RBeam overcomes challenging ground conditions

RBL’s RBeam foundation system key to ensuring foundations remain stable across the diverse terrain

Roger Bullivant Limited (RBL) has partnered with Persimmon Homes East Scotland on a significant housing development in Bannockburn, Stirling. The project, located on Pirnhall Road, includes the construction of 104 houses and two blocks of flats. The first phase of the development has recently been completed, with 19 detached and semi-detached homes built.

To address the varied ground conditions at the site, RBL employed its RBeam foundation system, which is compatible with different pile types. This adaptability is key to ensuring that the foundations remain stable across the diverse terrain.

The site required the installation of approximately 840 piles, with the first phase needing a mix of 140mm driven steel tubular piles and 200mm driven precast concrete piles. The choice of piles was influenced by the specific geological characteristics of the area. In plots where the bedrock is less than 3m deep, steel piles were driven into the shallow rock strata. Conversely, precast piles were used where the ground required deeper penetration through made ground and into softer gravelly clay.

The initial phase saw the installation of over 880 linear metres of RBeam, part of a total of 3200 linear metres planned for the entire project. This phase was completed within eight weeks.

Mark McAllister, foundation systems discipline manager for RBL’s Scotland region, commented on the project, saying: "The flexibility of the RBeam system allows us to effectively address the unique ground conditions at the Stirling site. By pairing the RBeam with both steel and precast piles, we can ensure stable and reliable foundations for the diverse range of homes being constructed."