Phase 2 Geotechnical Site Investigation - Sevenoaks, Kent
Overview
A commercial site in Sevenoaks was proposed for redevelopment with the demolition of the existing buildings and construction of a new self-storage facility, together with new parking, access and service-yard areas.
Before detailed design could progress, the project team needed a clearer understanding of the ground conditions and whether the proposed building could be supported using conventional foundations. Clear Environmental was appointed to undertake a targeted Phase 2 geotechnical site investigation to resolve those uncertainties and provide design information for the structural and civil engineering teams.
Scope
- Investigate both shallow and deeper ground conditions using a combination of window sampling, cable percussion and rotary drilling.
- Undertake in-situ and laboratory geotechnical testing to establish parameters relevant to foundation and pavement design.
- Assess groundwater conditions and their implications for potential foundation solutions and construction.
- Provide preliminary foundation, pavement and buried-concrete design recommendations for the proposed redevelopment.
Outcome
The investigation established that conventional shallow foundations were not an appropriate basis for the proposed building, allowing the project team to address the foundation strategy before detailed structural design progressed.
Clear provided a practical basis for considering deeper foundations, piling or ground improvement, together with site-specific information for pavement design. By resolving the principal ground-risk uncertainties at this stage, the structural and development teams could focus subsequent design work on foundation solutions compatible with the conditions identified on site.