Oldham College

Duration: 36 weeks (ongoing)

The works consist of a new build Construction Skills Aream including single storey modular building and insulated external teaching area with associated groundworks, external works, drainage and service connections.

The site is situated on an old industrial and mining area and a coal seam is directly under our excavation area. Due to this 96 holes were drilled to a depth of approximately 20 metres and the whole area was grouted to solidify the ground. This was then tested to check for ground bearing.

Once the excavation started, we quickly came across a number of substantial concrete slabs and walls and uncovered several chambers, cellars and sub levels in various sizes and depths. The biggest of which was 11:000×5:000×5:000 deep

We also had a high voltage cable in close proximity, so had to use a ground support system with hydraulic props to ensure we didn’t disturb the ground near the cables.