Wallingford, UK, March 31, 2017 -- Pile testing by Fugro using the Osterberg Cell (O-cell®) bi-directional technique has saved time, reduced safety risks and overcome space constraints during piling for Highways England’s A19/A1058 junction improvements near Newcastle, UK.
A three tier interchange is being created by the construction of an underpass below the existing A19 roundabout, three new single span bridges and slip roads.
Fugro was appointed by Bauer Technologies, the foundations contractor for critical structures, to carry out static load tests to verify the piled foundation design for the north bridge, south bridge and central pier.
Speaking about the project Martin Blower, managing director of Bauer Technologies, said: “Bauer appointed Fugro to carry out pile load tests to verify the capacity of these critical foundations, as Fugro has been undertaking these test for over 20 years and is a global organisation with vast experience and capability.”
Work has been complicated by tight access to the three test locations and limited working footprint, with the busy A19 remaining open throughout the scheme. This would have proved challenging for the transportation and erection of test beams or kentledge blocks for a conventional test pile.
Fugro’s O-cell requires little or no space at the pile head during testing. The method offers a safer and more expedient alternative to traditional top down methods and performs tests in two directions, with the O-cell assembly positioned between the upper and lower pile elements.
The test piles for the north and south bridge were 1180 mm in diameter with bored lengths of around 22 metres and 21metres respectively. The test pile at the central pier measured 1500 mm in diameter with a bored length of approximately 26 metres.
To achieve the required test loads, a single 330 mm O-cell was installed in each pile, positioned 1.5 metres to 1.3 metres above the base in the Mercia Mudstone deposits. Each pile was proof tested to 1.5 x DVL, equivalent to 3.50 MN for the north and south locations and 6.15 MN for the central pier.
Paul Cheesman, operations manager at Fugro, said: “O-cell load testing is a key feature of Fugro’s comprehensive services for all types of foundations. This method is ideally suited to sites with restricted access such as this, especially where there are safety concerns, because the system loads the pile within the shaft and not above ground. These three working piles were tested soon after installation with minimal disruption to the programme. Grouting the O-cells after testing enabled the working piles to be incorporated into the foundation structure.”
Piling started in December 2016 and is due to finish by the end of 2017. Completion of the project, being undertaken by a Sisk/Lagan joint venture, is expected in March 2019.
Around 25% of all pile tests undertaken globally with Fugro’s bi-directional O-cell method are carried out on working piles for infrastructure works such as bridges, buildings and skyscrapers.
Image (credit Fugro):‘Over 6 MN test being performed safely alongside the busy A19.’
Contacts:
Simon Brightwell
Fugro GeoServices Ltd.
t: 00 44 870 600 80 50
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ABOUT FUGRO
Fugro is the world’s leading, independent provider of geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions. Fugro acquires and analyses data on topography and the subsurface, soil composition, meteorological and environmental conditions, and provides related advice. With its geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions Fugro supports the safe, efficient and sustainable development and operation of buildings, industrial facilities and infrastructure and the exploration and development of natural resources.
Fugro works around the globe, predominantly in energy and infrastructure markets offshore and onshore, employing approximately 10,500 people in around 60 countries. In 2016, revenue amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
