Dewatering

High groundwater levels could undermine site stability during excavation work as foundation soils failed to support a structure. Considering the site “dewatering” risk and potential solutions were all part of the design process for SCIRT.

Silty, sandy soils and problematic peat proved particularly challenging during Christchurch’s horizontal infrastructure rebuild.

Prone to liquefaction, the poor soil conditions – with water at ground level in many areas – made repairing underground pipework a soggy and often costly exercise.

High groundwater levels could undermine site stability during excavation work. However, several methods could control groundwater.

By “dewatering” – or removing naturally occurring groundwater from a construction site – a dry area suitable for safe access and excavation could be created.