

The £3.4M ground investigation for the A82 upgrade had to contend with steeper slopes, deeper bogs and narrower access than many other projects of this scale. Whilst it was one of the largest and most challenging ground investigations undertaken by Soil Engineering in Scotland, it was also one of the most varied with a wide range of both geophyscial and intrusive techniques required.
At the peak of work, Soil Engineering had a team of 35 people on site with two overwater pontoons undertaking both Rotary and Cable Percussive drilling and a land-based team also undertaking Rotary and Cable Percussive works. A total of almost 150 boreholes were completed during the works, to depths of up to 40m below ground level. Also completed within the scope were 38No. machine and hand excavated trial pits, 208No. pavement cores and in excess of 1400 peat probes. In situ testing included geophysical surveys, televiewer surveys, dynamic cone penetrometer tests, variable head tests, hand vane tests, and soak-away tests. Due to restricted access times and conditions on areas of the site Sonic Drilling and Slope Climbing rigs were employed to minimise works impacts on stakeholders.
The challenging terrain, combined with complex Ecological and Archaeological restrictions, ensured that tight control of all resources was required, along with open and clear communication with all stakeholders. Facilitated by Soil Engineering’s experienced Land Liaison team, stakeholders were kept up to date throughout he works with any changes. Access management was undertaken by dedicated team members, responsible for delivery of all protection packages, and handover of reinstated sites on completion.
The “Tour de Soil Engineering” sees the first half of our Safety Days event aligned with Mental Heath Awareness Week in a team challenge supporting MIND across the UKMental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May) will see Soil Engineering staff and project partners nationwide join forces to ride and walk over 700 miles from […]
Read more ➜The UK’s Water Industry National Environment Plan, or WINEP, currently requires water companies to undertake over 24,000 actions related to water quality and biodiversity, supported by investment totalling over £22 billion. As well as headline projects such as United Utilities’ HARP, Southern Water’s Havant Thicket reservoir, Water Companies across England are undertaking numerous smaller improvement […]
Read more ➜Soil Engineering providing expert drilling services to the University of Edinburgh’s Geobattery projectThe Coatbridge team of Soil Engineering’s Specialist Geoservices unit have secured a prestigious contract with the University of Edinburgh to provide the first borehole of their Geobattery Research Project. Drawing on specialist experience of drilling deep holes in coal bearing strata from within […]
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