Groundforce and Mott MacDonald Bentley Expand Severn Trent Water Capacity

The expansion of the Severn Trent Water site in Warwick is set to significantly boost water treatment capacity, thanks to a collaborative effort between Groundforce Shorco and Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB). This £56 million project at Longbridge Water Treatment Works aims to increase capacity from 734 litres per second to 1,261 litres per second.

What Happened
The project involves the construction of four 32-meter-diameter final settlement tanks and a new 27-meter-diameter primary settlement tank. A critical component of the expansion is the diversion of untreated wastewater from the existing 1,800mm-diameter pipeline into a newly constructed tunnelled pipeline. This requires installing a new concrete structure around a section of the existing pipeline, all while keeping the pipeline operational. The excavation measures 10.8 meters long by 10.4 meters wide and is 8.48 meters deep.

Groundforce Shorco, brought in early for design development, provided a robust temporary works solution to address poor ground conditions and a high water table. They installed 12-meter-long L605 steel sheet piles and four hydraulic frames using their Super Mega Brace beams to stabilize the excavation. The existing pipeline, passing through the middle of the excavation, was suspended using eight heavy-duty lifting slings attached to the Mega Brace beams to prevent bending and cracking under its own weight and the sewage flowing through it.

What This Means for Your Business
For companies in the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors, this project highlights the importance of innovative temporary works solutions in complex infrastructure projects. The collaboration between Groundforce Shorco and MMB demonstrates how early involvement of specialists can mitigate risks and ensure project success. For government contractors and firms involved in water infrastructure, this project sets a precedent for managing aging infrastructure while expanding capacity—an increasingly critical need as urban populations grow.

The project's execution underscores the importance of compliance with safety and engineering standards, ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure. As such, firms should focus on integrating advanced engineering solutions and maintaining strict control measures to avoid disruptions in essential services.

What US Operators Should Watch
US operators should monitor similar projects for insights into best practices for infrastructure expansion without service interruption. The project at Longbridge Water Treatment Works exemplifies the need for precise engineering and careful planning when dealing with aging infrastructure, which is relevant to many US cities facing similar challenges. With federal funding opportunities available for infrastructure improvements, especially in water management, firms should prepare for upcoming bids and deadlines by aligning with compliance requirements and innovative engineering solutions.

Source: https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/groundforce-supports-live-water-works-expansion