Frogmore Connection Tunnel

Location

Wandsworth, London

Client

BMB (joint venture)

Year

2020

Features

In-tunnel probing

WJ is renowned and respected in the tunnelling industry as the leading depressurisation and dewatering contractor in the UK for complex underground structures within the notoriously difficult London strata called the Lambeth Group. We are proud of the work we undertook for BMB (JV) when we were contracted to provide in-tunnel probe drilling as part of the Thames Tideway West works in Wandsworth, London.

WJ Groundwater contributed their experience to the ongoing multi-billion-pound Thames Tideway ‘super-sewer’ scheme beneath the streets of London. We have undertaken a series of similar tests and projects at a number of Thames Tideway sites; however, this was our first opportunity to work at this location. A new section, the Frogmore Connection Tunnel, has been constructed to link King George’s Park in Wandsworth to the Carnwath Road (Fulham) site on the north side of the River Thames.

WJ’s solution

Prior to each advancement of the connection tunnel, it was necessary for investigative probing to take place to establish ground conditions. To do this, WJ Groundwater’s SM5 drilling rig was lowered into the Dormay Street shaft, and a range of probe holes were drilled to enable the collection of geological samples. Our highly experienced drilling crews and our fleet of drilling rigs are capable of drilling in restricted tunnel environments at a range of inclinations and directions. Several rounds of probing took place at this location. WJ’s services include the provision of an array of contingency ‘tool box’ solutions in case groundwater or unstable ground is encountered. The drilling team are well equipped to rapidly deploy the installation of borehole seals, converting probe holes to dewatering wells and having capability to start pumping to quickly lower groundwater levels and stabilise the ground in the area of the tunnel advance.

Whilst inclined in-tunnel drilling and probing is not uncommon in the UK, WJ Groundwater is the best-equipped to undertake such tasks. We continue to build upon our extensive experience in tunnel work for clients such as the Thames Tideway, Crossrail, the Northern Line Extension, the Docklands Light Railway and Jubilee Line works, among other projects.

Similar projects

WJ Groundwater has completed similar groundwater management projects in the UK and globally. Click on the links below to learn more about what we do.

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