Van Elle was appointed by Laing O’Rourke to undertake ground stabilisation works at the Monklands Replacement Hospital development in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. The new hospital will play a key role in enhancing healthcare provision for the local community.
Project Background
- Appointed by Laing O’Rourke.
- Our scope comprised of 605 No. probe holes (8400m), 2076 No. treatment holes (41090m) and 438.8T of 12:1 PFA:OPC grout, 10:1 PFA:OPC grout and gravel.
- The scheme required investigation and treatment of potential former mine workings beneath the proposed hospital footprint. Working across seven areas of the site, the team carried out a programme of probe drilling, bulk infill drilling and grouting to stabilise the ground and mitigate the risks associated with historical mining activity.
- Prior to full mobilisation, probing works were undertaken to refine the treatment methodology. A probing scheme was also undertaken for three potential mine adits.
Challenges
Access restrictions across parts of the site limited drilling locations and required careful planning to ensure all treatment areas could be reached safely and effectively.
The presence of multiple contractors working simultaneously across the development also created a complex working environment, requiring close coordination to maintain programme and safety standards.
In addition, the project team faced periods of challenging weather conditions, which had the potential to impact productivity and programme delivery throughout the works.
Van Elle Solutions
To overcome access constraints, the team utilised angled drilling techniques, enabling treatment works to be completed around obstructions and restricted areas while maintaining on programme.
Strong communication and proactive planning between Van Elle’s site team, the client and other contractors ensured activities were coordinated efficiently, minimising disruption and maintaining a safe working environment throughout the project.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the team remained focused on safe delivery within programme, adapting working methods where necessary to maintain progress.
Van Elle successfully delivered the works ahead of programme, mitigating the shallow mine working risk to support the construction of the new Monklands Replacement Hospital.