Hannafin Contractors Limited enlisted the expertise of Patrick Parsons for the provision of engineering services at a site located in Rock, in Wadebridge Cornwall. The designated area, a compact plot, was earmarked for the development of 28 affordable led homes.
Our geo-environmental team initiated the project by conducting a comprehensive Phase One report, aimed at identifying environmental and geotechnical risks, culminating in an initial risk assessment for the site. Noteworthy was the distinct geological profile of the site, deviating from our usual projects. The ground consisted predominantly of wind blown sands overlying weathered clays and slate, presenting behaviours distinct from sands deposited by natural processes such as rivers. This unique geological setting required tailored considerations in our assessment and recommendations.
Subsequent to the Phase One report, our team recommended further investigative measures, leading to a two-day exploration phase incorporating window sampling, trial pitting, and soakaway testing. The Phase Two report, generated from the comprehensive findings, revealed a reassuring outcome, indicating minimal or low risks on the site. No contamination issues or significant complications were detected. Additionally, our soakaway testing revealed that this site was unsuitable for such drainage solutions. The report provided valuable insights into foundation depths and recommended construction materials.
In addition to the geo-environmental services, our team delivered civil engineering consultancy on this project for Hannafin Contractors Limited. Patrick Parsons carried out a transport statement to accompany the application which identified, with some minor mitigation measures, that the development could be accommodated without detriment to vehicle flows or pedestrian safety in the local area. The proposed site access, which we signed, allows a to change the priority of the existing access road and incorporates improved pedestrian facilities for the new residents and for the existing road users. Minor road widening and improved junction radii has also been proposed to allow vehicles to manoeuvre freely and to provide improve visibility on the highway.
Our civil engineering team also designed the drainage and levels strategy for the site in order to develop the scheme proposals. For the surface water strategy, we designed combination of gravity pipes discharging to a small attenuation pond before draining to existing sewers at the boundary of the site. The levels were designed to create a balance of cut and fill material required for the development, to reduce the need for import / export and provide a sustainable design solution.
