Cymmer Highway Improvements, NPTCBC
Introduction:
In a complex setting affected by both geological and anthropological factors, we have helped enable the first steps in the design of road scheme aimed at providing traffic relief to a village where the existing road network, which includes some significant restrictions, struggles with traffic volume. We provided detailed information to allow future consideration of the viability and buildability of the scheme.
We were able to provide recommendations relating to slope stability, foundations and retaining structures in Made Ground and/or backfilled quarries.
We worked to an agreed timeframe and budget, with complex restrictions including working in close proximity to an extensive water/sewage network within highways and associated traffic management, archaeological restrictions and maintenance/control of a site that was to remain accessible to the public.
Details:
We were appointed to undertake a phased investigation for the proposed highway in line with appropriate Managing Geotechnical Risk guidance – CD622. The scheme commenced with a detailed desk based Preliminary Sources Study Report (PSSR), which was to be used to establish the main geotechnical hazards at the site and inform a scope of works for a detailed geotechnical investigation and production of a Ground Investigation Scoping Report (GISR).
Subsequent to the GISR, we implemented a detailed Ground Investigation (GI) following by a Ground Investigation Report (GIR). Our input extended into the production of a Geotechnical Design Report (GDR), focussed on an interpretive assessment of the ground conditions encountered and review of this information alongside the outline scheme design and alignment drawings provided by the Client.
Services Provided:
- Detailed phased Ground Investigation Design including a PSSR, GISR and physical ground investigation followed by compilation of GIR and GDR reports.
- Conceptual model development identified the likelihood of areas of likely shallow rock, deep Made Ground, likely infilled quarry areas, shallow Coal mining hazards, including buried structures and significant potential for slope instability.
- Investigation works comprised trial pits, rotary cored boreholes, infiltration assessment and groundwater monitoring. Preceding works also included specialist elements such as GPR and topographic surveys, services/asset management (including detailed liaison with providers) and archaeological assessment.
- The scope of works culminated in the preparation of a detailed Geotechnical Design Report (GDR) including interpretive assessment including consideration of contamination, mining hazards and slope instability and low quality/strength shallow ground conditions, additionally impacted by historic land uses and an extensive services network.
Testimonial from the NPTCBC Head of Engineering & Transport
“Earth Science Partnership Ltd have recently undertaken the preliminary sources study report, ground investigation report and geotechnical design report for the above-mentioned project. Relevant disciplines were employed where required to inform the final reports.
The scheme presented challenges due to the site topography and having to maintain traffic flow through the site. Earth Science Partnership Ltd liaised with affected underground utility companies to agree acceptable standoff distances and arranged the appropriate traffic management for the works.
The work was adequately resourced and supervised and the council would utilise the opportunity to work with Earth Science Partnership Ltd on future projects.”