Bachy Soletanche has set a new UK record for static load testing of piled foundations.
The company, currently delivering the geotechnical package on the Spire London project, achieved a maximum loading force in excess of 100 MN, using the Osterberg Cell® technique as part of the pile design validation. The preliminary test pile was bored to a depth of 57.5m, has a diameter of 2.1m, and is embedded approximately 17m into the chalk. Three Osterberg Cell® units, located 12m from the toe of the pile, were used to achieve the required test load, which was carried out over a 60 hour period. The testing, completed by Fugro Geoservices Limited, also set a new UK record for the Osterberg Cell® technique.
Spire London is the Greenland Group’s latest development and when complete, will be Western Europe’s tallest residential tower, formed of 67 floors and rising to 235m. Bachy Soletanche, operating as Principal Contractor, has already completed the demolition and enabling works through specialist contractor Cantillon. Following the successful load test, the team will now commence the main piling works.
The project will see the installation of 66 large diameter rotary bored piles, with diameters of 1.8m and 2.1m, drilled under bentonite support fluid, to a depth of up to 67m. In addition to this, the team will construct a cased secant piled (CSP) retaining wall, 220m in length and bored to a depth of 15m. The works will then be completed with the formation of the capping beam and partial bulk dig.
