Groundworks
Groundworks and Drainage Installation
Littleton, Maybole
KLR Rail was appointed to deliver the full groundworks package for a new-build property at Littleton, Maybole. The scope of works included forming a new site entrance and driveway, preparing and constructing the raft foundation, and completing all associated external drainage, treatment plant installation and site finishing.
The project required accurate site preparation and close coordination between the groundwork, drainage and concrete teams to ensure the finished work met the required engineering standards and was ready for the next phase of construction.
"We would like to say how pleased we are with the ground work phase of the development, we have found Darran professional, knowledgeable and communicative, and are very impressed with the clean and tidy site on completion. Thank you for an excellent job and we hope the rest of the project goes as smoothly."
— Rob Gentle
Scope of Works
Phase 1 – Site Preparation and Foundation Works
Excavation and Earthworks
The site was stripped of topsoil and reduced to formation level in accordance with engineering levels. Using an 8-tonne excavator and roller, KLR Rail levelled and compacted the subgrade to the specified tolerances.
Sub-base Formation
A geotextile membrane was installed to separate the soil from the stone layers and maintain long-term stability. Type 1 aggregate was then placed and compacted in layers to form a solid base for the foundation.
Raft Foundation Construction
The foundation area was blinded with sand and covered with a 1200-gauge visqueen membrane to provide a damp-proof barrier. Reinforcement was placed using two layers of A393 mesh with H10 U-bars at 200 mm centres. Once service ducts were installed, C35 concrete was poured to form the reinforced raft foundation.
Access and Driveway Formation
Crushed brick and tar planings were used to construct a temporary access route and driveway, providing a stable surface for construction traffic and future use.
Phase 2 – Drainage and External Works
Drainage Installation
KLR Rail installed all external drainage systems including underground pipework, manholes and chambers. The system was designed to effectively manage both foul and surface water flows.
Treatment Plant and Soakaway System
A 9-person treatment plant was installed and connected to a new pipe network, incorporating soakaway crates for sustainable surface water management. Surrounding materials such as whin dust and pea gravel were used to provide stability and improve permeability around the tank.
Service Ducting
Service ducts and boundary boxes were installed to allow for future utility connections, ensuring all routes were clearly set out and accessible.
Final Levels and Finishing
The site was brought up to finished levels using compacted stone and reinstated topsoil around the margins. A full site tidy was completed prior to handover, leaving a clean and well-prepared platform for superstructure construction.
Challenges and Solutions
Variable Ground Conditions
Initial excavation revealed areas of inconsistent subgrade. The team resolved this by compacting additional layers of Type 1 aggregate and using geotextile reinforcement to achieve the required bearing capacity.
Complex Drainage Layout
The site layout required careful coordination between foul, surface and treatment systems. Detailed setting out and staged installation prevented any service clashes and ensured correct falls throughout.
Weather Conditions
Works were undertaken during changeable autumn weather. The team adopted phased excavation and backfill methods to prevent water ingress and protect newly installed materials.
Outcome
KLR Rail successfully delivered all groundwork and drainage elements to specification, providing a solid and fully serviced foundation ready for the main build. The works were completed safely and efficiently, maintaining high standards of workmanship and site management throughout.
The completed phase included:
- Fully reinforced raft foundation
- Complete foul and surface water drainage systems
- Installed treatment plant and soakaway system
- Constructed access and driveway formation
- Finished and tidied site ready for construction
The Littleton project demonstrates KLR Rail’s capability to deliver comprehensive groundwork and drainage solutions from initial excavation through to final preparation. The project was completed to a high standard, meeting all engineering requirements and providing a reliable foundation for the client’s new development.
KLR Rail continues to apply its expertise in civil engineering and site preparation to projects of all sizes, ensuring quality, safety and efficiency remain at the forefront of delivery.
