Site and Ground Investigation Services

From solid foundations

Prior to Engineers being able to accurately design a foundation they must have a reasonably accurate conception of the physical properties and arrangement of the underlying materials.

The field and laboratory investigations required to obtain this essential information is referred to as ground or site investigation.

A site investigation simply is the process of the collection of the sub-surface information, the subsequent appraisal of the gathered data, assessment, and reporting without which the hazards in the ground beneath the site would not be known.

A Site Investigation should be carried out prior to any construction project in order to enable a geotechnical and geoenvironmental assessment of the ground conditions and analysis of the engineering and environmental considerations related to the proposed development of the site.

What we can deliver...

Our multi-skilled teams have particular expertise in many SI/GI works, working with and subsequently overcoming difficult access situations.

Our staff are highly adaptable and have experience in rock drilling, metal and paint sampling, and location of buried services.

With our ability to draw upon all our different operational departments, we can effect our own site access and liaise with Government bodies such as Network Rail, Canals and Rivers Trust, Environment Agency etc to effect access permissions.

With this experience and skill set we are able to offer the following:

  • Qualified Geotechnical Engineer led site works
  • Cable Percussive boreholes
  • D1500 bespoke tracked cable percussive rig
  • Ibex slope climbing dynamic sampling and auger rig
  • Rotary Drilled Boreholes
  • Dynamic Windowless Sampling & Probing (Include UT70 sampling Euro Code 7 compliant)
  • Concrete and Masonry Coring
  • Trial Pitting/Slit Trenching
  • Logging to BS5930 / EC7
  • Factual and interpretative Reporting
  • Laboratory Testing
  • NRSWA / Road Closures
  • Ballast Sampling & Contamination Testing
  • Geotechnical Monitoring

Bridgeway is RISQS approved for SI/GI work and is a Principal Contractor to Network Rail, which enables us to supply a full range of ground investigation work.

In addition to this we are able to conduct works in both Greenfield and Brownfield sites.

The SI/GI team comprises the following dedicated staff, which can be supplemented on a project by project basis:

  • Geotechnical Engineers & Operatives
  • Site Team Leaders
  • Rig Operatives
  • Competencies include Network Rail Safety Critical, NRSWA, CSCS & BDA

Projects

Name of Project:GSM2 Underbridge Structure 25

Project Description:Bridgeway Consulting Ltd (BCL) were instructed by AMCO (the Client) to undertake a structural investigation of GSM2 BR25 on the abutment walls and central pier to inform the stage 2 scour assessment and new scour scoring. The site is located 200m west of Melton Mowbray Station, which is situated 20km north east of Leicester and 30km south east of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, in the East Midlands. Arup, who were commissioned by BCL to conduct the stage 2 scour assessment, provided BCL with a scope for the structural investigation to assist with their assessment.

Challenge

  • Acting as the interface between the client (Amco) and all other working parties such as Arup who undertook the level 2 scour assessment.
  • Liaise with the environment agency to obtain a permit to work on the water course.
  • The water levels at the structure fluctuated throughout the winter months which meant access could not be gained to the bridge piers. Bridgeway Consulting monitored the water levels and identified a window where the works were eventually completed in September 2017.

Achievement

  • Successfully managed all parties to ascertain a robust scope
  • Completed the full specified 8No structural cores which assisted Arup’s level 2 scour assessment
  • Good working relationship with the AMCO and Arup project team

Client:AMCO

Name of Project:NR4 (MT) LEN3/235 Dawdon Dene

Project Description:Undertake 3D laser Scanning Survey, UAV survey, Ground Investigation and roped access site investigation focussing on the five span masonry arch viaduct on behalf of Network Rail IP to investigate ring separation.>

  • Phase 1: Ecological survey and site walkout of the surrounding area to facilitate further works
  • Phase 2: Review Ecological survey and ascertain the best method of access for the ground investigation and site investigation
  • Phase 3: Undertake the planning of safe system of working for the works
  • Phase 4: Execute the GI, UAV and 3D laser Scanning Survey under and around the viaduct
  • Phase 5: Execute the on track roped access facilitated site investigation.
  • Phase 5: Demobilisation

Equipment and techniques used on this project:

  • Pasma tower access for viaduct arch coring
  • Premier 110 Window Sample Rig (5m)
  • Modular Dart windowless sample Rig (5m)
  • Roped access Structural coring of existing soffits in the various spans
  • Total station used to traverse control and laser scanner used to infill the UAV data
  • Mavric PRO used to fly above and below the viaduct
  • P30 laser scanner
  • DJI M210 & Zenmuse X4S

Challenge

  • Accessing the underside of the viaduct with limited possession times with roped access
  • Working on steep slopes underneath the viaduct
  • Programming works during COVID-19 initial lockdown
  • Training lead drillers up to level one roped access standard

Achievement

  • Successfully managing all disciplines to ascertain quality information
  • Good quality data received from the UAV point cloud to give a detailed image of the site
  • Quality structural cores giving the design team information on current strength and composition of the viaduct
  • Good working relationship with the NR project team

Client: Network Rail Infrastructure Projects

Name of Project:HS2 Euston Enabling Works

Project Description:Undertake specified GI at location planned by Arups on behalf of Network Rail IP Managing works for HS2.

  • Phase 1: Set-Up and undertake Principal Contractor Duties for Euston Station
  • Phase 2: Review Desk Study with Arup and NR. Ascertain the best method of investigation for material types expected and plan access accordingly
  • Phase 3: Undertake extensive planning activities for access to all lines within the Euston throat, utilise long possessions for mobilising plant into position to work ALO
  • Phase 4: Execute the GI
  • Phase 5: Demobilisation

Ground investigation equipment and techniques used on this project:

  • Enabling de-vegetation works
  • Road Rail CPT Rig
  • Premier 110 Window Sample Rig (8m)
  • Cabtrak D1500 Cable Percussion Rig
  • Trial Pitting (Hand Dug with revetment to 3m)
  • Dynamic Probing (Geotool 15m)
  • Structural coring of existing retaining wall (7.4m deep) with follow on Hand Held Window Sampling

Challenge:

  • Acting as the interface between the clients (HS2) designers (Arup) & the client (NRIP)
  • Achieving high volumes of locations within pressing possession times in one of the most challenging locations to work
  • Programming works to a very tight timescale due to follow on activities and information requirements to facilitate a D&B Tender
  • Obtaining a reliable sub-contractor to undertake the rail safety case and machine controller duties (TXM Plant)

Achievement:

  • Successfully managing all parties to ascertain a robust scope
  • Liaison with the designer and client to agree ways forward when the initial planned activities did not achieve the results expected
  • Exceeding designed depth with the D1500 and achieving 45m depth in over-consolidated London Clay
  • Good working relationship with the NR project team

Client: Network Rail Infrastructure Projects

Name of Project:Durham Re-Signalling

Project Description: Undertake specified GI at locations planned by Network Rail Project Team to facilitate the design of thirty-nine new signal base locations and six new level crossings.

  • Phase 1: Set-Up and undertake Principal Contractor Duties for the scheme
  • Phase 2: Review Desk Study with NR Project Team
  • Phase 2: Undertake walkover and subsequent access planning for all locations
  • Phase 4: Execute the GI
  • Phase 5: Demobilisation

Ground investigation equipment and techniques used on this project:

  • Enabling de-vegetation works
  • Premier 110 Window Sample Rig (8m)
  • Trial Pitting (Hand Dug with revetment to 3m)
  • Dynamic Probing (Geotool 10m)
  • GPR Survey for location of buried services

Challenge:

  • Acting as the interface between the clients (NR) and all other working parties
  • Achieving high volumes of locations within pressing possession times in one of the busiest freight routes

Achievement:

  • Successfully managing all parties to ascertain a robust scope
  • 98% success rate of planned versus actual on works
  • Despite the 98% success rate project was brought in on time and under original budget with no de-scoped works
  • Good working relationship with the NR project team

Client: Network Rail Infrastructure Projects

Capability Statements
Current Vacancies
Graduate Geo-Environmental Engineer
Details Apply

Nottingham
Full time, permanent

The deadline for applications is 31/01/2025

About our Site & Ground Investigation services

Our Site & Ground Investigation function at Bridgeway is a critical process in our civil engineering and railway projects, focusing on assessing the subsurface conditions of a proposed construction site. This information is essential for designing safe, sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructure.

Key aspects of our Site & Ground Investigation services focus on Desk Studies, Site Surveys, Soil & Rock Sampling, Geotechnical Testing, Groundwater Analysis and Geophysical Surveys.

This process is integral to the success of our railway and civil engineering projects, providing the foundation (literally and figuratively) for safe and reliable infrastructure.

Job Purpose

Responsible for the accurate gathering of site information to facilitate Structural and Ground Investigation technical reports to be written as part of the SI/GI Team. The role reports ultimately to the Principal Engineer/Technical Manager.

The role as you develop will include basic project management duties as defined by the Principal Project Manager

Job Duties

• Site duties associated with the physical sampling and testing of Geotechnical sub-strata in a variety of environments including Rail, Highways and open land
• Site duties associated with the physical sampling of steel, concrete, stone for structural investigation in a variety of environments including Rail, Highways and open land
• Collation of accurate and concise site notes required in the production of technical reports and interpretive documents
• Production of factual ground/structural investigation reports as defined by PM
• Attendance at team, safety and technical briefings in accordance with the requirements of the business
• Technical input to projects as/when required
• Undertake railway safety critical duties for which you hold competence certification
• Comply with training and other requirements of your Safety Responsibility Statement
• Undertake other duties in accordance with the requirements of the company

Essential Skills & Requirements

• MEng/MSc/BEng/BSc in either Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geology, or Physical Geography
• Full clean driving licence
• Ability to learn and take on new skills
• Be able to pass a Personal Track Safety (PTS) Medical, D&A, and Training
• Flexible approach to work

* Please note this is a primarily site-based role and as part of the role, you will be expected to work nights and weekends and lodge away when required.

At Bridgeway, we believe we have always had a distinctive way of performing which sets us apart from others within our industry. The Site Investigation industry throws its challenges in all environments.
Bridgeway specialise in conducting these activities in the rail environment. You will be expected to perform to the highest levels often at night and on weekends in difficult conditions. In return, you will be mentored every step of the way and be developed in a unique way with the aim of being able to conduct investigations

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