Project Overview
The Dawson Foundation Engineering (DFE) team spent several weeks on site in Alloa, Scotland, delivering a full piling and ground beam package despite challenging winter conditions.
This project forms part of DFE’s growing workload north of the border, supporting domestic developments across the region. Learn more about our regional capability here: Mini piling in Scotland.
Scope of Works
The works were delivered on a full design-and-install basis and included:
- Pile and ground beam design by DFE’s Chartered Engineer and company owner
- Installation of 11 no. 220mm diameter piles to depths of up to 17.0m
- Excavation of ground beams and removal of spoil from site
- Pile cropping to finished cut-off levels
- Construction of 22 linear metres of 500mm x 400mm reinforced concrete ground beams
- Shuttering and steel fixing to ground beams
- Placement of concrete to complete the foundation works
Ground Conditions & Weather Challenges
Torrential rain and freezing temperatures made both excavation and concreting particularly challenging throughout the programme. Ground conditions required careful sequencing to maintain stability and programme control.
To mitigate the effects of the weather, the team adapted the temporary works approach by switching to timber shuttering to provide improved ground support. Additional insulation was applied to the concrete once a suitable weather window became available, ensuring quality and durability were maintained.
Engineering-Led Delivery
All piling and ground beam designs were completed in-house, allowing the foundation solution to be tailored precisely to the site conditions and construction sequence. This approach ensured close coordination between design and installation, even in difficult working conditions.
You can read more about DFE’s engineering-led approach here: Why work with a Chartered Engineer?
Our Expertise in Scotland
DFE continues to support projects across Scotland, delivering reliable foundation solutions for domestic developments. Our services include:
Project Outcome
Despite the demanding weather conditions, the project was completed successfully thanks to the experience and commitment of the DFE site team. A huge respect to all construction teams working across Scotland through the winter months — these conditions are not for the faint-hearted.
To see more projects like this, visit our Our Work or Piling News pages.
