Project Overview
The Dawson Foundation Engineering (DFE) team recently returned to site in Cockermouth, Cumbria to complete the installation of reinforced concrete ground beams following the successful delivery of ODEX piling works on this challenging scheme. This phase of the project completed the foundation package, with DFE providing a fully coordinated, turnkey piling and groundworks solution tailored to the site’s complex ground conditions. This phase of works follows the successful delivery of the piling element, detailed in our earlier case study: ODEX Piling Works in Cockermouth Under Challenging Ground Conditions.Scope of Works
For this stage of the works, DFE delivered a comprehensive foundation package, including:- Working platform design
- Pile design
- Installation of 13 No. 220/190mm ODEX piles, with 12.0m casing and 3.0m rock socket
- Excavation and spoil management
- Pile cropping
- Pecafil shuttering to ground beams
- Steel fixing to 700mm x 450mm reinforced concrete ground beams and plinths
- Timber shuttering to plinths
- Concrete placement to ground beams and plinths
Ground Beams & Concrete Works
The reinforced concrete ground beams were constructed to tie the previously installed ODEX piles into a single structural system, ensuring efficient load transfer and long-term performance. Pecafil permanent formwork was used to provide a clean and efficient shuttering solution, followed by steel reinforcement installation and controlled concrete pours carried out in coordination with specialist suppliers.Programme & Coordination
Despite the logistical challenges of the rural location, the works were completed efficiently thanks to careful planning and strong collaboration across the project team. A special thanks to Camfaud Concrete Pumps Ltd and D.A. Harrison Concrete, whose experienced drivers went above and beyond to reach site following an unexpected local road closure on the day of the pour.Our Expertise
Dawson Foundation Engineering provides specialist piling and foundation solutions across the UK, delivering integrated design-and-install services for complex and constrained sites. From ODEX piling and reinforced concrete ground beams to full foundation packages, DFE continues to support projects requiring technical expertise, flexibility and reliable delivery. We were sorry to leave this project behind — it has been a pleasure working with an excellent site team, supportive local suppliers and in such outstanding surroundings.
