Outwood Academy, Middlehaven – Detailed Ground Investigation for Educational Development

CLIENT REQUIREMENTS & CHALLENGES

Managing contamination and design risks on a historically industrial site

• Address potential contamination from historic heavy industry, including iron and steel works, gas works, foundry, and engineering facilities.

• Assess soil and groundwater quality to determine environmental and human health risks.

• Characterise subsurface conditions for deep foundation design.

• Create a detailed ground model to predict settlement and stability under proposed loading.

• Deliver an investigation programme that met local authority requirements and planning timelines.

OUR APPROACH & METHODOLOGY

Two-tiered investigation targeting both environmental and structural risks

1. Preliminary Phase: Desk Study, historical land use review, and reconnaissance survey to map potential hazards.

2. Environmental Assessment: Targeted sampling of upper soils and groundwater to identify contaminants and assess pollutant linkages.

3. Geotechnical Investigation: Deep boreholes into competent rock strata to inform deep foundation design parameters.

4. Monitoring & Testing: Laboratory analysis of soil and water samples, plus in-situ testing to refine engineering parameters.

5. Ground Modelling: Integrated geological and hydrogeological data into a 3D model to simulate load response and inform the detailed design phase.

RESULTS & DELIVERABLES

A robust evidence base for safe and compliant school construction

• Confirmed the presence and extent of contamination risks, enabling targeted remediation strategies if required.

• Provided detailed foundation design parameters, reducing risk of settlement or structural movement.

• Delivered a comprehensive interpretive report with an updated ground model for the design team.

• Ensured compliance with planning and regulatory standards, enabling the project to move into the design stage with confidence.