Addressing Soil Challenges for Sustainable Infrastructure

Overview

BHM Geotechnical is a geotechnical and environmental consultancy specialising in providing innovative solutions to soil-related challenges within the construction industry. There are a variety of challenges that arise during construction projects. Primarily, these challenges include soil instability issues, such as slope failures, landslides, and settlement problems, which pose significant risks to infrastructure.

Additionally, designing foundations that can withstand diverse soil conditions while adhering to project requirements is a complex task. Ensuring the stability and longevity of structures requires precise analysis and innovative solutions.

Geotechnical practices can have adverse environmental effects, including soil erosion, habitat disruption, and resource depletion. Addressing these concerns is essential for sustainable development.

The Challenge

• Slope Stabilisation Project: A residential area in a coastal region experienced landslides due to soil erosion and heavy rainfall, posing risks to infrastructure stability.
• High-Rise Structure Foundation: Designing a foundation for a high-rise structure in an urban area with varying soil properties, including hard clay and different rock classes, to ensure stability.
• Sustainable Land Reclamation Project: SRedeveloping an industrial site with contaminated land, requiring a strategy to minimise environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency.

Our Approach

BHM Geotechnical employed a structured, multi-phased strategy to address these challenges:

1. Comprehensive Site Assessment

• Conducted borehole drilling, rock logging, and geotechnical software analysis to assess soil conditions.
• Performed finite element analysis (FEA) for foundation performance evaluations.
• Conducted environmental site assessments to determine contamination levels and remediation requirements.

2. Customized Engineering Solutions

• Designed retaining structures, batter angles, soil nailing, and drainage systems to stabilise slopes.
• Recommended site-specific foundation designs based on geotechnical analysis to enhance structural integrity.
• Implemented bioremediation and waste classification techniques to restore contaminated land.

3. Sustainable and Cost-Effective Implementation

• Installed monitoring systems for real-time assessment of slope stability.
• Optimised foundation performance while minimising construction costs.
• Ensured long-term environmental compliance through sustainable land reclamation strategies.

The Solution

Our approach combined advanced remediation methods with strict environmental oversight. The site was restored, paving the way for safe, compliant redevelopment.

1. Slope Stabilisation

BHM Geotechnical conducted a comprehensive slope stability analysis using advanced geotechnical software and site investigation techniques.

• Implemented retaining parameters, batter angles, soil nailing, and drainage systems to mitigate landslide risks.
• Stabilised slopes and minimised environmental impact, ensuring long-term safety and sustainability.

2. High-Rise Structure Foundation

BHM Geotechnical conducted a comprehensive geotechnical analysis, including:

• Borehole drilling and rock logging as per AS 1726, and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Recommended site-specific foundation designs to enhance structural performance and reduce costs.

3. Sustainable Land Reclamation Project

BHM Geotechnical developed a sustainable land reclamation strategy, including:

• Waste classification and soil remediation techniques to restore contaminated land.
• Implemented sustainable land management protocols to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Results and Impact

The project turned a polluted site into a safe, useful space for homes and businesses. It helped protect the environment and brought new opportunities to the local community.

• Increased Stability: Effective geotechnical solutions prevented landslides and ensured structural integrity.
• Environmental Protection: Sustainable remediation methods reduced long-term soil degradation and contamination risks.
• Optimised Costs: Engineering strategies minimised material usage, construction time, and resource depletion.
• Sustainable Development: Provided safe, eco-friendly solutions for future infrastructure growth.

Conclusion

These case studies highlight the critical role of BHM Geotechnical in addressing soil-related challenges and implementing sustainable infrastructure solutions. Whether stabilising a slope, designing a foundation for a high-rise, or reclaiming contaminated land, BHM ensures project success through innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible geotechnical solutions.