Brent Knoll, Somerset
Project brief
To provide 220 steel cased bottom driven piles to a predesigned set, and fabricate and cast 450 x 350mm R/C beams, for a detached garage, office and utility room. The main property is located on the Somerset levels, and surrounded by land drains which prevent the main river from flooding and carry away excess water from the farm land.
When we started the project the level of the drain was 0.6m below commencing surface level, and all piles were driven to their pre designed set, and were then concreted. After waiting for the piles to cure we then proceeded to excavate for the beams, and because of the heavy rainfall the drain level rose to 0.1m below commencing surface level, which unfortunately was 0.5m above our bottom of dig, so all the beams flooded, and we were unable to continue with work until the water level of the drains fell. We returned a month later once the water level had receded and completed excavating the ground beams. We used a mobile line pump to concrete the beams as the access to site would not allow larger vehicles onto the driveway.
Scope of works;
*Protect driveway.
*Welfare facilities provided by client.
*Check for services.
*Install 220 Steel cased bottom driven piles.
*Excavate beams.
*Fabricate and install steel reinforced beams.
*Pour beams with C35 concrete.
*Clear site and leave tidier then when we arrived.
Unfortunately the perimeter of the new extension came parallel to the bank of the land drain, which had been built up by the previous owners. As soon as we disturbed the ground near the bank it breached the drain, flooding the excavated beams. Because of the abnormal weather conditions that had been taking place, the drains were full and we left site until the water level had receded and could continue with works.
The smaller tie beams which can be seen are 350 x 350mm. These will carry very little load. The one furthest away will carry the rear of the garage wall, which is timber, and closest one in the photo will support the block and beam floor.
