Delivering new housing through digital ground models to define foundation solutions in karstic ground conditions

Residential Development Geotechnical Design Strategy

An ambitious housing project in Chiltern’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty faced a challenge of karstic features affecting the foundation design. To address the impact to the building foundations, the client engaged us to develop a smart geotechnical design strategy that would provide phased ground investigation and design input from conceptual design through to construction in an area prone to solution features.

Using our innovative Cavities Database and bespoke ground investigation to enhance the ground model, we provided a quick 3D visualisation of varied geological data. Through clear imaging of the surface of the chalk bedrock together with extent and depth of karstic features—dissolution of the chalk resulting in variable rockhead conditions—and the overlying superficial ground layers, the model defined the most suitable foundation solution, successfully bypassing time-consuming data processing.

By combining our chalk experience with innovative 3D modelling software, we delivered key efficiencies to the client in a timely manner. Using this information, the client could make the new community—comprising 550 homes and including 220 essential affordable homes—a feasible reality.