Introduction
Groundforce’s YourSolution temporary works design software is being used to optimise the accurate design and construction of manholes at a water treatment works for Uisce Eireann.
The Project
Córas Pipeline Services is carrying out civil and wastewater infrastructure works at Claremorris wastewater treatment works in Co Mayo. As part of the works, Córas is installing a number of new manholes and associated pipework, including working within existing operational areas of the treatment works.
The Challenge
A key element of the works is the safe excavation and installation of the manholes, with the excavations requiring suitable temporary works and ground support to allow the construction to be carried out safely and efficiently.
The temporary works design is required to establish the appropriate shoring system for the excavations, taking into consideration the excavation dimensions, depth, ground conditions, working space and the equipment required to carry out the installation.
The Solution
Córas is using Groundforce manhole boxes for this project and has chosen Groundforce’s YourSolution software to streamline the temporary works design process.
This interactive design tool was developed by Groundforce to provide customers with a simple step-by-step process to obtain fully documented temporary works designs immediately in line with the requirements of BS 5975.
Access to the system is available 24/7 on mobile devices and desktops directly from the Groundforce website.
The user simply enters the required excavation parameters and YourSolution provides a suitable shoring design which can be assessed and developed before the equipment is brought to site.
Developing the design prior to delivery to site helps ensure that the proposed system is appropriate for the excavation and the planned method of construction. It also reduces the potential for delays associated with determining the correct equipment or arrangement once excavation works have already commenced.
In addition, YourSolution gives the contractor a temporary works design certification signed off by Groundforce’s temporary works designers.
The software is primarily used by the contractor’s site management team when developing the temporary works solution for approval by the client and project supervisor (PSCS) which, in this case, is Veolia.
The information and design produced can then be used by the site team to ensure the Groundforce equipment is installed and used in accordance with the agreed design and approved by the PSCS’ temporary works co-ordinator.
YourSolution helps the contractor to optimise the equipment required for a specific excavation, rather than relying on a standard arrangement. This can provide benefits in terms of installation time, plant utilisation and overall project efficiency, while also providing confidence that the proposed solution has been considered for the specific site conditions.
Coras’ site agent, Aaron Badger, said:
“We have found Groundforce to be very helpful in developing practical temporary works solutions for the project. The availability of technical support and the ability to develop a solution specifically for the excavation we're working with has been particularly useful.
“The YourSolution software is a valuable part of that process as it allows the requirements of the excavation to be considered at the construction stage, when all site conditions are known, and provides a clear basis for selecting the appropriate shoring arrangement and ensuring all the right equipment is on hire, in one load.
“From a contractor's point of view, having the design and equipment requirements established in advance gives the site team greater confidence when planning the works and helps us to carry out the excavation and manhole installation in a safe and efficient manner.
The works are currently scheduled for completion in February 2027, subject to the overall project programme and site conditions.