Cain Road, Bracknell

Due to the variable ground conditions, a tailored foundation solution was necessary. Our team proposed a piling approach combined with a mixed voided and non-voided piled raft foundations. This method was selected specifically to manage the expected clay heave and irregular soil composition.

To further streamline the process and improve efficiency, a lightweight piling rig was utilised. This eliminated the need for an engineered piling mat, significantly reducing costs and minimising soil & material movements on site.

Following a thorough cut and fill exercise, it was confirmed that the primary heave zone across the site consisted predominantly of London Clay. The foundation solution was carefully engineered to address these conditions, but minimise the use of clay heave precautions, providing them where only necessary.

The total structural foundation area spanned 2,505 square metres and included 18 piled raft foundations for all 50 units. Additional foundations were provided for the site bin store, and blinding was completed across the compound area to support infrastructure and access.

Despite heavy rainfall during the programme, construction works were delivered in just 11 weeks.

SPEEDECK’s scope included all aspects of the foundation package, from the concrete working surface enabling works, piling, drainage installation, raft construction, concrete pouring, and final slab striking.

The project utilised a compact piling rig, eliminating the need for an engineered piling platform and enabling more agile and cost-effective delivery. Before piling, the formation needed to be prepared by others to our formation level, including a 1-metre working perimeter with a CBR of 2%.

Once blinding was installed and piling began, the site progressed rapidly, with concrete pours taking place in approximately 4 weeks.

All plots were struck, cleaned, and handed over on schedule, leaving a thoroughly prepared and cleared site ready for the next stage of development.