Our Ground Improvement team was engaged to enhance the bearing capacity of the ground and ensure adequate foundation support for the Herrington Grange residential development in Durham.
Project Background
- Appointed by Persimmon Homes.
- The scope of works included installing 5,238No. vibro stone columns totalling approximately 20,137 linear metres across the development site in multiple phases.
Challenges
During the initial phase of the project, ground investigation data identified a persistent, stiff clay layer across the site, presenting a significant challenge to the efficient installation of vibro stone columns. To validate the findings from the site investigation, trial pits were excavated and verified the presence and extent of the clay.
As a result, pre-augering was implemented throughout the entire first phase to effectively penetrate the clay layer and enable successful column installation.
Van Elle Solutions
Ground improvement was carried out across the development to support housing plots and ensure compliance with design requirements.
The site presented deep areas of made ground and variable fill materials, necessitating a reliable solution to reinforce the main foundations and achieve a safe allowable bearing pressure of 125 kN/m². To meet these ground conditions, pre-augering was completed ahead of stone column installation to penetrate the stiff clay.
A total of 5,238No. vibro stone columns, totalling approximately 20,137 linear metres, were installed across the site. Validation testing confirmed the effectiveness of the ground improvement solution.