Ground Investigation for Subsidence in Slough

Chippenham Lane, Slough, Subsidence Ground Investigation and Assessment 

Earth Environmental & Geotechnical’s Reading Office were commissioned to undertake a ground investigation assessment for two semi-detached dwellings along Chippenham Lane in Slough. The investigation was requested to help understand settlement issues impacting both properties.

Prior to undertaking the ground investigation, it was proposed by third parties that differential settlement was being caused by the swelling and shrinking of high placidity clays present at foundation depth across the site.

However, it became clear once Earth Environmental & Geotechnical’s Reading Office broke ground on site that high plasticity clays were not the issue causing the settlement. Ground conditions were quickly identified as being dense sand and gravel present over a thin layer of made ground.

Investigation techniques, were quickly changed and instead of several window samples boreholes, a series of five hand pits were completed to investigate the depth and construction of the current foundations.

The results of the hand pits identified that the two adjoining properties were founded on poorly constructed and very shallow foundations which were the underlying issue causing the undesired settlement.

The works culminated with the production of a detailed factual report identifying the actual geology present beneath the assessment site and the design and depth of the current foundations.

Based on the findings of the ground investigation, our client is now compiling a legal case against its insurance provider and looking to undertake remedial works to the foundations across the site.

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Chippenham Lane, Slough, Subsidence Ground Investigation and Assessment