Bachy Soletanche support for High Speed 1

Leading geotechnical specialist, Bachy Soletanche, looks back on some of the projects it has undertaken that have helped in the launch of High Speed 1 at St Pancras International Station.

Director of Bachy Soletanche Limited (BSL), Robin Abraham said: "We are delighted that after several years of hard work and dedication by everyone involved, the first passengers will descend on St Pancras International Station and travel to Paris".

"For BSL it was an honour to be part of what is set to be an important element to the UK's rail network".

BSL has provided a range of techniques along the way from projects such as large diameter piling for the Medway Viaduct, to deep shafts in East London and piling and foundation work for St Pancras Station itself, including the formation of the Thameslink Box.

Other specialist geotechnical techniques were also used, including diaphragm walling, contiguous and secant pile walling and specialist grouting.

The Medway Viaduct was one of the first structures to be built in the early stages of the High Speed 1 project and runs parallel to the M2 road bridge.

Robin Abraham explained: "The main span piling was undertaken from two coffer dams within the river".

"These enabled the formation of a pile cap from which the main columns were sprung".

In the second phase of the project, BSL was part of a joint venture which delivered a section of the main running tunnels.

Works included the formation of deep diaphragm walled shafts on compact urban sites where logistical and environmental considerations were paramount.

Most significantly BSL has worked alongside joint venture partners Costain, Laing O'Rourke and Emcor Rail as part of the team that has delivered St Pancras Station.

This critical project was constrained by the fact that the station remained fully operational for the duration of the works.

Therefore, due consideration had to be given to the trains entering and leaving the station, the general public and the fact that the area is partly residential.

With High Speed 1 now finally complete, BSL can look back on the fact that its knowledge and expertise in foundations and underground engineering has undoubtedly made a major contribution to its success.

Furthermore, with the rail industry continuing its regeneration of the UK's network, High Speed 1 provides a strong foundation for BSL to build on.

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