Bachy Soletanche designs and delivers the geotechnical solutions to support the safe construction of shafts and tunnels across all sectors, including transport, wastewater and energy. We have delivered projects of all sizes, from temporary access shafts to major infrastructure such as the Lee Tunnel and Thames Tideway.
This type of scheme often encounters diverse and unpredictable geological conditions, valuable assets and potentially dangerous obstructions, where precision, safety, communication and geotechnical expertise are pivotal.
Shafts and Tunnels Sector
Tunnelling and shaft construction are among the most technically challenging and high-risk engineering tasks. This type of scheme often encounters diverse and unpredictable geological conditions, valuable assets and potentially dangerous obstructions, where precision, safety, communication and geotechnical expertise are pivotal.
Bachy Soletanche supports clients throughout the design stages of their scheme, applying our in-depth knowledge of rock and soil mechanics to determine the safest and most efficient excavation and construction method or ground treatment solution. We take extensive measures to understand and mitigate the risks on a project, including thorough ground investigations, detailed designs and continuous, close monitoring pre- and post-construction.
With our well-resourced multi-disciplinary team, the support of our Bachy Soletanche UK sister companies and our consortium of loyal supply chain partners, we are fully-equipped to deliver robust shaft and tunnel infrastructure whilst upholding a considerate and environmentally-conscious approach.
Bachy Soletanche has a comprehensive package of solutions at its disposal to suit the nuances of shaft and tunnel construction projects, including those for restricted-access sites and unpredictable strata, along with those that minimise noise and vibration in urban areas.
Some of the techniques we have applied to previous projects include piling, retaining walls (contiguous, secant and diaphragm walls), ground improvement, grouting and soil nailing. Our capabilities also extend to excavation, dewatering, underpinning, seismic-resilient design, slope stabilisation and silent piling techniques.
In addition to this, we provide thorough ground investigation, structural monitoring, asset management, sonic echo integrity testing and validation testing through 3D modelling.
Case Studies
Silvertown Tunnel, London
The additional route connecting Silvertown to Greenwich Peninsula is set to ease chronic congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and enable more cross-river bus journeys. Bachy Soletanche monitored fuel usage throughout the project and integrated electrical equipment into its setups wherever possible, including electric pumps in its bentonite farms. The company also worked with its supply chain partners to design and procure low-carbon concrete and grout mixes.
Feeder 9 at Paull, River Humber
The existing pipeline, a strategic component of the National Transmission System, is situated on the river bed and as a result has been subject to erosion. The National Grid is constructing a tunnel under the River Humber as part of a gas pipeline replacement project. Bachy Soletanche’s design team re-engineered the project to reduce the pile diameter from 1200mm to 900mm, along with utilising the cased secant piled (CSP) method.
Shieldhall Tunnel, Glasgow
Scotland’s largest wastewater tunnel resolves water quality and reduces flooding issues at key locations in the area served by the Shieldhall Waste Water Treatment Works. The scheme was the width of the road and therefore the sequencing and logistical planning became critical. Works included LDA piling, CFA piling, Secant retaining wall and a Contiguous retaining wall.
Foxton Road, Birmingham
Piling was safely carried out very close to residential housing and the access road. Bachy Soletanche installed a 12.5 metre diameter, 14 metre deep cased secant piled (CSP) shaft and design and construct a temporary jet grout plug in the base of the shaft in Foxton Road, Birmingham. Use of our electrically powered rig also led to less environmental impact for the local residents with reduced noise and emissions.
New Tyne Tunnel, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The new crossing is to the east of the existing ones and includes a road tunnel and a pedestrian/cycle tunnel. The work at the new Tyne tunnel was not only demanding because of the ground conditions so near to the river bank, but the team have also had to bring a large number of rigs to the site to allow for the variations in the strata.
Lee Tunnel, London
The Thames Tideway Tunnels programme is a key component of the upgrade of London’s combined sewer system. The first section to be constructed is the Lee Tunnel between the Beckton Sewage Treatment Works and the Abbey Mills Pumping Station. Over 2 sites, works included Diaphragm wall shafts, deep excavations and curtain grouting.