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Earth Science Partnership

Railway Geotechnics

ESP delivers specialist railway geotechnical services that support the safe management, assessment and remediation of rail infrastructure and earthworks

We provide Railway Geotechnics in the form of geotechnical, engineering geology and geoenvironmental services for the rail industry in the UK. Earth Science Partnership is an Achilles LinkUp and RISQS approved business.

Our railway geotechnical engineering staff have extensive experience working within the railway industry and understand the specific engineering requirements for the remediation of earthworks and drainage. We can provide logical and practical solutions to restore usability whilst managing potential hazards and risks.

Rail projects carried out by ESP typically range from site investigation, desk studies, design of geotechnical works and remedial solutions, supervision of site works and condition surveys.

ESP staff have specific training related to the rail industry, including Personal Track Safety and relevant Safe Systems of Work.

Our Railway Geotechnics Services

Recent Railway Geotechnic Projects

Case Study 1: Railway Geotechnical Investigation, SERC Rail, Cardiff

ESP delivered railway geotechnical investigation services for the SERC Rail Ground Investigation in Cardiff, supporting the design of new embankments, sidings and track infrastructure adjacent to the operational railway network.

We undertook a comprehensive programme of ground investigation including CPT testing, cable percussion drilling, in-situ testing and geophysical surveys to characterise subsurface conditions and inform railway design requirements.

Our work provided high-quality geotechnical data to support safe integration with existing Network Rail infrastructure and enable efficient, programme-compliant delivery of the project.

Railway Geotechnic Services We Offer

Our railway geotechnic services include:

  • Optioneering and Feasibility Studies
  • Identifying critical Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental issues
  • Engineering design including for construction drawings
  • Settlement analysis
  • Network Rail approvals – Form 1, Form 2, Form 3 etc.
  • Management and coordination of technical and engineering activities
  • Desk Study
  • Ground Investigation
  • Site Walkover and Visual Assessment
  • Development of Ground Investigation Scope and Specification
  • Ground investigation supervision and post-fieldwork monitoring
  • Interpretation of Ground Investigation results
  • Slope stability analysis
  • Preparation of combined Ground Investigation and Geotechnical Design Reports
  • Preparation of remedial options reports with cost/benefit analyses of viable options
  • Structural examinations, surveys and assessmentStructural assessment and analysis
  • Design of new structures
  • Station and platform design/enhancements
  • Strategic asset management advice
  • Topographic and other measured surveys
  • Temporary works design and Risk Assessment
  • Embankments – fill and stability analysis

 

Recent project examples can be found here.

We are proud to serve as a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, delivering specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental expertise to the UK’s most ambitious projects.

Trusted By

We operate within a framework of professional memberships and industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring that our technical delivery is consistently aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance.

Our Accreditations

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Client Testimonials

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Simon Lewis profile picture
Simon Lewis
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Earth Science Partnership recently completed an independent geo-environmental review for us and I have been extremely impressed with both the quality of their work and the professionalism of the team. The report was comprehensive, balanced and technically robust, helping us navigate a complex evidence base and identify the key issues requiring further consideration. Just as importantly, ESP were approachable and willing to engage constructively with questions arising from the draft report. Special thanks to Daniel Thomas for his time, patience and willingness to explain technical matters in a way that non-specialists could understand. It was clear throughout that the focus was on objective, evidence-led analysis rather than simply telling a client what they wanted to hear. A highly professional consultancy and one I would most happily recommend. Simon Lewis : Secretary : Nant-Y-Calch Conservation Group
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Barbara profile picture
Barbara
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Earth Science Partnership has helped us immensely through a , long, stressful and complex situation following a major leak under our property. We had the absolute pleasure of working with Giles Sommerwill, who was with us every step of the way. He helped us to understand the geological conditions and ramifications following such a major leak, and then informed and advised us during the process of agreeing a remedial solution with the water company, as well as helping us address other issues that arose over time. Giles is experienced, knowledgeable and highly qualified. We could not have hoped to work with anyone more professional, reliable or kind. We also felt that Giles was genuinely concerned, not just about our property, but about our well-being. Thanks to him, we highly recommend, and praise, Earth Science Partnership.
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Roberta Morgan
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Having used the services of Earth Science Partnership on two previous occasions, we had no reservations about employing them for a third time. They are very professional and produce excellent detailed reports on what they are able to do. They are prepared to listen to everything you require and would highly recommend them.
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Joshua Pike
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ESP undertook some thorough CMRA (Coal Mining Risk Assessment) works for our site. They showed a surprising level of knowledge into the historical mining methods and establishment of mining sites. Prompt and in-depth reporting and great communication, would definitely recommend.
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Duncan Phillips
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Great client to deal with!
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Keri Beal
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Great communication, excellent prompt service.
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Oliver Stacey profile picture
Oliver Stacey
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ESP have done some excellent GI works for me and produced some excellent in depth reports for our client (Network Rail)

Speak To Our Experts Today

Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in railway geotechnics across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.

Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.

If you’re looking for railway geotechnical services, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.

Matthew Eynon
Matthew Eynon, ESP Director

Author

I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.

I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.

My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:

  • Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
  • Impact of abandoned mine workings.
  • Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.
 

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