We delivered a complex piling and ground engineering solution to support the construction of the new £40 million Reading Viaduct, a key element in the redevelopment of Reading Station.
Our £3.8 million foundations package involved the installation of 980 continuous flight auger (CFA) piles, up to 1,050mm in diameter and 24m deep, into the chalk bedrock to provide robust support for the 2km viaduct structure.
To support the ramps at both the Eastern and Western ends of the viaduct, we installed 1,685 vibro concrete columns, each up to 8m deep and finished with a 600mm diameter enlarged head to support a geogrid load transfer platform, ensuring the stability of the overlying embankment.
Working adjacent to the operational railway, safety and logistics were key during our planning phase. One of the most challenging stages was installing piles alongside the main London to Swansea line and Reading commuter routes, where restricted access demanded meticulous planning to accommodate rigs and handling cranes and ensure safety on site.
We successfully completed over 20,000 linear metres of piling within 15 metres of live railway lines, with zero impact on train operations – a testament to our expertise in this sector.
CFA piling
Discover more about how we deliver best-in-class Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling solutions with our modern fleet of CFA rigs and design and delivery expertise.
