Groundforce Shorco supplied a combination of Premier and Standard Trench Boxes to support George Leslie during the installation of a new wastewater rising main in Cambuslang, near Junction 2 of the M74.
The project formed part of a wider infrastructure development and required a safe, adaptable excavation support system.
Project Challenges
The works involved installing more than 125m of pipework in a 4.5m-deep trench, with a further 160m planned once the final route was confirmed. The excavation ran alongside a live road, requiring phased lane closures while maintaining access for local businesses. Varying ground conditions meant that not all areas required heavy-duty boxes, while service crossings introduced further complexity.
Our Trench Box Solution
Groundforce initially supplied Premier Trench Boxes to support the first 18m of excavation. When site requirements changed, the contractor switched to Standard Trench Boxes, a lighter and more versatile option that still provided the required depth capacity.
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More than 30 Standard Trench Boxes were installed, each base unit (3.5m x 2.6m) combined with two 1.3m-high extension units.
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EdgeSafe mesh barriers and ladder access systems were added to maintain safe working conditions.
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Where existing utilities were encountered, KD6 trench sheets and 3.9m heavy-duty hydraulic walers were used to provide localised support.
Results & Benefits
The trench boxes gave George Leslie a safe and efficient method of supporting deep excavations while working within restricted conditions. The lighter weight of the Standard Boxes allowed easier handling and faster installation, reducing disruption during road closures. By combining trench boxes with additional safety systems, operatives had a secure working environment with reliable access.
Site Manager Craig Paterson commented:
“For the length of pipe we were putting in there were a lot of concrete foundations to dig out. This, plus the fact we had to maintain access for local businesses as there was no diversion possible, made it very challenging. But Groundforce was excellent throughout. We have a good working relationship with them, and their trench boxes do just what they say on the tin.”
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