INFRASTRUCTURE GEOTECHNICS

Breaking New Ground

ByrneLooby has a proven track record providing cost-effective and innovative geotechnical solutions for earthworks, earth retaining systems, structure foundations and asset management for multiple infrastructure sectors, including roads, rail, metro and marine environments.

With growing populations in urban areas and an increased need for connectivity and sustainability - there is a growing need to understand the geotechnical risks presented by major transportation infrastructure projects. Our expertise in this area means that we can successfully manage projects from design to construction. As a multidisciplinary consultancy, we aim to provide our clients with the information they need to understand and minimise ground risks, mitigate uncertainties and remediate by delivering value-added solutions based on engineering experience and technical knowledge.

Working across various sectors, locations, and project scales, our versatile team at ByrneLooby evaluate ground risks and advise mitigation solutions across all phases: scheme feasibility, planning, concept design, detailed design and project implementation. Our skills are uniquely honed to meet the demands of the Design and Build sector. Our understanding of construction processes, methods and focus on buildability have proven invaluable assets for our clients. Working on both local and international projects, we have provided geotechnical services across various challenging terrain: road scheme engineering on soft ground in Ireland, mountainous terrain in Kosovo and Albania and seismic conditions at the US$5bn New Aqaba Port. We have consulted on rail earthworks, and slope remediation works on the London Crossrail (UK) and worked on significant metro projects in Doha and Jeddah.

Our advice spans many vital areas essential for project success; site inspections, planning and managing geotechnical investigations, geological mapping, geotechnical monitoring and instrumentation, groundwater and hydrogeological assessments, geotechnical design and reporting, emergency geotechnical assessment and repair strategy, scheme asset management and heavy maintenance planning, temporary works design, independent checking services, expert witness and construction services.

A32 Cherrymount Link, Enniskillen, UK

Route 7 Motorway - Kosovo

PROJECT FOCUS: A TALE OF TWO BRIDGES - COLLABORATION TO BRING COST EFFICIENCIES

ROYAL COMMISSION BRIDGES

OVERVIEW

The Royal Commission in Jubail (RCJ) plans to construct two new bridges: one from Jalmudah to AlBatinah Island (Battinah)and the other from Dareen to a nearby unnamed island (Dareen). Batinah is a 4-lane bridge proposed to replace an existing causeway to allow increased access to Abu Ali Island. Darren is a 2-lane bridge designed to replace a smaller existing bridge to link the mainland to an island with oil production facilities. Both bridges have been designed with a 60m main span to clear a 40m navigational channel to allow safe navigation of vessels up to 15m in length.

PRIMARY ROLE

ByrneLooby in association with FAEC was commissioned by the RCJ to undertake the detailed design of both bridges, the approach causeways, the marine works including lining the channel, protection for the piers and navigation aids. Detailed assessments included carrying out a detailed study for the form, shape and location of both bridges. The location and height of each bridge was determined considering the existing causeway and bridge remaining in operation until each was opened. Extensive geotechnical investigations were carried out to ensure the optimum piling solution was found for all piers in varying ground conditions. The long-term settlements of the approach embankments were also taken into consideration.

Extensive studies were also done on the possible construction methods for constructing the pile caps and piers in the marine environment. Both bridges were designed using post-tensioned concrete box girders of uniform depth – each carrying 2 lanes of traffic, with inclined piers supporting the spans over water and vertical piers for spans over mud flats.

INNOVATION / VALUE ADD

ByrneLooby accessed our inhouse multidisciplinary team to supervise the ground investigation works, as well as providing a range of specialised expertise - including bridge structures, causeways, embankments, shoreline protection, roads, deep foundations, subgrade improvements, design vessels and collision loading. The bridges were designed around a principle of ‘balanced aesthetics”, combining striking design that blends seamlessly with surroundings and delivers constructability and cost-efficiency. Location: Jubail, KSA Capital Value: Undisclosed Project Name: Royal commission Bridges Country: KSA Client: Royal Commission of Jubail (RJC)

PROJECT FOCUS: NEW TRANSPORT LINKS ON SOFT GROUND

A32 CHERRYMOUNT LINK

OUR ROLE

ByrneLooby was the civil and geotechnical designer for the contractor designed elements (CDE) for this £13m scheme of Class A trunk road in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.

The 2km route runs through areas of deep very soft ground comprising peat and very soft lacustrine clays and key challenges included finding cost effective solutions to improve the competency of these soft ground locations to facilitate construction of the trunk road.

SOLUTION

For the areas of soft ground, ‘excavate and replace’ techniques were used to improve the ground. ByrneLooby supervised construction of the soft ground replacement with engineered fill in a controlled, phased approach, in order to mitigate against potential instability of adjacent lands.

We were involved from the tender to construction stages, and also developed a value engineered soil nail solution as an alternative to the conceptual reinforced concrete retaining structure, saving the client both time and costs in the process.

ByrneLooby also provided the detailed design of a public and a private footbridge, and their associated approach ramps and bank seat abutments supported on reinforced earth embankments. Location: Enniskillen, UK Capital Value: £13m Project Name: A32 Cherrymount Link Country: UK Client: P.T McWilliams/Mclaughlin & Harvey JV