Overview
Headed up by Shaun Davison, our Northern Division provides value-engineered geotechnical design and construction solutions for projects across the North, the Midlands and Scotland.
Comprising a local team of experts who understand the nuances of construction projects in the region, our Northern Division takes a customer-centric approach. We take the time to meet our clients, listen to them and work with them to develop solutions that meet their needs – no matter the size or type of project. Our vast knowledge of specialist ground engineering techniques means we can offer bespoke solutions, whilst working with all ground conditions, logistical constraints and technical challenges.
Bachy Soletanche boasts a strong portfolio of prestigious schemes delivered across the region and spanning all sectors, with a speciality in water, energy and infrastructure projects. Our multi-disciplinary team are able to scale their work to deliver all types of project, regardless of size or value.
As well as providing regionalised on-hand support to clients throughout the lifecycle of their project, our Northern Division are able to draw on the expertise and resources of the entire Bachy Soletanche UK Group.
Specialist Geotechnical Solutions
Bachy Soletanche has a rich history in delivering geotechnical contracts across the North of the UK and offers the full package of ground engineering solutions, including all types of piling, secant and contiguous retaining walls, and diaphragm walls. In addition to these common techniques, our Northern Division excels in specialist geotechnical solutions such as ground anchors, soil nailing, restricted-access piling and all types of grouting works.
Our specialist fleet features two Casagrande C6 XP-2 rigs, which are ideally suited for ground anchors and grouting, as well as Klemm’s KR702 and KR709 drilling rigs for restricted-access works.
Plant Yard
Located in Lancashire, our Head Office and Plant Yard, are ideally placed to support our projects across the Midlands, the North and Scotland. The fleet of piling rigs and ancillary equipment is one of the largest in the UK, enables us to work with all ground conditions, in both open-site and restricted-access locations.
The yard fabricates specialist tooling to ensure our clients have the right equipment on their sites, helping to overcome any challenges that may arise. Supported by a substantial store yard, we ensure that our operational teams have access to supplies on demand, eliminating the risk of delays on site.
Design and Design Management
Our in-house professionals manage all elements of the design process for permanent and temporary works on projects in the region. Our experts work closely with clients to develop designs that focus reducing on risk and providing the optimum solution for a scheme. If required, we can embed our employees into the wider project team, providing a seamless and collaborative approach for our stakeholders.
The value that we bring to the design process is driven by collaboration with our operational and sustainability teams, which ensures our solutions are practical, safe and have considered the impact on local communities and the environment.
Project Management
Our Northern Division not only offers the full geotechnical package but can scale their work to manage and deliver multi-disciplinary schemes, including those requiring civil engineering and monitoring services. Our project management expertise and strong supply chain means we can manage the entire package of subcontract works for our clients, eliminating the need for them to manage multiple suppliers and contractors. The scalability of our team helps to streamline the process and minimise risk for our clients, whilst giving them reassurance that the full contract is in the safe hands of one team.
Supply Chain Management
We manage a network of loyal, local suppliers who bring their expertise, innovation and sustainable outlook to our projects. The strong relationships we have with our supply chain partners have been cultivated over decades of working together to understand each other’s capabilities, requirements and way-of-working. This collaborative approach drives efficiency on a project, by reducing time, cost and risk. On each project, we take on full management of the supply chain, ensuring they continue to meet the high standards and values we set for our partners.
Local Service, Global Support
Our expertise lies within our experience and knowledge of operating and successfully delivering schemes within the region. We have built a robust supply chain of local companies and ensure our customers get a personalised service. This approach is supported with the strength of not only the wider UK group of companies, but also that of the global Soletanche Bachy business.
As part of the world’s largest geotechnical contractor, we benefit from the worldwide experience and collective expertise of our affiliate businesses. The knowledge shared across our global network is disseminated throughout each department, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry developments.
Global conferences are held each year where our experts share knowledge and learn about new applications and innovative solutions, this in turn is transferred to our clients’ projects. In addition to this knowledge, we also have access to plant and equipment from around the globe to support our extensive fleet.
Northern Division Team:
Shaun Davison
Divisional Director – North
Chris Wallbank
Operations Manager
David Coyle
New Business and Estimating Manager
Phil Hayman
Andy Tucker
Contracts Manager
John Thorp
Senior Estimating (anchors, grouting and restricted-access piling)
David Roberts
Senior Estimating (LDA, CFA, diaphragm walling)
Sivilay Sayavong
UK Engineering Manager
Case Studies
Aled Isaf Reservoir, Llansannan
North Wales’ Aled Isaf Reservoir was built in 1939 to regulate the flow of the adjoining River Aled. However, after 2019 geophysical surveys identified two potential leakage paths through the earth embankments at the crest of the dam. Bachy Soletanche were approached to develop a scheme to repair the paths and prevent any further damage to the dam embankments.
Foxton Road, Birmingham
The team installed a 12.5 metre diameter, 14 metre deep cased secant piled (CSP) shaft and designed and constructed a temporary jet grout plug in the base of the shaft in Foxton Road, Birmingham. The piling was safely carried out very close to residential housing and the access road, and use of our electrically powered rig also led to less environmental impact for the local residents with reduced noise and emissions.
Mersey Gateway, Runcorn to Widnes
Mersey Gateway Bridge, a six-lane crossing that runs between Widnes and Runcorn, was constructed to alleviate traffic congestion on the ageing Silver Jubilee Bridge. During the project, Bachy Soletanche navigated around the River Mersey site and worked around a 40-tonne weight limit over the Manchester Ship Canal swing bridge, whilst limiting impact to the local environment and wildlife.
Shieldhall Tunnel, Glasgow
Shieldhall Tunnel is Scotland’s largest wastewater tunnel, and forms part of the biggest upgrade of Glasgow’s wastewater network in more than a century. With the scheme being the width of the road, the sequencing and logistical planning became critical. Works involved LDA piling, CFA piling, a Secant retaining wall and Contiguous retaining wall.
Foyers to Knocknagael, Inverness
Foyers to Knocknagael power line refurbishment and strengthening project for Scottish Hydro Electric Power Transmission involved upgrading and strengthening of Over Head Line electricity pylon towers. Upgrading the existing 275kV double circuit, allows future wind farms to power the new Knocknagael power station. Bachy Soletanche’s geotechnical package involved strengthening the current transmission tower foundation bases using minipiles.
Linton Bridge Stabilisation, North Yorkshire
Constructed between 1852-1893 to replace an old ford across the River Wharfe, Linton Bridge is Grade II listed. The bridge almost collapsed during a storm, therefore needed an innovative foundation solution. Bachy Soletanche designed and installed 52 partially cased auger bored piles with a 340/300mm diameter for this project.