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Back to SearchGHD is celebrating after their ground-breaking dam engineering with United Utilities and Askam Civil Engineering picked up the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Small Project of the Year Award.
The judging panel commended the Earnsdale Impounding Reservoir project in Darwen, UK for using new techniques to improve stability of an earth dam. The UK-first solution included a reinforced earth wall with deep soil mixing and a geotextile reinforced load transfer platform.
GHD’s 3D earthworks model also became a key tool in reducing cost and improving collaboration. Used to drive coordination and understanding in design, the model helped non-specialists understand the detail of safety method statements and contingency plans, improving safety in delivery.
By optimising designs within this 3D geotechnical model, the team were able to value-engineer the soil mixing solution. This reduced the volume by 900m³, making significant cost savings and reducing the programme by eight weeks.
Alan Williams, ICE North West Regional Chair noted that, “The improvement work at Earnsdale Impounding Reservoir included several ground breaking technical innovations for UK dam engineering, and 3D modelling to assist in terms of communications, coordination and timing throughout the project. It was this innovative approach that won it the Small Project of the Year 2018 award.”
Dr Chris Parks, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, United Utilities, said, “A fantastic collaborative project with a great outcome which will maintain the safety of the reservoir for many more years. The ICE award is well deserved and a reflection of the innovative design and hard work put into the project by so many people across all the companies concerned.”
John Lowery, Managing Director of Askam Civil Engineering, the principal contractor on the site, said: “The use of deep soil mixing was an impressive solution due to the working conditions on this elevated and exposed site, which were on the whole extremely challenging. The reinforced earth system allowed flexibility to match the slopes and curves required by GHD’s innovative design. It was a great team effort from all those involved at United Utilities, Askam and GHD.”
Stewart Tennant, UK Market Leader Water added: “This project is a great example of high level collaboration and teamwork in challenging ground conditions and is testament to the dedication of our talented people who continuously deliver innovative and cost effective solutions.”
This is not the first time GHD has been recognised for civil engineering and geotechnical excellence in the UK. The company has picked up accolades for their work on the Swinden and Lee Green reservoir and the Elan Valley Aqueduct. GHD is also a finalist for the highly competitive NCE100 2018 Excellence in Water category award.