ESP undertook an integrated geotechnical and geoenvironmental assessment to identify and evaluate potential ground hazards which could impact this residential development. Data from several sources helped our engineering geologists identify a potential risk from limestone solution features; historical mapping also indicated several features near the site, which were considered to represent surface expressions of solution features.
In addition, the NHBC raised concerns and recommended that the risk of dissolution required detailed assessment in relation to the proposed foundation solution and surface water drainage scheme.
No obvious visual evidence of limestone solution was identified; however, two areas did contain clear areas of lower strength soils. To mitigate potential future risk, a different foundation solution was utilised in these areas, with conventional foundations used in the remainder of the site. ESP also provided geotechnical engineering support for site supervision during the excavations to ensure the foundations were placed within suitable strata.
