Case Study: Future-Proofing Coastal Living at Brockhurst Road, Gosport

Project: Multiplot Residential Apartment Development

Location: Brockhurst Road, Gosport

Scope: 117 CFA Piles & Piled Ring Beam Foundation

Timeline: 2 Weeks (Completed 1 week ahead of schedule)

The Challenge: Building for the Next 100 Years

At Brockhurst Road in Gosport, the development of a large-scale multiplot apartment complex faced a significant environmental hurdle. New regional regulations in Gosport demand that foundations account for projected sea-level rises over the next century. This required a finished floor level approximately 5.2 meters above sea level.

Beyond the elevation, the structural requirements were immense. The design utilised precast concrete floors for the upper levels, creating heavy vertical loads that traditional shallow foundations simply could not support - especially in a coastal zone where the water table is in constant flux.

The Technical Hurdle: Tidal Stability

Foundations in Gosport aren't just fighting gravity; they are fighting the tide. The ground conditions at Brockhurst Road consisted of upper gravel layers transitioning into clay. However, the proximity to the coast means the soil stability is constantly affected by high and low tide cycles.

To ensure the apartments remained structurally sound, Fallon Piling had to anchor the building deep into the stable clay strata, bypassing the "active" upper layers influenced by hydrostatic pressure.

The Fallon Piling Solution

While Fallon Piling is renowned for our Rapid Raft system, this high-load residential project required a traditional, heavy-duty piled ring beam formation.

Method: We utilised CFA (Continuous Flight Auger) piling, a method perfect for the gravel-over-clay composition. It provides high load-bearing capacity with minimal vibration—essential for a residential area.

Depth: We bored to depths of up to 18 meters, ensuring every pile was securely seated in the bearing clay, far below the tidal influence zone.

Scale: Our team installed a total of 117 piles, creating a robust subterranean network to support the ring beam and the heavy precast concrete structure above.

The Result: Precision at Pace

At Fallon Piling, we understand that the foundation stage is the "critical path" of any development. A delay here delays every other trade on-site.

The piling phase at Brockhurst Road was projected to take three weeks. Through meticulous planning and the efficiency of our CFA rigs, the Fallon Piling team completed the entire installation in just two weeks.

By delivering the project 50% faster than scheduled, we provided the client with a vital "buffer" in their build program, all while meeting the stringent new 5.2m sea-level regulations. The result is a development built on a foundation of technical excellence, ready to stand firm against the elements for the next century.

SPEAK TO OUR PILING EXPERTS TODAY

Have a project in mind? Get a quote or more information from one of our team.