OGI Groundwater Specialists Ltd services
Computer Modelling Services
OGI uses computer modelling packages to analyse and simulate many different conditions associated with the ground. OGI has developed in-house computer models to simulate the behaviour of groundwater, heat and dissolved contaminants within the ground. This results in the ability to simulate and predict changes in water and soil pressures, dissolved contamination flowing within groundwater, and the ground temperatures and available heat resource.
Construction Dewatering
Design of Dewatering Systems
The purpose of a dewatering system is to control groundwater levels and to reduce pore water pressure in the ground. OGI is able to analyse available geological data and the geometry of a construction site excavation to develop a conceptual model. Using OGI’s experience and knowledge, combined with mathematical modelling techniques, OGI is able to establish the geological layers of significance and to design a suitable dewatering system to remove groundwater at the necessary flow rates to reduce pore water pressure down to the required levels so as to achieve the dewatering objectives of the project.
Stabilisation of Wet Ground
Wet, unstable soil makes the ground to be excavated difficult to work, difficult and expensive to remove from site and creates an unpleasant, sometimes dangerous environment in which to work. The net result is usually lost time and added cost to the project. The three photos below all show the same site, before, during and after dewatering.
Geotechnical Design
Embankment Design Services
OGI offers the design of steep battered embankments typically associated with open-cut excavations. Open-cut excavations often represent a cost effective alternative to expensive retaining structures such as contiguous or secant pile walls. Robust embankment design often allows both significant cost savings, and reduced programme time required for a project.
Slope Stability Calculations Services
Slope stability calculations form the most significant part of a successful safe embankment design. Design of safe steep batter slopes to the design criteria set out in Eurocode EC7 can achieve considerable cost savings, by eliminating the requirement for large scale sheet piling or other retaining wall structures. OGI’s approach is to use the available Site Investigation (SI) data, together with site geometry to make an initial assessment as to whether the steep batter approach is feasible and to identify areas where existing data is insufficient to enable a robust design to be produced. This data may include geological logs, in situ ground strength testing, laboratory soil testing and ground water level measurements.Ground Source Energy
Thermal Resource Assessment Services
OGI is able to conduct a Thermal Response Test to demonstrate the sustainability of any heating system that takes heat from or adds heat to the ground. As buildings designed to utilise heat from the ground are becoming increasingly bigger relative to the landmass available, it is becoming essential to balance the annual heat abstraction from, and any injection back into the ground. Under these conditions OGI’s Ground Energy Resource Assessments (GERAs) are increasingly in demand.