Piling Due to the Presence of Drains in High Peak

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Slide Arrows For Before and After

Project Snapshot

Type: Residential Extension
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Client: Domestic
Piles: 9 x 150mm
Beam: 19m
Concrete: 4 cubic metres

THE CHALLENGE

We recently completed a domestic piling project for an extension in Combs, High Peak, where our team successfully navigated the challenge of working around existing land drains.

Early in the project, a neighbour pointed out the presence of a land drain that was not indicated on the original site plans. This unexpected obstacle could have led to significant issues if not managed carefully, such as potential damage to the drainage system, flooding, and costly repairs.

WHAT WE DID

Drainage Survey

To avoid any potential issues with the unknown land drain, we brought in a specialist drainage company to conduct a thorough survey and map out its exact location. While this step typically costs between £200 and £400, it prevents costly damage and delays. The survey allowed us to proceed confidently, knowing the layout of existing utilities on-site.

Piling

Following the drainage survey, we adjusted our piling scheme to avoid the mapped drain location. Our team installed 9 x 150mm steel-cased piles, each driven to a depth of up to 6 meters, ensuring that none interfered with the drainage system. The revised piling layout was essential to maintain the integrity of the existing land drain and prevent any potential flooding or damage.

Steel Ring Beam

We prefabricated the 19 meters of steel ring beam off-site for increased efficiency, ensuring it would be ready for installation directly on top of the piles. This pre-assembly approach minimized on-site work time, reducing disruption to surrounding properties and helping us maintain a tight schedule.

Concrete

Due to limited access to the site, we utilised a concrete pump to install 4 cubic meters of C35 concrete, allowing us to reach the footings efficiently. The pump ensured that the concrete was placed precisely where needed without disrupting the site or surrounding area, further streamlining the process and maintaining the project timeline.

The Outcome

Our proactive approach allowed us to complete the work smoothly, with no disruption to surrounding properties. The redesign ensured that the drainage system remained fully intact. This project underscored the importance of early identification and mapping of utilities, helping us avoid serious risks and ensuring a successful outcome without costly mistakes.