Nuthall Case Study
Transforming a legacy borrow pit into a stabilised foundation, the Midland Rock team overcame saturated ground, tight spaces, and water management challenges to engineer a robust raft solution. Through innovative drainage techniques, real-time pumping, and strategic traffic management, we delivered safe, stable works in one of the most demanding environments.
NUTHALL STABILISED RAFT PROJECT
The Nuthall project involved building a stabilised raft foundation within a legacy borrow pit located inside the water table. This required precise cut and fill operations and careful shaping of roadboxes to support future development. Extensive quality assurance was implemented throughout to ensure material performance and structural integrity under challenging, wet conditions.
Value
£500K+
Programme
12 Weeks
Services
Stabilised Raft, Cut & Fill, Material Management & Road Box Formation
The Challenge
The project demanded construction of a stabilised raft within a former borrow pit that had become a pond, with excavation occurring below the water table. Dig-off materials needed to be carefully managed and stockpiled on the phase 3 section of the site. The saturated conditions, frequent water ingress, and active pumping requirements made earthmoving difficult. Further complicating the operation, access and egress was limited to a single-track route alongside the excavation, requiring a rigorous traffic management plan, and all work had to be executed in strategic sections to minimise disruption and maintain safety
The Solution
Midland Rock implemented a comprehensive water management strategy, including continuous pumping and installation of a blanket drainage system under the stabilised raft. This allowed for effective control of groundwater and enabled the construction of a kicker lift. The stabilisation layers were mixed on a dedicated mixing pad to ensure even quality, and material movement was meticulously coordinated to maintain a smooth workflow along the narrow site corridor. Robust traffic management, phased digging, and constant monitoring of ground and water conditions ensured progress despite the challenging environment.
Project Outcome
Despite adverse ground and weather conditions, Midland Rock delivered a stable, engineered raft that met all quality and safety requirements. The proactive approach to water control, material handling, and traffic management ensured minimal delays and protected the integrity of the site. The legacy borrow pit was successfully transformed into a reliable foundation, demonstrating Midland Rock’s expertise in managing complex geotechnical and logistical challenges for critical
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