Supporting HS2 Infrastructure with Ground Stabilisation at Water Orton Viaducts

Project Overview

In collaboration with Balfour Beatty, our Contract Services team contributed essential ground stabilisation services to support the ongoing HS2 project in Coleshill, Birmingham. The Water Orton Viaducts, once completed, will span over 700 metres of track, connecting critical points across the River Tame. This infrastructure upgrade, located east of the M42 and the Lichfield Road, is set to bridge current transport networks, notably linking the Birmingham-Peterborough line between Water Orton and Coleshill Parkway Stations.

Challenge

The project required stabilising decommissioned gas mains located beneath the construction site to prevent ground slump, which could compromise the future structure of the viaducts. These decommissioned gas mains, measuring 130 metres and sized at 315mm and 180mm in diameter, presented a depth and location that required a reliable, remote stabilisation solution.

Solution: Grout Filling for Ground Stability

Our team employed grout filling, a specialised technique suited for decommissioning underground pipes and voids. This method involved filling the voids created by the gas mains with grout, a procedure selected for its capacity to stabilise the ground effectively. Grout filling provided multiple benefits to the site:

• Ground Stability: By filling the abandoned gas mains, we established a firm and stable base for the viaducts.
• Surface Integrity: The grout-filled voids prevent surface subsidence, a crucial step in ensuring the ongoing safety and durability of the viaduct construction.
• Water Infiltration Prevention: By filling the voids, we helped protect the area from potential water infiltration, supporting the integrity of the structure above.

Results

This stabilisation process has ensured that the ground under the Water Orton Viaducts will remain solid and stable, creating a secure foundation for HS2’s transport link. Our role in the project illustrates the importance of ground stabilisation techniques in supporting sustainable and resilient infrastructure.