When initial infiltration tests show low permeability, it can create a major hurdle for design teams and planning approvals. At a recent mixed use redevelopment site in Buckinghamshire, our early trial pit testing revealed that the shallow clayey soils were unsuitable for conventional soakaways.
Rather than defaulting to costly mains drainage connections, our team reviewed the site’s geological data and identified potential for improved permeability at greater depth. We were then commissioned to carry out deep borehole infiltration testing.
Using our Comacchio Geo205 drill rig, we completed a 30 metre soakaway borehole and constant flow testing, which confirmed that the deeper strata could receive surface water from the proposed seven storey development.
The outcome
• avoided high costs of connecting to mains drainage
• reduced pressure on the public sewer network
• delivered a more sustainable, self contained drainage solution
A great example of how deeper thinking can solve surface level problems.
