Using digital ground models to control mine treatment for the redevelopment of a brownfield site with a mining legacy

Anstey’s Road, Hanham

Landowner Homes England and contractor Forkers wanted to redevelop a former mining brownfield site into a location for future residential land uses. They reached to our professionals to define and manage enabling works to clear the site, mitigating complex geotechnical hazards and facilitating redevelopment.

Using measurement while drilling (MWD) equipment and ground modelling software, Leapfrog 3D Works, we provided continuous interpretation of the ground conditions and directed mine treatment operations as the project progressed. We recorded the drilling data in real-time and relayed it autonomously to our team from the MWD equipment, providing a detailed log to millimetric precision of multiple drilling parameters for each individual hole. After processing the data, we imported it into the software to develop and continuously update the three-dimensional ground model of the site, allowing for accurate and efficient project direction.

Homes England’s and Forkers’ efforts to properly address this challenging brownfield site have suitably prepared it for regeneration to provide important new housing for the local community.  Since the enabling works' conclusion, we have delivered post-completion ground investigation with associated geotechnical and contamination appraisals to support the forthcoming site development, including a detailed quantitative risk assessment (DQRA).

This project was shortlisted for the Ground Engineering Awards 2023 Technical Excellence Award.