proceed without environmental risk and in compliance with commercial property regulations.
Looking for site investigation experts? Contact us for geotechnical site investigations, environmental assessments, and sustainable drainage solutions. Email us at info@growth-labs.dev or request a quote for professional consultancy services.
