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Earthworks schemes are often required prior to construction, particularly on large sites, to facilitate a flat and level development area. Specifically, major earthworks schemes are often required for large commercial warehouse buildings which occupy large level floor areas, often in the range 250,00 to 750,00m2. Large external yards and parking further increase the requirement for cut and fill. Few development sites exist which can accommodate such large buildings and external yards without the need for some regrading and engineering of site won material. In many cases, extensive cut and fill programmes are required.
Applied Geology has extensive experience and expertise in the design and execution of ground investigations for large earthworks schemes, together with the subsequent assessment and design/specification of the earthworks contract. Where necessary and appropriate, this includes advice on the use of lime or cement in the earthworks process. Applied Geology is also able to provide a comprehensive site support, supervision and validation service to ensure that the earthworks carried out meet the requirements of the specification.
Applied Geology is also frequently appointed by general contractors and specialist earthworks contractors to provide independent technical and contractual advice and guidance on earthworks schemes designed and supervised by others.
In many cases Applied Geology has been able to advise their client that alternative working methods can reduce the requirement for lime stabilisation, or alternatively the use of lime or cement can significantly reduce the working programme and reduce import of granular material for Capping.
Applied Geology has also provided specialist advice on the re-use of marginal materials for use in earthworks. Working in association with specialist geotechnical process contractors, Applied Geology can offer a service to identify the suitability of such materials on a site specific basis, potentially leading to significant budget savings compared to conventional engineering solutions.
CASE STUDY
Applied Geology was awarded a geotechnical site investigation contract to look at redevelopment options at an old ironstone quarry. Post completion of the quarrying operations the site had been loosely backfilled with a combination of granular arisings and cohesive soils. In order to formulate a redevelopment strategy, it was necessary to investigate the geotechnical condition of the ground, identify the suitability of the soils for re-engineering and provide detailed information on alternative appropriate ground improvement techniques. Upon completion of the investigation works, the final report covered not only a number of alternative geotechnical solutions, but also provided a detailed earthworks testing specification in order to allow for the re-use of site won materials.
During the first phase of the redevelopment works, the site operations consisted of Dynamic Compaction to improve the loose back-fill material, followed by a comprehensive phase of earthworks on top of this to raise levels up to final formation level. Due to the severity of the weather during the works, additional measures were also undertaken on the formation of the dynamically compacted material using lime and cement modification and stabilisation to improve the engineering performance of the material.
Throughout the various phases of redevelopment, Applied Geology worked on behalf of the client to supervise and validate the dynamic compaction, lime and cement modification and engineered fill.
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