SOCOTEC UK is delighted that the first million cubic metres of chalk has been laid, as part of the Chiltern grassland transformation

The chalk is being excavated by the Align JV that is constructing the ten-mile twin–bore tunnels under the Chilterns.

Monitoring system requirements

SOCOTEC has been working on Align’s South Portal site, HS2’s largest construction site, that incorporates Pynesfield Quarry, an area that is being transformed into what will become a 127-hectare wildlife haven featuring new grassland, woodland, wood pasture and wetlands habitats with excavated chalk from the tunnels. The activities required have mainly consisted of installing and maintaining Inclinometer, Extensometer and Piezometer sensors. The data from these sensors is used to monitor the ground movement in and around the quarry, as it is backfilled with chalk from the tunnel excavation.

Align JV is delivering the Central 1 (C1) section of HS2 Phase One, from its South Portal site that includes the Chiltern tunnels to the north and a viaduct over the Colne Valley to the south.

“We are pleased to have SOCOTEC UK on board with the monitoring of Pynesfield Quarry as part of the Align project, the data received is ensuring that ongoing activities are able to be conducted safely and in line with the design” said Dorota Symonidou, Instrumentation & Monitoring Coordinator with Align.

The work delivered by SOCOTEC UK has been led by Nick Swinerd, Junior Project Engineer. It has involved managing the integration with Align, multiple suppliers and sub-contractors.

Going forward SOCOTEC UK will continue to monitor the quarry as it is transformed with further chalk from the tunnels to form the new grassland.

“The project is ongoing for SOCOTEC UK, with the monitoring systems we have put in place we can ensure the quarry transforms as planned” said Nick Swinerd.

For more information relating to this major milestone on the HS2 project please click here.