![](https://www.soil-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/silvertown-tunnel-400x265.jpg)
![](https://www.soil-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/silvertown-tunnel-400x265.jpg)
Soil Engineering (SEGL) were appointed to undertake a ground investigation for the proposed sixteen turbine windfarm located at Ewe Hill, to the east of Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway. The investigation required an assessment of the nature and composition of the ground at each proposed wind turbine positon, as well along the proposed access roads, and at the three borrow pit locations, from which materials would be sourced, if found to be of suitable geotechnical quality.
The heavily forested nature of the site presented unusual access challenges. SEGL deployed specifically modified and specially sourced plant to accommodate the challenging conditions, including a track mounted rotary drill rig and a rotary drill rig mounted on a Hagglund (ATV – all terrain vehicle), as well as two 360° LGP (low ground pressure) tracked excavators to complete the trial pitting, access track improvement, and clearing of borehole locations. Additional ATV’s (Hagglunds) were also deployed to transport the ancillary drilling equipment (compressors, pumps etc) and provide support vehicles for the drilling and trial pitting crews.
The scope of works comprised:
Ewe Hill 16 Windfarm covers an extensive upland area of approximately 438 hectares, consisting of upland hills and managed forestry. The work area, remote from the main compound, had no drive-on access and was predominately covered by soft organic peat deposits. SEGL used drilling rigs that were specially mounted by the in house workshop onto LPG ATV’s, and working with our preferred suppliers SEGL ensured that the correct plant and equipment, appropriate to the site conditions was utilised throughout the works. The chosen plant coped exceptionally well with the ground conditions which allowed SEGL to complete the works to the satisfaction of the client in less than 6 weeks. SEGL’s experienced site management team also ensured the works were completed safety and efficiently in challenging conditions. The main works were completed on programme and within budget, with challenging logistical constraints and difficult site conditions encountered throughout.
Some might say “about time”, but Soil Engineering’s continued upgrade and expansion of the drilling fleet now includes the Eijkelkamp Fraste XL140 Duo rig with Sonic Drilling Capability. Unveiled at this year’s Geotechica show, the latest addition to our highly flexible Ground Investigation Fleet also supports the launch of our “Specialist Geoservices” unit. Specialist Geoservices […]
Read more ➜Lead Driller Keiron Lee, a stalwart of Soil Engineering’s market leading skilled workforce celebrated his 25th year of service with the business in November 2023. Now, barely six months later, we’re delighted to reveal that Keiron has also completed his Level 3 NVQ in Advanced Land Drilling, firmly positioning him at the pinnacle of the […]
Read more ➜Transport Scotland have announced that Soil Engineering Geoservices have been awarded the contract to provide ground investigation services at the A83 Rest And Be Thankful, to support the design of their medium term solution for the safety of the route. Long-standing framework suppliers to Transport Scotland, Soil Engineering have previously undertaken complex investigation works along […]
Read more ➜