Rural New Build - St Albans

Project Overview

Foundation works for a new detached house in a rural location. The project included site preparation, piling through clay-with-flints to chalk, and complete drainage system.

The Challenge

Variable clay-with-flints over chalk made foundation depth unpredictable. Some piles encountered voids in chalk (solution features). Rural location meant careful management of access and material deliveries.

Our Solution

Ground investigation identified potential solution features. CFA piling was designed to penetrate minimum 2m into sound chalk. Where voids were encountered, piles were extended or additional piles installed. Raft foundation over piles provided additional security.

Results & Outcome

Despite geological challenges, project completed within schedule. All piles successfully reached sound chalk. Client now living in completed house with no settlement issues. Structural engineer commended the pile installation quality.