42 NO M5 MOTORWAY CROSSINGS

In 2016 SWDD successfully installed 42 out of 42 cross-carriageway installations for multi-ducts, beneath the M5. The directional drilling installations were carried out for Balfour Beatty and Vinci as part of a Joint Venture (BBVJV), on the Highways M5 Jct 4a to 6 Smart Motorway scheme.

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SWDD were tasked to put together a package for the HD 22/08 requirement (now CD622), which included a ground conditions assessment and max settlement prediction for each location. The package also included a requirement to propose a design solution for various cuttings, embankments and some tight working areas. Once all drawings and design works were approved the project could commence. 

SWDD mobilised to the site for the directional drilling works and over the course of approximately 8 weeks of night shifts, all works were completed. The works were completed on budget and ahead of schedule, despite the locations having varying ground conditions, including gravel, rock, sand and clay.

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As expected, no installation reached the max settlement prediction, or anywhere near the allowable limit of <10mm settlement, for the scheme. In fact, there was no settlement detected at any of the locations.

Duct sizes were 125mm o.d. and largely in a four-way configuration, within 300-350mm bores, but also some two, three and six-way installations were installed, in bore sizes to suit the ducts and ground types.