Suttle Piling has successfully completed the first stage of piling works at Swanworth Quarry, supporting the creation of bridge abutments for the quarry extension.
Preparing the Site for Piling
The extension area on the north side of the combe was fully excavated, providing a stable platform from which Suttle Piling could carry out the piling works. Our team installed 12 rotary bored piles; six per abutment, with an abutment on each side of the combe. Each pile was constructed with full-depth reinforced steel cages, ensuring the structural integrity required for the bridge abutments.
To complete these works efficiently, we deployed our Soilmec R210 piling rig alongside a 70-tonne lattice crane, which assisted with lifting the casings and steel-reinforced cages into place. With the piles now fully installed, the formwork for the abutments is underway, carried out by Blanchard Wells, our trusted collaborators on multiple previous projects.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
No project is without its surprises. While ground investigations and borehole surveys had been carried out to define the expected rock levels, the team encountered rock at a higher level than anticipated during piling. The equipment initially planned could not penetrate this unexpected layer.
Demonstrating our adaptability, the team sourced a rock core barrel attachment for the piling rig, specifically designed to core through hard rock. This solution allowed the piles to reach the design depth without significant delays, ensuring the project remained on schedule and within specification.
Delivering Efficient and Resilient Solutions
The Swanworth Quarry extension project is a prime example of how Suttle Piling combines technical expertise, high-quality equipment, and problem-solving capability to deliver complex civil engineering solutions. From careful planning and excavation to overcoming unexpected geological challenges, our team ensured the project progressed smoothly and safely.