2024
Desborough, Kettering, Northamptonshire
C3 Construction
Land Access Challenge at Gaultney Farm Development, Desborough
Challenge
At the Gaultney Farm residential development in Desborough, Northamptonshire, a significant infrastructure challenge arose due to the absence of direct access between two phases of the site. This lack of connectivity meant that pedestrians, cyclists, and construction vehicles were forced to take lengthy detours, impacting project efficiency and site logistics. To resolve this issue, Maccaferri was commissioned to design and construct a land bridge solution capable of supporting multi-use access while integrating with the natural environment.
The site was further complicated by a large ravine located at the edge of the development. The ravine measured approximately 27 metres in width and reached depths of up to 6 metres, with a 3-metre-wide pool of stagnant water at its base. These conditions indicated a consistently high water table, which presented a major constraint for foundation design and construction.
The combination of steep terrain, poor ground conditions, and groundwater presence created risks related to instability, drainage, and hydrostatic pressure. Any viable engineering solution needed to address these geotechnical challenges while ensuring long-term durability, environmental compatibility, and cost efficiency. Additionally, the design had to accommodate a drainage pipe crossing the ravine at height to allow proper outfall away from the new housing development.
Solution
Maccaferri delivered an innovative reinforced soil solution using Green Terramesh systems, ParaGrid geogrids, and RenoMattress units to construct a durable and sustainable land bridge across the ravine. The design incorporated two back-to-back Green Terramesh structures, each formed with a steep 70-degree face. This configuration not only maximised structural efficiency but also enabled vegetation growth, ensuring the structure blended seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
To address the high water table and challenging ground conditions, RenoMattresses were installed at the foundation level. These units elevated the reinforced soil structure above groundwater while creating a free-draining base, allowing water to flow naturally beneath the land bridge. Temporary dewatering through pumping was required during installation, but once the RenoMattress layer was in place, construction could proceed without ongoing groundwater management.
A drainage pipe was integrated within the reinforced soil structure to relieve pore water pressure and prevent hydrostatic build-up, improving long-term performance and stability. This pipe also plays a critical role in the site’s drainage strategy, enabling water to safely outfall away from the residential development.
ParaGrid geogrid reinforcement was used throughout the structure, with optimised lengths tailored to the design requirements. This approach reduced material waste, improved installation efficiency, and delivered a cost-effective engineered solution.
The completed land bridge spans 39 metres between the two development phases, with a 6-metre-wide roadway suitable for pedestrian, cyclist, and construction traffic. The structure reaches heights ranging from 2.7 to 6.4 metres, providing both functional access and essential infrastructure support.
Used Products
