Network Rail
Services Supplied on this Project:
- Deep Cable Percussion Boreholes
- Rotary Boreholes
- Boretrak Verticality Testing
- Window Sampling
- Dynamic Probing
- Concrete/Masonry Coring
- Deep Hand Excavated Trial Pits
- Form C.
Key Considerations:
- Health and safety plans
- Public safety
- Stakeholder communications
- Utility scanning
- Traffic management
- Enclosed spaces
- Trackside working
The Project
Geo-Environmental has undertaken a comprehensive ground and structural investigation for a new bridge and viaduct structure which forms part of the £5.5bn Thameslink Programme. The site works included intrusive investigations in busy public spaces including Borough Market, Southwark Street and Railway Approach (leading to London Bridge Station).With such a complex project Geo-Environmental had to work with a wide range of stakeholders which included: Network Rail, Skanska, Tfl, Atkins, Museum of London, Planning Authority, and Borough Market.
Expertise
Due to the complex nature of the site investigation and the challenging working environment, investigative method required adaptation whilst on site in order to deliver all of the required objectives for the client.
Geo-Environmental’s experienced team was able to advise the client on the most suitable techniques and implement them seamlessly into the scope of works thus avoiding any undue delays to the project.
Geo-Environmental also had to comply with both the Main Contractor (Skanska) and the client’s rigorous Health and Safety requirements. Geo-Environmental was able to provide in a timely fashion all the required documentation including Work Package Plans, Task Briefings and Form Cs (for temporary works design).
Benefits
Geo-Environmental prides itself on offering clients a personal service and in a complex working environment this approach produced a successful outcome under challenging conditions. Geo-Environmental professional and flexible approach to the works together with effective communication with the Stakeholders Network Rail, Skanska, Tfl, Atkins, Museum of London, Planning Authority, and Borough Market assisted in achieving the projects goals and ultimately the likely successful delivery of this important transport link in time for the 2012 Olympics.
Key Operational Considerations
One of the key difficulties encountered on the site was how to take core samples in an areas with a high denisity of utilities.On this project we were asked to take a core sample from a service subway beneath Southwark Street, SE1 to establish its constructional makeup. The work required the co-ordination of a geophysics team and a confined access team. The complications of working in the area included a major carriageway, a subway, utilities, the need to work in a confined environment with a risk of elevated gas levels and the need to minimise disruption to local trade within an allotted two week window.
The first stage in the project was to consult with the client and the local stakeholders and define the specific risks, produce risk assessments, methods statements and a traffic management plan tailored to the conditions on-site. The northbound carriageway was closed and a contraflow was established. The road was excavated to expose the external surface of the subway. A confined access team, wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and carrying escape breathing apparatus, gained internal access to the subway approximately 0.5km to the north to establish the exact position where the external surface of the subway had been exposed, internally.
Numerous vital services were fixed to the internal surface of the subway in the vicinity of the proposed core sample, leaving only a very narrow window to position the core. The preferred position for the sample was established internally by the confined access team and geophysical techniques were used to pinpoint the location externally.
On inspection it was found that the tolerance level that the core sample would have to negotiate was 25mm either side of the hole diameter, running between cabling. A pilot hole was successfully drilled to confirm the location and finally the core sample was taken. All works were completed and reinstated within the allotted two week window, even though at one stage in the investigation the gas monitors indicated a build up of gas and the confined access team had to be withdrawn and the tunnel vented.