School Redevelopment, Ground Characterisation/Assessment

Purpose

The Client was under contract to deliver a brand new 2,000 sq. m teaching block and extensive refurbishment of existing classrooms at a school in the east of England. 

Previous investigation had identified ground gas risk at the Site, arising from a former landfill adjacent the Site.  A review of data gaps by Delta-Simons also identified limited information on ground conditions below the revised location of the proposed new block. 

Our support was delivered to inform design of the new structures and further assess ground gas risk with a view to providing a robust yet pragmatic justification of necessary mitigation measures.

Scope of Works

Delta-Simons delivered a ground characterisation and assessment, including:

• Chemical and geotechnical characterisation of soils;
• Four weeks continuous, in-situ, ground gas monitoring
• Ground gas risk assessment;
• Land quality risk assessment;
• Preliminary commentary on likely foundation solutions.

Outcomes and Client Benefits

Based on the robust data set, Delta Simons ground gas risk assessment was able to establish that the new structures on Site did not need gas protection measures. 

The elimination of gas protection measures enabled programme and cost savings to be made by the Client.

The foundation solutions assessment identified risks associated with localised soft clays, which the client was able to factor into their construction risk schedule and complete appropriate detailed foundation design.