A contract with HS2 will allow foundations specialist Van Elle to improve ground stability for construction in North West London. It has already started the initial ground improvement works and are expected to fully complete by spring 2021.
Van Elle is working with a Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture and ensures to lay vibro piling that provides extensive embankment support. The foundations specialist will install more than 4,000 vibro stone columns to a depth of 600mm between Gatemead and West Ruislip.
The stone columns laid would strengthen the ground ahead of further construction. The ground improvement project also involves field trials and probing exercise at each point in time to test in advance of the main works.
Laying Vibro stone piles is a quick and cost-effective alternative to piling and grouting. This is the best method especially when building on large areas of weak ground. Vibro columns tend to be shorter than piles and don’t produce spoil.