An important part of the risk assessment for building and construction work is related to the handling of groundwater. Even small groundwater pockets may cost time as well as money, if they are not handled correctly. At worst, the work at the construction site may be stopped completely if the groundwater conditions are underestimated or ignored, thus causing instability in the ground of the construction pit.
We assist with handling of the groundwater in the best possible way. In the planning and execution phases, we can offer our expertise and experience with groundwater lowering solutions, control measures as well as alarm and monitoring equipment. In this way, the building and construction work can be carried out in a safe way and according to plan, while the groundwater handling is well-considered and documented.
We can execute the complete groundwater lowering system with drillings, pumps, pipes, electrical installation as well as alarm and emergency power system. In addition, we can handle the current service and inspection work on the groundwater lowering and monitoring systems.
Planning, execution and inspection
Our fleet of machinery comprises small and large drilling rigs for execution of monitoring and drilled pumping wells of diameters from 6” to 16”, and we also have a range of modern low-noise well point systems.
We have equipment and staff to carry out the necessary preliminary investigations, design groundwater lowering systems and control measures as well as to handle clean out and pumping test of boreholes. In case of soil contamination – either inside the construction site or in the neighbouring areas – when we carry out groundwater lowering, we have equipment for different types of water treatment so that we can comply with the environmental requirements for discharge to drainage or recipient.
As a specialist contractor we are used to working closely together with authorities about an efficient and smooth execution of the work – also about groundwater lowering. Our employees know where to pay special attention when planning the project and when obtaining permits for e.g. drilling work or for water catchment and discharge in relation to groundwater lowering. We prioritise a safe working environment – also in relation to taking precautions to protect our groundwater.
Sometimes, the effect of the groundwater lowering is not only limited to the construction site. If the pumping work at the construction site causes a cone of depression outside the construction pit, it may affect buildings or structures sensitive to settlement, and subsequent complaints from neighbours may cause a delay in the construction process, and at worst a legal dispute.
However, if the groundwater lowering is performed correctly, most uncertainties about groundwater lowering can be eliminated. We offer our assistance and would be pleased to discuss the following:
- Handling and reporting in relation to environmental authorities and legislation
- Obtaining permits for pumping and discharge
- Geotechnical investigation – soil conditions and groundwater reservoirs
- Environmental investigation – contamination in or around the construction site
- Choice of groundwater lowering method, e.g. submersible pumps, well points, relief wells or pumping wells.
- Discharge of water as well as need for water treatment
- Assessment of necessary pumping capacity
- Need for emergency power system or overflow
- Need for re-infiltration of extracted water
- Fees for discharge of water
- Photo registration in the neighbourhood
- Registration of sensitive buildings or structures
- Notification of groundwater lowering according to section 12 of the Danish Building Act
- Inspection and monitoring of pumped volumes and range of the groundwater drawdown (with e.g. SRO and SCADA).
Our sister company BL Grundvandssænkning A/S also offers expertise in groundwater lowering.
Do you need a price on groundwater lowering or more information?