Dudley College
Ground Stabilisation
D-Found Soil Stabilisation of the upper 300mm of soils to achieve 15% CBR beneath foundations and retaining walls.
Surface Water Management
Surface water treatment and moisture conditioning to improve ground conditions and facilitate stabilisation works.
Earthworks & Site Preparation
Hardstanding breakout, obstruction management and ground re-engineering to prepare the site for development.
Project Overview
Speller Metcalfe appointed Dunton to undertake ground re-engineering works at Dudley College as part of the development of the new £26 million Institute of Transformational Technologies (IoTT). The project required specialist ground improvement works to create suitable foundation and retaining wall platforms for the new educational facility..
Dunton’s scope included surface water treatment, hardstanding breakout and stabilisation of the upper 300mm of site soils. Despite challenging ground conditions and unexpected site constraints, the work were successfully completed, providing a stable platform for the next phase of construction.
Project Cost
£245,000
Size
10,500m²
Ground Improvement
15% CBR
Completion Time
10 Weeks
The Problem
The site’s historic use presented a number of ground engineering challenges that had not been fully identified during the initial investigation phase. Previously occupied as a freight train station, with limestone quarrying and coal mining activities occurring adjacent to the site, ground conditions proved more complex than anticipated.
During construction, groundwater levels were found to be significantly higher than indicated in the Site Investigation (SI), resulting in elevated soil moisture contents. In addition, a greater volume of subsurface obstructions was encountered across the site.
Challenges Faced
- Historic freight railway use of the site.
- Requirement to achieve 15% CBR beneath foundations and retaining walls.
- Higher-than-anticipated volume of below-ground obstructions.
- Elevated soil moisture content affecting stabilisation operations.
- Groundwater levels significantly higher than identified within the SI.
- Adjacent limestone quarrying and coal mining activities.
The Solution
Dunton implemented a coordinated remediation, earthworks and stabilisation strategy to prepare the site for future construction. Hazardous soils were identified, excavated and removed where necessary, while asbestos-containing materials were carefully managed throughout the works.
The completed works provided a stable development platform for the £26 million Institute of Transformational Technologies, supporting the creation of a modern learning environment for Dudley College.
Innovative Techniques
- Reduce level dig operations.
- Piling attendance and support services.
- Groundwater management adjacent to the River Stour.
- Access ramp construction between pile mat elevations.
- Value-engineered pile mat design and construction.
- Excavation and off-site disposal of hazardous soils.
- Asbestos identification and picking operations.
- D-Found Soil Stabilisation.
The Result
Dunton successfully delivered the ground stabilisation package despite unforeseen groundwater conditions an significant subsurface obstructions. Thorough adaptive site management and specialist ground improvement techniques, the project achieved the required engineering specifications for construction of the new educational facility.
The completed works provided a stable development platform for the £26 million Institute of Transformational Technologies, supporting the creation of a modern learning environment for Dudley College.
Key Results
- 10,500m² site prepared for construction.
- Enabled delivery of the £26 million Institute of Transformational Technologies.
- Works completed within a 10-week programme.
- Stable construction platform created for the IoTT development.
- Higher-than-anticipated obstructions processed and removed.
- Elevated groundwater conditions successfully managed.
- Ground stabilised to achieve 15% CBR beneath foundations and retaining walls.
- £245,000 ground improvement package delivered.
What Our Partners Say
“Dunton’s expertise in land remediation transformed what seemed like an insurmountable challenge into an opportunity for success. Their innovative methods saved us time and money while delivering exceptional results. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
