6.2.3b AP - GDR Vol 2 Structures

A465 Blaenau’r Cymoedd A465 Heads of the Valleys
Adrannau 5 + 6: Dowlais Top - Hirwaun Sections 5 + 6: Dowlais Top - Hirwaun
www.cymru.gov.uk
A465 Heads of the Valleys Sections 5 and 6: Dowlais Top to Hirwaun
Geotechnical Design Report Volume 2: Structures

October 2017
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1. Earthworks ................................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Highways structures ................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Bridge foundations.................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Reinforced Concrete Retaining Walls ..................................................................................................... 7
3. Strengthened Earthworks ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Reinforced soil slopes and retaining walls .......................................................................................... 11
3.2 Load transfer platform ............................................................................................................................ 11
4. Drainage ................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1 Drainage in Cuttings ............................................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Drainage at Embankments ..................................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Drainage at Structures ............................................................................................................................ 14
5. Pavement Design, Sub-grade and Capping .......................................................................................... 15
6. Assessment of Potential Contamination .............................................................................................. 16
7. Ground Treatment (Including Underground Voids) ............................................................................. 17
8. Specification Appendices ....................................................................................................................... 18
9. Instrumentation and Monitoring ............................................................................................................ 19
10. References ............................................................................................................................................... 20
11. List of Drawings....................................................................................................................................... 21
12. Highways Structures Summary Table ................................................................................................... 22
Appendix A. Cuttings and Embankment Assessment Sheets ........................................................................ 30

Appendix B. Highway Structures Assessment Sheets.................................................................................... 31
Appendix C. Specifications ................................................................................................................................ 86
Appendix D. Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form (SEAF) .................................................................... 87
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 ii
Introduction
The Geotechnical Design Report (GDR) is produced for the A465 Heads of the Valleys Section 5 & 6
Preliminary Design.
This GDR is not intended to be used for construction since detailed design is yet to be undertaken. The GDR
provides information on the Preliminary Design for the information of the detailed designer and other
organisations employed to complete follow-on work by the Client.
The GDR for Sections 5 and 6 (Dowlais to Hirwaun) of the A465 Dualling Project has been prepared in two
Volumes:
- Volume 1: Earthworks, Drainage and Pavement Design
- Volume 2: Highway Structures
This report represents Volume 2 of the GDR and presents the design concepts for bridge foundations, retaining
walls and load transfer platform.
The GDR follows the format specified in Appendix E of HD 22/08 (1) for managing geotechnical risk and is split
into the following sections:
• Section 1 - Earthworks (Volume 1)
• Section 2 - Structures (Volume 2)
• Section 3 - Strengthened Earthworks (Volume 2)
• Section 4 - Drainage (Volume 1)
• Section 5 - Pavement Design, Sub-grade and Capping (Volume 1)
• Section 6 - Assessment of Potential Contamination (Volume 1)
• Section 7 - Ground Treatment including Treatment of any underground voids etc (Volume 1)
• Section 8 - Specification Appendices (Volume 1)
• Section 9 - Instrumentation and Monitoring (Volume 1)
In addition, specific design information is included in individual appendices as follows:

• Appendix A Cutting and Embankment (Earthworks) Assessment Forms (Volume 1)
• Appendix B Highway Structures Assessment Forms (Volume 2)
• Appendix C Series 600 Specification (Volumes 1)
• Appendix D Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form (SEAF) (Volume 2)
This report should be read in conjunction with the following:

• Geotechnical Design Report – Volume 1 – Earthworks (B2191100/D2/1/2/059)
• Ground Investigation Report (B2191100-D2-1-2-040 GIR Rev W0)
• Earthworks General Arrangement Plans (Drawings 2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0001 to
0013)
• Geological Long Sections (Drawings 2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-001 to 016)
• Retaining Wall Plan and Typical Details (Drawings 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-10 to 60)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 1
1. Earthworks
The earthworks section is presented in Volume 1 of this GDR report.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 2
2. Highways structures
The proposed bridges and retaining walls are summarised in Table 12.1 and Table 12.2 respectively. The
location plan of the bridges is shown on the Earthworks General Arrangement Drawings 2191100-JAC-HGT-
DE-GE-0600-0001 to 0013, included in Volume 1 of this GDR report. The general arrangement plan for the
retaining walls is shown on Drawings 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-10 to 60.
Details of the ground investigations undertaken, together with details of ground and groundwater conditions,
including the suggested ground model and characteristic soil parameters for individual structures, are
summarised in their Highway Structures Geotechnical Assessment Sheets in Appendix B.
The following sections discuss the various assumptions and concepts for design of the bridge foundations,
reinforced concrete retaining walls, reinforced earth walls and load transfer platform.
2.1 Bridge foundations
2.1.1 Type of structure
The types of highway structures include:

• Bridges
• Footbridges
• Underpasses
• Viaducts
2.1.2 Design assumptions
There are number of design assumptions and considerations common to all proposed structures, as described
below.
2.1.2.1 Ground Conditions
The geological cross-section across the whole route is presented in Drawing 2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-
0001 to 0016. The ground conditions relevant to each structure are summarised in their Geotechnical
Assessment Sheets, Appendix B.
The majority of the structures are expected to be founded within bedrock with some founded on Glacial Till.
Details of known mineworkings and mineral deposits are described in Section 3.5 of the Ground Investigation
Report (GIR) (2). In addition to the known mining history, where Lower Coal Measures is the underlying bedrock
and within the zone of influence of the foundation, there is a possibility for unrecorded mineworkings or voids
being encountered. In light of this, prior to construction, it is proposed that the ground beneath foundations
underlain by Lower Coal Measures, should be investigated for the presence of possible mineworkings or voids.
2.1.2.2 Groundwater Conditions
Groundwater level varies at each structure and their relevant levels are summarised in the Highway Structures
Geotechnical Assessment Sheets.
2.1.2.3 Soil Parameters
The global soil parameters assumed for the foundations of the structures within Sections 5 & 6 were discussed
in the GIR and are summarised below. However, these parameters have been reviewed and amended as
necessary, dependent on local ground conditions. In general, parameters were reduced if the local ground
conditions were assessed to be weaker than those assumed for the global values.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 3
Table 2.1 Summary of preliminary geotechnical parameters for Section 5 - Foundations

E’
γb cu c’ ϕ’ mv
Ground Condition (MN/m2) for
(Mg/m3) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (°) (m2/MN)
foundations
50
(between
10
ground 0.1 (between
Made level and 4 ground level
Cohesive and Granular 2.0 0 32 40
Ground m bgl) and 2 m bgl)
(below 4 m
bgl)
200 (below 0.05 (below
4 m bgl) 2 m bgl)
85 0.1 (between
20
ground level
85 + 10z and 2 m bgl)
Cohesive 20 + 6z
Stiff 2.0 (z = 2 32
Glacial (z = metres
metres 0.03 (below
Till below 5
below 2 m 2 m bgl)
m.bgl)
bgl)
Granular 2.0 - - 35 35 -
Possible Solifluction
1.9 35 0 28 7 0.5
Deposits
Geological
Material Strength Degree of
γb UCS
Bedrock Parameters constant, Index, GSI E’ (MN/m2) Disturbance
(Mg/m3) (MPa)
mi D
South Wales Lower Coal

2.50 14 45 25 750 0.7
Formation
Bishopston Mudstone 2.60 8 35 13 200 0.7
Mudstone
Bedrock Sandstone 2.60 15 50 50 3000 0.7
FM
Twrch Sandstone FM 2.60 17 50 50 1500 0.7
Carboniferous Limestone 2.70 12 65 50 7500 0.7
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 4
Table 2.2 Summary of preliminary geotechnical parameters for Section 6 - Foundations

E’
(MN/m2) for
γb cu c’ ϕ’
Ground Condition foundations mv (m2/MN)
(Mg/m3) (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (°)
100 20
(between (between
ground ground
Made level & 2 level and 2
Cohesive and Granular 2.0 0 32 0.1
Ground m bgl) m bgl)
150
(below 2 30 (below 2
m bgl) m bgl)
75
20
75+ 10z 0.1
Stiff 20 + 3z
Cohesive (z =
2.10 2 32 (z = metres
metres
below 5 m
below 2
bgl)
Glacial Till m bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Granular 2.00 - 0 36 -
(z = metres
below 5 m
bgl)
1.9 35 0 28 7 0.3
Deposits
γb Material Geological
UCS E’ D, Degree of
Bedrock Parameters (Mg/m3) constant Strength
(MPa) (MN/m2) Disturbance
mi Index, GSI
Lower Coal Sandstone 2.50 15 50 35 1050 0.7

Measures Mudstone 2.50 8 35 10 150 0.7
Bedrock Bishopston Sandstone 2.60 15 50 50 1500 0.7
Mudstone
Formation Mudstone 2.60 8 35 13 200 0.7
2.1.2.4 Design loads
When the bridges are founded on retaining walls, in addition to the minimum required toe level for retainment,
additional length was incorporated to allow for the vertical loads from the bridge.
2.1.3 Design approach
For the concept design, the bridge foundations were designed with unfactored loads and global factors of
safety.
2.1.4 Design methodology
The bearing capacity of all spread foundations founded on soils (Made Ground and Glacial Till) and rock were
carried out using hand calculations. Settlements of foundations founded within cohesive material were
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 5
assessed using the Elastic drained method (3) or Pdisp 19.3 (4) and within granular material using the Burland
and Burbage method (5).
Pile design was carried out using an in-house verified spreadsheet.
2.1.4.1 Design of spread foundations
The bearing capacity of the spread foundations within soils (cohesive and granular) were assessed using
conventional methods suggested by Skempton and Terzaghi. The bearing capacity on rock was based on the
values suggested in Tomlinson (6). The factor of safety on bearing capacity was taken as 3.
2.1.4.2 Pile Design
a) Shaft Capacity
In Gravels:
Ultimate shaft friction τsf = ks.σv’.tanδ
Where, ks = 0.7 (for Bored piles)
σv’ = effective overburden pressure
δ = interface friction angle, taken to be equal to φ’
In Clay:
Ultimate shaft friction τsf = α.cu
Where, α = adhesion factor, taken as 0.6 (Bored piles)
cu = undrained shear strength
A limiting value for average shaft friction, τsf, of 140 kPa was adopted.
b) Base Resistance
The ultimate base resistance (qb) in granular soils is based on the equation
qb = Nq σv’
Where, Nq = bearing capacity factor provided by Berezantsev
σv’ = effective overburden pressure
In cohesive soils the ultimate base resistance was taken as 9cu (kPa), where cu = undrained shear
strength at toe level, and will be limited to a value of 4.5 MPa.
c) Factor of Safety
The piles were designed with a global factor of safety of 2.5.
d) Settlements
Settlement calculation for piles were not analysed at this stage. However, it is anticipated the settlement
of piles founded on glacial till will be less than ~15 mm based on the safety factors applied.
2.1.4.3 Rock socket design
The following correlations were used to determine the ultimate shaft friction of the bedrock:
fs,u = α x quc
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 6
where quc is the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of the bedrock and α was taken to be 0.05.
The rock formation along the route varies from weak mudstone (UCS range of 10 to 13 MPa) to strong
sandstone (UCS range of 35 – 50 MPa). A conservative UCS value of 10 MPa was used for the rock socket
design, which corresponds to an α value of 0.05(6). The base resistance of the bedrock was ignored due to
uncertainty of mining and unknown ground conditions, as well as to provide some conservatism for preliminary
design.
2.1.5 Design outcome
The bearing capacity and settlements for each structure are discussed in the individual Highway Structures
Geotechnical Assessment Sheets (Appendix B).
2.2 Reinforced Concrete Retaining Walls
2.2.1 Choice of Structure
Initial consideration was given to adopting soil nails as a form of steepening cut slopes on the scheme,
however, during the initial 1:2500 Presentation to the Welsh Government, it was confirmed that the
design should not include any soil nails. It is understood that this was as a result of various problems
experienced with the use of soil nails in South Wales over the past years.
Similarly, the use of sheet piles was discounted due to perceived difficulties in driving the sheets
through the Glacial Till. The Till along the route of the A465 contains many large cobbles, which would
make driving extremely difficult, if not impossible.
On the basis of the above, it was decided to adopt contiguous bored piles for the preliminary design.
The general approach adopted, in order of preference and available land-take, is:
1. If land is available, cut to slope angle required to provide a sufficient FOS.
2. Construct L-shaped concrete retaining wall (only really appropriate for low height cuts where
temporary excavation is feasible).
3. Construct contiguous bored pile retaining wall at toe and regrade upper slope to safe slope
angle.
4. Construct contiguous pile retaining wall full height
2.2.2 Type of structure
Cantilever bored cast in-place contiguous piled walls are proposed to retain cuttings in areas where widening
cannot be carried out either by safe slope angles or by L-shape walls (See Table 12.2).The walls are to be
installed through the superficial deposits and in most cases, socketed into the underlying rock. A geocomposite
‘piledrain’ is proposed to control ground water flow through the gaps between the contiguous wall piles.
The piles at the top of the wall are connected by a reinforced concrete capping beam. To provide a safe barrier
at the edge of the wall, a parapet or a reinforced concrete wall (stone clad) cast integral with the capping beam
is proposed to be constructed at the top of the wall. The external face of the walls are to be faced as
appropriate, in accordance with the Environmental Statement.
Two types of walls are proposed:
• Type A: Installed from the existing ground level and connected by a 1 m thick capping beam (Drawing
2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-40) to tie with the existing ground level.
• Type B: Installed from the existing ground level and ‘built up’ by construction of a reinforced concrete
retaining wall to support new fill placed behind the wall (Drawing 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-50).
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 7
This form of wall is used where the finished ground level behind the wall is above the existing ground
level.
2.2.3 Design assumptions
2.2.3.1 Design retained heights
The design height of a retaining wall is the length from the top of the wall or “built up” section to an excavation
level in front of the wall, taken as 1m below finished road level. This is to allow for a 1m pavement construction
in front of the wall. The details are provided in Table 12.2.
2.2.3.2 Design ground conditions
The general stratigraphy of the site is given on the Geological long sections in the GIR(2). The geology along the
proposed contiguous walls comprises various thicknesses of superficial deposits consisting of made ground,
dense to very dense granular and firm to very stiff cohesive Glacial Till, with possible soft to firm Solifluction
deposits. The superficial deposits are underlined by bedrock formation of Lower Coal Measures and Bishopston
formation of sandstones and mudstones.
The ground conditions at each particular structure are based on the nearest boreholes in the vicinity.
2.2.3.3 Design ground water conditions
Detailed information on the ground water levels are provided within the Ground Investigation Report (2).
The design ground water level at the back of the wall is assumed at 1/3 of the design height of a retaining wall.
2.2.3.4 Design geotechnical parameters
The characteristic geotechnical parameters of superficial deposits and bedrock are presented in the individual
retaining wall sheets (Appendix B) and are obtained from the GIR(2) with the following modifications:
• the stiffness parameters of superficial deposits are doubled for retaining wall design, as a retaining wall
will undergo smaller strains compared to a foundation ;
• the strength parameters of bedrock are assessed separately as discussed below
Bedrock parameters
The bedrock comprises mainly sandstone and mudstone. The shear strength parameters of mudstone were
assessed based the geological rock description and references given by Cripps and Taylor (7). Based on the test
data for the mudrocks across UK, Cripps and Taylor suggests the following range of values for the weathered
mudrock:
• ϕ’ from 39̊ to 42̊; and
• c’ from 15 to 40 kN/m2.
A friction angle value of 40̊ and cohesion value of 20 kN/m2 have been assumed as retaining wall design
parameters for the mudstone.
The software ‘RockLab’ was used to determine the shear strength of Bishopston Sandstone using Hoek-Brown
failure criterion. The input parameters for RockLab used were that for the Lower Coal Measures Sandstone
(UCS, GSI, mi) given in GIR (2). Considering that the pile drilling will not cause significant disturbance to the
surrounding rock, the disturbance factor D for the analysis is assumed D=0. The output results indicated
strength parameters c’ of 2000 kN/m2 and ϕ’ of 33̊.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 8
Although the analysis was carried out for Lower Coal Measures Sandstone, similar parameters have been
proposed for Bishopston Sandstone.
The geotechnical information for each structure, including the proposed design stratigraphy and summary of the
assumed design parameters, is given in the Highway Structures Geotechnical Assessment Sheets presented in
Appendix B.
At Cefn Coed (ch 11040 to ch 11140m) where the bedrock comprises Limestone and Twrch Sandstone
formation, the design parameters of these stratums were assumed as for Bishopston Formation due to absence
of sufficient laboratory test data.
At Baverstock (ch 7780 to ch 7860m) the Ka and Kp values are calculated to account for the sloping ground
(β=30) behind the wall (Appendix B).
The geotechnical parameters given in Table 2.1 to 2.2 were factored under Design Approach 1 in accordance
with BS EN 1997-1:2004.
The geotechnical design of the retaining walls are discussed below and summarised in the Highway Structures
Geotechnical Assessment Sheets (Appendix B).
2.2.3.5 Design loads
The retaining structures are designed for a typical surcharge of 20kPa at the back of the walls as per BS
8002:2015, Table 7. This value is factored under Design Approach 1 according to BS EN 1997-1:2004.
The walls do not carry any vertical loading, except those sections where the wall piles are supporting bridge
abutments.
2.2.3.6 Design materials parameters
The stiffness of the concrete retaining wall is calculated using CIRIA C580 (8) guidance as follows:
• Short term stiffness - 0.7EoI/s;
• Long term stiffness - 0.5EoI/s;
where
Eo – uncracked short term Young’s modulus of concrete, assumed as 30MPa;
I – second moment of the area; m4
s – pile spacing, m
2.2.4 Design approach
2.2.4.1 Serviceability limit state (SLS)
The SLS case was modelled in accordance with BS EN 1997-1: 2004 (Eurocode 7) using the characteristic
values of soil parameters given in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2.
The excavation level for this case is assumed to be 1m below proposed design road level, to account for the
sub-base placement.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 9
2.2.4.2 Ultimate limit state (ULS)
The ULS case design of the retaining walls has been undertaken using BS EN 1997-1: 2004, Design Approach
1. In this method, two analyses are undertaken using the following partial factors set out in Table 2.3. The
most onerous of the two analyses is then used for the structural design of the wall.
Table 2.3: Partial factors used in BS EN 1997-1: 2004 Design approach 1

Combination Factors on Soil Strength Factors on Actions
Tan φ c’ cu Permanent Variable
1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.35 1.5
2 1.25 1.4 1.4 1.0 1.3
A 0.5m overdig below SLS excavation level was also considered. No increase of groundwater level is
considered as the drainage system will be in place to keep the water level at 1/3 of the wall height (ref to
Section 2.2.3.3)
2.2.5 Design methodology
The design of all retaining walls was completed using limit equilibrium techniques in the software programme
WALLAP, Version 6.05, distributed by Geosolve. For calculation of bending moments and shear forces, the
subgrade reaction model was used. For preliminary design, only the long term wall stiffness was analysed.
2.2.6 Design results
A series of analyses have been carried out to determine the required pile diameters, spacing and toe levels of
the contiguous piled and detailed results are given in Table 12.2.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 10
3. Strengthened Earthworks
3.1 Reinforced soil slopes and retaining walls
Reinforced soil slopes are required at:
• Baverstock:
o North of mainline carriageway between mainline and eastbound diverge (Ch 7700m –
Baverstock underbridge structure)
o North of mainline carriageway between eastbound merge and mainline (Ch 8040m – 8145m)
o South of mainline carriageway (Ch 8000m – Ch 8250m)
o North of Swansea Road, south of westbound diverge (Ch 8100m – Ch 8200m)
Reinforced soil walls are required at:
• Gurnos embankment :
o Eastbound: from ch. 12530m to 12620m (Appendix B36.1)
o Westbound: from ch. 12390m to 12660m (Appendix B36.2)
• Pant Road (Appendix B36.3):
o Western side of the eastbound approach embankment (from ch. 14,700m) to the new bridge
over Pant road (centre of deck at ch. 14,770m)
o Eastern side of the westbound approach embankment to the new bridge (up to ch. 14,820m)
o Reinforced earth abutments are proposed which will carry the bankseats to the new bridge
3.2 Load transfer platform
The ground investigation carried out in the area of Gurnos Farm Cottages (Embankment E16) indicates a
potential layer of solifluction deposits between chainage 12470m and 12870m (up to approximately 6m thick).
This is estimated from the borehole descriptions of ‘soft’ cohesive material encountered in 3/BH82. Elsewhere
along the route, the potential soliflucted deposits have been only up to about 3m thick and have therefore been
scheduled to be removed and replaced with compacted engineered fill prior to construction of any overlying
embankment. With up to 6m of soft deposits, this is considered to be impractical, especially as there are
buildings close to the highway boundaries, which would preclude any open excavation in this area. It is
therefore proposed that the embankment in this area is supported on a piled foundation with a load transfer
platform (LTP), formed with layers of geogrid reinforcement.
Four embankment design sections have been assessed:
1. Ch 12570 - Reinforced soil wall - max height 6m
2. Ch 12510 - Reinforced soil wall - min height 2m
3. Ch 12620 - 1:2 Embankment Slope – max height 5.3m
4. Ch 12700 - 1:2 Embankment Slope – min height 2m
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 11
Ground conditions
The ground condition beneath embankment E16 is assessed as:
0 - 6.0 m bgl Possible Solifluction Deposits
6.0 – 7.5 m bgl Glacial Till Cohesive
7.5 m bgl – unproven Twrch Sandstone Formation (mainly) or Bishopston Mudstone Formation near Chainage
Groundwater was not encountered in 3/BH82, however it was encountered in 3/BH81 at 3 m bgl, rising to 2.6 m
bgl (293.2 m AOD) in twenty minutes.
Soil chemistry – The pH values of nearby boreholes (3/BH 80 and 3/BH 85) suggest values of the range 6 – 7.7
within the Glacial Till Cohesive.
The ground conditions are obtained from the ground model shown in Geological Long Section Sheets 9 and 10-
Appendix A of GIR (2). The following geotechnical parameters were used in the design :
Table 3.1 : Geotechnical Parameters for Load Transfer Platform Design
Bishopston Mudstone
Possible solifluction Glacial Till (Cohesive) Twrch Sandstone
Formation
deposits
Bulk unit weight

19 20 26 26
(kN/m3)
Soil Type Cohesive Cohesive - -
Drained Cohesion
0 2 - -
(kN/m2)
Phi (degrees) 28 32 - -
UCS (MPa) - - 13 50
Load transfer platform design
Design of the LTP has been based on BS8006-1:2016 (10) . For concept design, the following design parameters
have been adopted:
Pile capacity, 1000kN (based on 600mm diameter piles and 3m socket into bedrock)
Pile head diameter, 600mm
Pile Spacing, 1.8m
Traffic Loading, 20 kN/m2
Design Life 60 years
Proprietary Geogrid, Tensar Basetex
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 12
The angle of constant volume shearing resistance for the embankment fill was taken to be 32o to reflect the
design parameters of Glacial Till (Cohesive), assuming the embankment fill is reworked Glacial Till.
The angle of constant volume shearing resistance when assessing the reinforcement bond was taken to be 35o,
to reflect the granular material that will be used above and below the geogrid. The interaction coefficient was
taken to be 0.84 (for granular material).
The following reinforcement bond lengths and strengths are suggested, for the various sections indicated
above.
Table 3.2 : Load Transfer Platform Design
Reinforced Soil Wall 1:2 Embankment Slope
Ch 12570 Ch 12510 Ch 12620 Ch 12700

(Ht 6m) (Ht 2m) (Ht 5.3m) (Ht 2m)
Factored Longitudinal 78 kN/m 80 kN/m 78 kN/m 80 kN/m

loading Transverse N/A N/A 200 kN/m 104 kN/m
Longitudinal Tensar 400/50 Tensar 400/50 Tensar 400/50 Tensar 400/50

Tensar Basetex
Transverse Tensar 400/50 Tensar 400/50 Tensar 600/50 Tensar 600/50
Geogrid Anchorage (Bond Length) 2m 2m 3m 3m
It is considered that the soft ground beneath the existing road would have already settled following construction
of the original A465. It is considered therefore, that the piling and load transfer platform need not extend
beneath the existing road construction. It is suggested however, that transverse geogrid reinforcement (Tensar
400/50) is laid above the existing road, extending 2m into the new embankment construction, over the section of
load transfer platform, to reduce potential differential settlement between the old and new construction (Ref
Drawings 2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600- 0014 and 00015).
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 13
4. Drainage
4.1 Drainage in Cuttings
General recommendations for drainage for cuttings are discussed in Section 1.1 of the Volume 1 of this report.
4.2 Drainage at Embankments
General recommendations for drainage for embankments are discussed in Section 1.2 of the Volume 1 of this
report.
4.3 Drainage at Structures
4.3.1 Bridge Structures
General recommendations for drainage for structures are discussed in the individual Highway Structures
Assessment Appendix B.
4.3.2 Retaining Walls
Vertical drains for retaining wall are to be provided between each pile to collect groundwater flows. Drains are to
be set behind the sprayed concrete layer to the wall and outfall at the base of the wall above road carriageway
level into drainage channels provided in the raised verge. The drainage channels connect to a large diameter
filter drain located under the central reserve of the road carriageway. Half round channels collect the runoff from
embankments on top of the walls and direct this into the A465 road drainage system.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 14
5. Pavement Design, Sub-grade and Capping

The pavement design is discussed in Volume 1 of this GDR report.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 15
6. Assessment of Potential Contamination

Refer to the Land Quality Ground Investigation Report (Ref. B2191100/D2/1/2/045) (9).
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 16
7. Ground Treatment (Including Underground Voids)
The ground treatment is discussed in Volume 1 of the GDR report.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 17
8. Specification Appendices
A 600 Series Specification has been produced for the A465 HOV Sections 5 & 6 Preliminary Design and is
included in Appendix C (Volume 1). It is not intended to be used for construction since detailed design is yet to
be undertaken and will define the final specification for construction. The Specification provides information and
requirements of the Preliminary Design for the information of the detailed designer and other organisations
employed to complete follow-on work by the Client.
It is anticipated that Specification Appendix Table 1/5 as per the Notes for Guidance, Volume 2 of the Manual of
Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) shall be adopted and amended as appropriate by the detailed
designer and other organisations employed to complete follow-on work by the Client.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 18
9. Instrumentation and Monitoring

Details regarding instrumentation and monitoring shall be prepared by the detailed designer and other
organisations employed to complete follow-on work by the Client.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 19
10. References
1. HD22/08 (August 2008) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Volume 4. Geotechnics and Drainage.
Section 1: Earthworks, Part 2. HD22/08 “Managing Geotechnical Risk”. Highways England.
2. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Sections 5 and 6, Ground Investigation Report.
Report No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040, Revision W0
3. Jonathan Knappett, R.F. Craig (2012) Craig’s Soil Mechanics, Eighth edition, CRC Press
4. Pdisp 19.3, [Computer Software], Oasys 1997-2016
5. Burland and Burbage (1985), Settlement of foundations on sand and gravel, Proceedings of the
Institution of Civil Engineers, 78 (1), 1325 - 1381
6. Tomlinson (2001), Foundation Design and Construction, Seventh edition, Prentice Hall
7. Cripps and Taylor, (1981), The engineering properties of mudrocks, Quarterly Journal of Engineering
Geology and Hydrogeology, 14, 325-346
8. CIRIA Report C580 (2003), Embedded Retaining Walls : Guidance for economic design, Construction
Industry Research and Information Association
9. Jacobs (2016) A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 and 6 Dowlais Top to Hirwaun -
Interpretative Report on Phase 1 Land Quality Ground Investigation. Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/2/045.
10. BS8006-1:2010+A1:2016, Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills. BSI
2016
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 20
11. List of Drawings
Drawing No. Title
2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-10 Plan of Contiguous Bored Pile and L-shaped Concrete

Retaining Walls (Sheet 1 of 3)


2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-40 Typical Details of Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining

Wall Type A - General Arrangement

Wall Type B - General Arrangement
2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-60 Schedule for Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining Walls
2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0014 Details of Ground Improvement for Gurnos

Embankment – Plan
2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0015 Gurnos Embankment, Load Transfer Platform, Typical

Cross Sections at ch. 12,580m and 12,650m
2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0001 to 0016 Geological Long Section
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 21
12. Highways Structures Summary Table
Table 12.1 Summary of highway bridges and footbridges
Structure Name Location (Chainage m) Structures Drawing Appendix No.

Number
Section 5
Dowlais Junction 16160 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.1
West Bridge DE-SE-1600-3400
Dowlais Junction East 16070 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.2

Bridge DE-SE-1600-3300
Reservoir Footbridge 15310 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.3
DE-SE-1600-3200
Jones Street (or 15055 B.4

2191100-JAC-SBR-
previously known as
DE-SE-1600-3100
Pen Y Wern Bridge)
Pant Road Bridge 14765 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.5
DE-SE-1600-3000
Bryniau Road Bridge 13850 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.6

DE-SE-1600-2900
Prince Charles 13215 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.7
Hospital Overbridge DE-SE-1600-2850
(East) (previously
known as Galon
Uchaf East Bridge)
Prince Charles 13140 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.7

Hospital Overbridge DE-SE-1600-2800
(West) (previously
known as Galon
Uchaf Bridge West
Bridge)
Gurnos Farm 12275 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.8

Underpass DE-SE-1600-2700
Taf Fechan Viaduct 11510 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.9
(Widened) DE-SE-1600-2600
Taf Fechan 11482 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.10

Footbridge DE-SE-1600-2650
Taff Trail Footbridge 11310 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.11
DE-SE-1600-2500
High Street (or 11150 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.12

previously known as DE-SE-1600-2400
Brecon Road) Bridge
Taf Fawr Mainline 10880 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.13
Viaduct DE-SE-1600-2300
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 22

Number
A470 Junction Bridge 10720 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.14

DE-SE-1600-2000
Nant Ffrwd Mainline 10355 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.15

Nant Ffrwd Off-Slip 10310 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.16

Nant Ffrwd Approach 9900 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.17

Structure DE-SE-1600-1650
Section 6
Baverstock Junction 7755 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.18

Nant Hir (North) 6690 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.19

Nant Moel Underpass 6355 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.20

DE-SE-1600-1400
Nant Melyn Mainline 5440 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.21

Croesbychan Junction 5090 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.22
Court Lodge 4660 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.23

Vale of Neath Railway 4480 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.24

Vale of Neath 4425 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.25

Footbridge DE-SE-1600-0950
Court Farm 4145 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.26
Afon Cynon Bridge 3880 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.27

DE-SE-1600-0700
Pentwyn Cynon 3525 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.28
(Tramway) Footbridge DE-SE-1600-0600
Trewaun East Bridge 3240 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.29

DE-SE-1600-0500
Trewaun West Bridge 3150 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.30
DE-SE-1600-0400
Wind Farm Access 3010 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.31

Nant y Bwlch Bridge 2325 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.32
DE-SE-1600-0200
Hirwaun Junction – 1840 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.33

East Bridge DE-SE-1600-0102
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 23

Number
Hirwaun Junction 1740 2191100-JAC-SBR- B.34

West Bridge DE-SE-1600-0101
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 24
Table 12.2 : Summary of Proposed Retaining Walls
North or Top of Proposed Design Pile toe Pile Height of Summary

Pile length Pile spacing Pile wall
RW name or Area South of Start ch [m] End ch [m] Length [m] wall1) road level1) retained level diameter Reinf’t, % built-up Sheet in
[m] c/c [m] type
central line [mAOD] [mAOD] height [m] [mAOD] [m] wall [m] Appendix
Trewaun South East Retaining Wall

South 3280 3390 125 193.4 186.7 6.7 173.2 20.2 1.50 1.80 0.9 Type A B35.1
including wingwalls
Trewaun North East Retaining Wall

North 3390 3460 80 191.5 185.8 5.7 172.0 19.5 1.50 1.80 0.9 Type A B35.1
including wing walls
Swalec Pylon RW including wingwalls South 3460 3530 70 190.4 183.3 7.1 171.0 19.4 1.50 1.80 2.0 Type A B35.2
Afon Cynon Pond RW South 3660 3760 100 180.5 177.5 3.0 168.5 12.0 0.75 0.90 1.1 Type A B35.3
Baverstock Eastbound Access Road

North 7780 7860 80 330.9 326.7 4.2 316.0 14.9 1.50 1.80 1.1 Type A B35.4
(Designed Out)
Cefn Coed Retaining Wall West (South) South 11040 11160 120 231.2 224.0 7.2 217.0 14.2 1.50 1.80 2.0 Type A B35.5
Cefn Coed East Retaining Wall (South) South 11160 11200 40 231.9 224.2 7.7 217.0 14.9 1.50 1.80 1.0 Type A B35.6
Cefn Coed Retaining Wall West (North) North 11000 11160 160 234.6 225.3 9.3 218.0 16.6 1.50 1.80 2.0 Type A B35.5
Gurnos North RW-1 (Prince Charles North slip

Hospital Junction North Retaining road/main 12850 12920 70 296.0 291.9 4.1 282.7 13.3 0.75 0.90 2.5 Type B 2.05 B35.7
Walls) line

Walls) line

Walls) line
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 25

[m] c/c [m] type

Walls) line

Walls) line

Walls) line

Hospital Junction North Retaining road/main 13300 13340 40 308.0 305.6 2.4 298.0 10.0 0.75 0.90 2.5 Type A B35.7
Walls) line
Gurnos South RW-1 (Prince Charles

Hospital Junction South Retaining South 12790 12970 180 293.6 289.7 3.9 280.5 13.1 0.75 0.90 2.5 Type A B35.7
Walls)
Gurnos South RW-2 (Prince Charles South slip

Hospital Junction South Retaining road/main 12920 12975 55 297.4 293.2 4.2 284.0 13.4 0.75 0.90 2.5 Type A B35.7
Walls) line

Walls) line
Gurnos South RW-4(Prince Charles South slip

Hospital Junction South Retaining road/main 13060 13120 60 305.4 297.0 8.4 281.5 23.9 1.50 1.80 2.0 Type B 1.68 B35.8
Walls) line
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 26

[m] c/c [m] type

Walls) line

Walls) line
Gurnos South RW-7 (Prince Charles

Hospital Junction South Retaining South 13260 13290 30 309.2 303.4 5.8 287.9 21.3 1.50 1.80 2.0 Type A B35.8
Walls)

Walls) line
Gurnos Roundabout Retaining Wall

North 13680 14000 320 327.5 316.8 10.7 308.0 19.5 1.50 1.80 1.4 Type A B35.9
(North)
Gurnos Road/Galon Uchaf South

South 13830 13950 120 324.7 317.1 7.6 308.0 16.7 1.50 1.80 1.4 Type A B35.10
Retaining Wall
Bryniau Road Overbridge Retaining

North 13870 13900 90 330.8 328.4 2.4 320.0 10.8 0.60 0.80 1.1 Type A B35.11
Wall
Galon Uchaf Industrial Estate North

North 14080 14320 240 323.0 318.5 4.5 309.0 14.0 1.20 1.50 1.4 Type A B35.12
Retaining Wall
6350 (side 6350 (side

Nant Moel NMU Retaining wall North road start road end 0 259.5 256.0 3.5 248.0 11.5 0.90 1.20 0.9 Type A B35.13
ch 125m) ch180m)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 27

[m] c/c [m] type
A470 Junction Eastbound Slip Retaining

North 10350 10660 310 342.0 338.0 4.0 332.0 10.0 0.60 0.90 1.4 Type A B35.14
Wall
off slip (off slip

Cemetery (A470 Junction) Retaining
North (10710) 10710) ch 100 250.0 243.5 6.5 236.0 14.0 0.90 1.05 1.2 Type A B35.15
Wall
ch300 510
B2191100/D2/1/2/059 28
Drawings




Wall Type A - General Arrangement

Wall Type B - General Arrangement
2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-60 Schedule for Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining Walls
2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0014 Details of Ground Improvement for Gurnos

Embankment – Plan
2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0015 Gurnos Embankment, Load Transfer Platform, Typical

Cross Sections at ch. 12,580m and 12,650m
2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0001 to 0016 Geological Long Section
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS NOTED
OTHERWISE.
2. ALL EXPOSED ARRISES TO HAVE 25X25 CHAMFERS UNLESS
NOTED OTHERWISE.
B 3. ALL BURIED SURFACES OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE
300MM THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE PARAPET ELEMENTS ACCESSIBLE AFTER CASTING SHALL BE PAINTED
WITH TWO COATS OF BITUMEN TO A LEVEL OF 150mm BELOW
WALL CAST INTEGRAL WITH CAPPING BEAM
FINISHED GROUND LEVEL.
TOP OF PARAPET TOP OF PARAPET 4. ALL DETAILS SHOWN ON THIS DRAWING ARE PART OF THE
CONCEPT DESIGN OF THE SCHEME FOR PRICING PURPOSES
SEE NOTE 6. ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DEVELOPMENT AT FURTHER DESIGN
STAGES.
1400
1400
5. IN ADDITION THE CONTRACTOR SHALL REFER TO THE CDM
REGISTER FOR THE RISKS RELEVANT TO CONSTRUCTION OF
THE STRUCTURE.
TOP OF THE WALL TOP OF CAPPING BEAM TOP OF CAPPING BEAM
6. THE CONTAINMENT LEVEL FOR THE PARAPETS IS N2. IN AREAS
WHERE PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS, CYCLES AND VEHICLES
1
DRAWN BY ANIMALS ARE EXCLUDED (I.E. ON WALLS BETWEEN
1000
1 1800
6N/6P BACKFILL A SLIP ROAD AND THE MAINLINE) 1.0M HIGH PARAPETS ARE
(TYP)
PROPOSED. SEE THE TABLE ON DRAWING
2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-060 FOR DETAILS.
7. SEE DRAWING 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0050 FOR TYPICAL
CAPPING BEAM DETAILS OF THE TYPE B CONTIGUOUS BORED PILE WALLS.
8. SEE DRAWINGS 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0010 TO 0030
REINFORCED CONCRETE FOR PLANS OF THE PROPOSED CONTIGUOUS BORED PILE
CONTIGUOUS PILED WALL RETAINING WALLS.
9. SEE DRAWING 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0060 FOR A
SCHEDULE OF THE CONTIGUOUS BORED PILE RETAINING
SEE NOTE 11
A A WALLS.
VARING
FOR DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED L-SHAPED CONCRETE
RETAINING WALLS.
VARING
11. APPEARANCE OF FINISHING TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT.
SEE NOTE 11
SPRAYED CONCRETE BENEATH

N
CAPPING BEAM WITH 50MM NOM
R:\B1263600 - Welsh Assembly Government\Sections 5 & 6\150) GDR\Drawings for all deliverables\05 Retaining Wall Drawing 40 & 50\2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0040-0050-0060.dwg - 04/09/2017 13:43:28 - Layout1-0040 - ptegg2
MORTAR BEDDING 425MM NOM

FOR STONE CLADDING. VERGE
SMOOTH FACED REINFORCED

CONCRETE VRS
425 75 CONCRETE VRS
1500
1000
1500
PROPOSED
5% FALL PROPOSED ROAD LEVEL
ROAD LEVEL
300
1 1
1000
5 5
1200
MAXIMUM
EXCAVATION LEVEL
DEPTH TO CROWN
TOE DRAIN WITH GRAVEL RC BORED PILES
1500 AROUND CONNECTS TO
CARRIER DRAIN
KEY PLAN
(TYP) CARRIER DRAIN
PILEDRAIN 12 SJB / NW8
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 mm
SCALE 1 : 50
PILE TOE LEVEL PILE TOE LEVEL
B 1800 1500
SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL BOX
(TYP) (TYP)
KEY: IT IS ASSUMED THAT ALL WORKS ON THE DRAWING ARE

WALL TYPE - A CARRIED OUT BY A COMPETENT CONTRACTOR WORKING,
SECTION B-B x WHERE APPLICABLE, TO AN APPROVED METHOD STATEMENT.
P02 04/09/17 AMENDED FOLLOWING TAA REVIEW PT CR AD DS
TYPICAL SECTION SCALE 1:50 IN ADDITION TO THE HAZARDS/RISKS NORMALLY ASSOCIATED

P01 02/02/17 ISSUED FOR TAA REVIEW SC AO AD GP
SCALE 1:50 Rev Rev. Date Purpose of revision Drawn Checkd Rev'd Apprv'd
WITH THIS TYPE OF WORK DETAILED ON THE DRAWING, NOTE
THE FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT RESIDUAL RISKS:- R
HAZARD CONSTRUCTION 8th Floor, Churchill House, 17 Churchill Way,

LOG REF Cardiff, CF10 2HH
Client
1. THE TYPE OF PILING EQUIPMENT AND METHODOLOGY TO
BE USED SHALL BE CHOSEN IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE
THE GROUND CONDITIONS PRESENT, REFER TO ALL
RELEVANT FACTUAL GROUND INVESTIGATION DATA.
1500 1800
IN-SITU SOIL 2. DIFFICULTY IN CASING DRIVING OR BORING DUE TO
(TYP) (TYP) Project
PRESENCE OF BOULDERS IN GLACIAL TILL AND LAYERS OF
VERY STRONG MATERIALS WITHIN THE BEDROCK FORMATION.
A465 SECTIONS 5 & 6
3. GROUND WATER MAY BE ENCOUNTERED.
SOIL SIDE 4. PILING WORKS CLOSE TO EXISTING STRUCTURES AT CEFN
Drawing title
COED.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
OPERATION/USE
TYPICAL DETAILS OF CONTIGUOUS
NO EXCEPTIONAL RISKS BORED PILE RETAINING WALL TYPE-A
MAINTENANCE
Drawing status
NO EXCEPTIONAL RISKS DRAFT
Scale AS SHOWN @ A1
PILEDRAIN 12 SJB / NW8 SPRAYED CONCRETE MORTAR
DEMOLITION Jacobs No. B2191100
STONE CLADDING 100MM THICK NOM DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING
ROAD SIDE Drawing number Rev
NO EXCEPTIONAL RISKS
SECTION A-A 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0040 P02
SCALE 1:50 Copyright 2017 Jacobs U.K. Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs.
Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of
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responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this drawing by any third party.
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NOTES:
B 1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS NOTED
OTHERWISE.
300MM THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE PARAPET 2. ALL EXPOSED ARRISES TO HAVE 25X25 CHAMFERS UNLESS
WALL CAST INTEGRAL WITH CAPPING BEAM NOTED OTHERWISE.
3. ALL BURIED SURFACES OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE
ELEMENTS ACCESSIBLE AFTER CASTING SHALL BE PAINTED
TOP OF PARAPET TOP OF PARAPET
WITH TWO COATS OF BITUMEN TO A LEVEL OF 150mm BELOW
FINISHED GROUND LEVEL.
SEE NOTE 6. 4. ALL DETAILS SHOWN ON THIS DRAWING ARE PART OF THE
CONCEPT DESIGN OF THE SCHEME FOR PRICING PURPOSES
1400
1400
ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DEVELOPMENT AT FURTHER DESIGN
STAGES.
TOP OF BUILT UP WALL TOP OF BUILT UP WALL 5. IN ADDITION THE CONTRACTOR SHALL REFER TO THE CDM
REGISTER FOR THE RISKS RELEVANT TO CONSTRUCTION OF
THE STRUCTURE.
6. THE CONTAINMENT LEVEL FOR THE PARAPETS IS N2. IN AREAS
REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILT UP WALL WHERE PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS, CYCLES AND VEHICLES
DRAWN BY ANIMALS ARE EXCLUDED (I.E. ON WALLS BETWEEN
VARING
VARING
A SLIP ROAD AND THE MAINLINE) 1.0M HIGH PARAPETS ARE
6N/6P BACKFILL
1800 PROPOSED. SEE THE TABLE ON DRAWING
(TYP) 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0060 FOR DETAILS.
7. SEE DRAWING 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600 0040 FOR TYPICAL
DETAILS OF THE TYPE A CONTIGUOUS BORED PILE WALLS.
8. SEE DRAWINGS 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0010 TO 0030 FOR
EXISTING GROUND LEVEL TOP OF CAPPING BEAM TOP OF CAPPING BEAM PLANS OF THE PROPOSED CONTIGUOUS BORED PILE
RETAINING WALLS.
1 9. SEE DRAWING 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0060 FOR A
1000
1 1800 SCHEDULE OF THE CONTIGUOUS BORED PILE RETAINING
6N/6P BACKFILL
(TYP) WALLS.
FOR DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED L-SHAPED CONCRETE
CAPPING BEAM RETAINING WALLS.
11. APPEARANCE OF FINISHING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT.
REINFORCED CONCRETE
CONTIGUOUS PILED WALL
SEE NOTE 11
A A
N
VARING
R:\B1263600 - Welsh Assembly Government\Sections 5 & 6\150) GDR\Drawings for all deliverables\05 Retaining Wall Drawing 40 & 50\2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0040-0050-0060.dwg - 04/09/2017 13:47:43 - Layout2-0050 - ptegg2
VARING
SEE NOTE 11
SPRAYED CONCRETE BENEATH

CAPPING BEAM WITH 50MM NOM
MORTAR BEDDING 425MM NOM
FOR STONE CLADDING.
VERGE

CONCRETE VRS
425 75 CONCRETE VRS
1500
1000
1500
PROPOSED
5% FALL PROPOSED ROAD LEVEL
ROAD LEVEL
KEY PLAN
300
1 1
1000
5 5
1200
MAXIMUM
EXCAVATION LEVEL
DEPTH TO CROWN RC BORED PILES

TOE DRAIN WITH GRAVEL
1500 AROUND CONNECTS TO
CARRIER DRAIN CARRIER DRAIN
(TYP)
PILEDRAIN 12 SJB / NW8
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 mm
SCALE 1 : 50
KEY: IT IS ASSUMED THAT ALL WORKS ON THE DRAWING ARE

CARRIED OUT BY A COMPETENT CONTRACTOR WORKING,
x P02 04/09/17 AMENDED FOLLOWING TAA REVIEW PT CR AD DS
WHERE APPLICABLE, TO AN APPROVED METHOD STATEMENT.
P01 02/02/17 ISSUED FOR TAA REVIEW SC AO AD GP
IN ADDITION TO THE HAZARDS/RISKS NORMALLY ASSOCIATED
PILE TOE LEVEL PILE TOE LEVEL Rev Rev. Date Purpose of revision Drawn Checkd Rev'd Apprv'd
B 1800 1500 THE FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT RESIDUAL RISKS:- R
(TYP) (TYP)
HAZARD CONSTRUCTION 8th Floor, Churchill House, 17 Churchill Way,
LOG REF Cardiff, CF10 2HH
WALL TYPE - B
SECTION B-B 1. THE TYPE OF PILING EQUIPMENT AND METHODOLOGY TO
Client
TYPICAL SECTION SCALE 1:50

BE USED SHALL BE CHOSEN IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE
THE GROUND CONDITIONS PRESENT, REFER TO ALL
SCALE 1:50
RELEVANT FACTUAL GROUND INVESTIGATION DATA.
2. DIFFICULTY IN CASING DRIVING OR BORING DUE TO
PRESENCE OF BOULDERS IN GLACIAL TILL AND LAYERS OF Project
1500 1800
IN-SITU SOIL VERY STRONG MATERIALS WITHIN THE BEDROCK FORMATION.
(TYP) (TYP)
A465 SECTIONS 5 & 6
3. GROUND WATER MAY BE ENCOUNTERED.
4. PILING WORKS CLOSE TO EXISTING STRUCTURES AT CEFN
Drawing title
SOIL SIDE COED.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
OPERATION/USE
TYPICAL DETAILS OF CONTIGUOUS
NO EXCEPTIONAL RISKS BORED PILE RETAINING WALL TYPE-B
MAINTENANCE
Drawing status
NO EXCEPTIONAL RISKS DRAFT
Scale AS SHOWN @ A1
DEMOLITION Jacobs No. B2191100
PILEDRAIN 12 SJB / NW8 SPRAYED CONCRETE MORTAR DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING
Drawing number Rev
STONE CLADDING 100MM THICK NOM NO EXCEPTIONAL RISKS
ROAD SIDE 2191100-JAC-SWR-DE-SE-1600-0050 P02
SECTION A-A Copyright 2017 Jacobs U.K. Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs.
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N
EXTENT OF PROPOSED Roug

h Grou
Ford
EMBANKMENT WITHIN
GROUND IMPROVEMENT
N nd
AREA
Gurn
os Farm GURNOS FARM
RETAINING WALL
GROUND IMPROVEMENT
EXISTING A465 AT GURNOS
Issue
s
(CH. 12470 m TO 12870 m
Gurn
os Farm
Cotta
ges
1
Issue 3
s
Sinks
Pond
KEY PLAN
Unde
rpass
SEE NOTE 3
Lay-by
12850
12750
HEADS OF THE VALLEY
Path
12650
(um
S ROAD
)
Rough Ground
12550
Y Graig
ck
Tra
IS
DOWLA
12450
Issues
Lay-by
Gurnos Farm
Path
Gurnos Farm
Cottages
Pond
1 3 y
Lay-b
12780
Ford
12820
12700
2
Issues
12570
Sinks
4
12870
12500
6
12470
12
20
AM
BE
TE SE
CLO
WHI
14
1
2
WEL
2
22
CLLING
by
Lay-
OS TONIA
GURNOS RING ROAD
5
D
E
EYS ROA
9
10
THE VALL
SEE NOTE 5
36
S OF
28
E
HEAD OS
AM
CL
Underpass
SEE NOTE 4
BE
FE
8
12
RN
7
RN 14
HO
Path HIL
7
30
L 1
CLO 12
Pol Sta
SE
13
13
21
RETAINING WALL N
5
44
AU
48
SEE NOTE 6
R:\B1263600 - Welsh Assembly Government\Sections 5 & 6\150) GDR\Drawings for all deliverables\02 Earthworks Drawing 14 & 15\Drawing 14\2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0014_P02.dwg - 25/09/2017 09:16:55 - Layout1 - ptegg2
15
SEE NOTE 7
1
26
18
32 24
31
Pol S
IR
1
30
19
25 Ty Gwaunfarren
ta H
12 20
2
8
El
Sub Sta
FAN VIEW 18
PENY 56
NOS
PEN GUR
GROUND IMPROVEMENT
25 16
24
19
2
4
1
31 E
OS
8
2
S CL 15
TU
BU
AR 50
4
37
7
1
AT GURNOS
40
42 9
25 12
42
26
2
7
10
31
13
32
24
32
(CH. 12470 m TO 12870 m
Pen-y-garn Wood
34
Pen-y-garn
Wood
10
32
AM
k
ac
Tr
16
18
20
BEE
FE
6 83
48 M LOSE ITEOS
6
5 th
(um
) 16
75
EA C WHCL
Pa 1
RN
1
2
65
E
OS
NB
77
Subway CL
E 49
PL
AP
11
Spreads PEN-Y-DRE AB
HI
CR
R
67
47
9
HO
LL
9
43 57
55
19
13
12
16
21 to 26
2
70
GURNOS FARM
17 to 20
CL
Pond
2
64
27 to 32
OS
PEN GURNOS
1
57 2
UNDERPASS
Issues 14
52
76
E
20
47
Ty G
58
Subway
FO
RS
YTHIA
24
waun
CLOS
4
E
42
35
farre
El
BIRCH GROVE
Posts
1
1
Su
b Sta
1
10 6 Chy
16
11
89 41
82
79
69 Tank
9
16
14
83
85
34
WELLINGTONIA
Tank Tank
67
91
84
29
86
93
87
89
53
22
27
17
CLO
5
14
SE
1
18
LOCATION PLAN
22
12 8
1
7
PENYFAN VIEW
19
SCALE 1:1250
28
7
13
13
(um)
Path
31
30
37 25
21
42
15
24
24 26
44
1 6
8
12
30
4
20
El
18 Sub
Sta
PEN-
Y-DR 16
E Pen-
y-gar
k n Wo 2
Trac od
11
26 L OSE
21 to
UT US C 7
ARB 15
56
1
16
20
17 to
Pen-y
10
32 -garn
27 to Subw Woo
ay d
9
1
7
40
50
48
26
64
70
42
24
16
35 52
57 10
47
El Su
26
8
34
b Sta
42
32
P02 21/09/17 AMENDED FOLLOWING TAA REVIEW PT CR AD DS
32
P01 10/07/17 ISSUED FOR TAA REVIEW SC CR AD DS
CYPR
41
FO 18
RS Rev Rev. Date Purpose of revision Drawn Checkd Rev'd Apprv'd
YT
ESS
24
HI 16
58
A
CL R
OS
E
NOTES FOR GROUND IMPROVEMENT
8th Floor, Churchill House, 17 Churchill Way,
Cardiff, CF10 2HH
1. THE CHAINAGE IS IN m. 6. FROM CHAINAGE 12,700m TO 12,780m THE PROPOSED WIDENED A465
Client
EMBANKMENT/ROAD LEVEL IS LESS THAN 1.5m ABOVE THE EXISTING EMBANKMENT
2. BASED ON THE GEOLOGICAL LONG SECTION, SHEETS 9 AND 10 (DRAWING NO. /ROAD LEVEL. GROUND IMPROVEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED WITHIN THE FOOTPRINT
LEGEND 2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0009 AND 0010, REV. P02 AND P03 RESPECTIVELY), OF THE EXISTING A465.
SOLIFLUCTION DESPOSITS ARE DEEMED TO BE PRESENT FROM CH. 12,470m TO
12,940m. FROM CH. 12,470m TO 12,590m THE GEOLOGICAL LONG SECTION IS 7. FROM CHAINAGE 12,780m ONWARDS THE WIDENED A465 WILL CUT INTO THE EXISTING
BASED ON GROUND INVESTIGATION THAT HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN TO DATE, GROUND. THEREFORE NO GROUND IMPROVEMENT IS NECESSARY.
Project
AND LEVELS OF STRATA BETWEEN BORE HOLES ARE MERE INTERPRETATION.
1. BASAL REINFORCEMENT, SEE NOTE 12 WHERE THE DEPTH OF THE SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS IS LESS THAN 3m BELOW 8. THE THICKNESS OF SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS IS CONSIDERED TO BE LESS THAN 3m
EXISTING GROUND LEVEL, THE SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS SHALL BE EXCAVATED IN THIS AREA. THEREFORE IT IS REQUIRED TO EXCAVATE THE SOLIFLUCTION A465 SECTIONS 5 & 6
AND REPLACED WITH COMPACTED CLASS 1A/2 FILL. IF DEPTH IS GREATER THAN DEPOSITS AND REPLACE WITH WELL COMPACTED CLASS 1A OR 2 FILL.
3m THEN SOME FORM OF GROUND TREATMENT IS REQUIRED.
9. THE THICKNESS OF SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS IS CONDIDERED TO BE MORE THAN 3m. Drawing title
3. FROM CHAINAGE 12,470m TO 12,500m NO EXCAVATION IS NECESSARY WITHIN THEREFORE IT IS REQUIRED TO INSTALL A LOAD TRANSFER PLATFORM (LTP)
2. EXCAVATE AND REPLACE, SEE NOTE 8
THE FOOTPRINT OF THE EXISTING A465. IN THIS AREA. PROPOSED GROUND IMPROVEMENT
4. FROM CHAINAGE 12,500m TO 12,570m THE EMBANKMENT HEIGHT OF THE
EXISTING A465 IS LESS THAN 1.5m. EXCAVATION OF SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS
10. DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED LTP CAN BE SEEN ON DRAWING 2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-
SE-0600-0015
AT GURNOS (CH. 12470 m TO 12870 m)
AND REPLACEMENT IS THEREFORE REQUIRED.
3. LOAD TRANSFER PLATFORM, SEE NOTE 9 & 10. 11. THE THICKNESS OF SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS IS CONSIDERED TO BE ABOUT 6m.
5. FROM CHAINAGE 12,570m TO 12700m THE HEIGHT OF THE EXISTING A465 THE PROPOSED ROAD LEVEL OF THE WIDENED A465 AND THE SLIP ROAD IS LESS
IS MORE THAN 1.5m, GROUND IMPROVEMENT (LTP) IS NOT REQUIRED WITHIN THAN 2m ABOVE THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL IN THIS AREA. IT IS THEREFORE
THE FOOTPRINT OF THE EXISTING A465. REQUIRED EXCAVATE THE SOLIFLUCTION DEPOSITS DOWN TO 2M BELOW THE Drawing status
PROPOSED ROAD LEVEL AND BACKFILL WITH WELL COMPACTED CLASS 1A OR DRAFT
2 MATERIAL.
4. EXCAVATE TO ACHIEVE 2M FILL HEIGHT, SEE NOTE 11 Scale AS SHOWN @ A1
12. FROM CHAINAGE 12,570m TO 12,870m BASAL REINFORCEMENT TO BE PLACED Jacobs No. B2191100
ACROSS THE EXISTING A465 (AT CURRENT ROAD LEVEL), EXTENDING 10m BEYOND DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING
THE EDGE OF THE EXISTING A465, TO REDUCE DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT. Drawing number Rev
2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-0600-0014 P02
This drawing is not to be used in whole or part other than for the intended
AD
G purpose and project as defined on this drawing. Refer to the contract for full
AW I N
TOC
terms and conditions.

R
AU
D
NOTES:
1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS NOTED

OTHERWISE.
2. ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE EXISTING GROUND
KEY: IT IS ASSUMED THAT ALL WORKS ON THE DRAWING ARE LEVEL IS BASED ON THE TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY AND
SHOULD BE CONFIRMED ON SITE PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION
REINFORCED EARTH WALL CARRIED OUT BY A COMPETENT CONTRACTOR WORKING,
SEE NOTE 6 x WHERE APPLICABLE, TO AN APPROVED METHOD STATEMENT. 3. A LENGTH OF 2m IS REQUIRED FOR ANCHORAGE OF THE
IN ADDITION TO THE HAZARDS/RISKS NORMALLY ASSOCIATED BASE LAYER WITHIN THE EMBANKMENT.
THE FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT RESIDUAL RISKS:- 4. A LENGTH OF 3m IS REQUIRED FOR ANCHORAGE OF THE
100 THK. BASE LAYER WITHIN THE EMBANKMENT SHOULDER.
EXISTING A465
FACING PANEL
SEE NOTE 5 HAZARD CONSTRUCTION 5. BASAL REINFORCEMENT BASETEX 400/50 TO BE PROVIDED
2000 LOG REF ABOVE THE EXISTING EMBANKMENT TO PREVENT
DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT EXTENDING 2.0m INTO AREA
WITH LOAD TRANSFER PLATFORM.
LEVELLING PAD 6. FOR DETAILS OF REINFORCED EARTH WALL AT GURNOS

EXISTING GROUND SEE DRAWING 2191100-JAC-SGT-DE-GE-2500-0030.
2000 BASETEX 400/50 TEMPORARY EXCAVATION 7. THE DETAILS SHOWN ON THIS DRAWING ARE PART OF THE
150
274.4m AOD CONCEPT DESIGN OF THE SCHEME FOR PRICING PURPOSES
OPERATION/USE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO DEVELOPMENT AT FURTHER DESIGN
00
STAGES.
20
SEE NOTE 3
450
1800
600 x 600 x 500 MAINTENANCE

SQUARE PILE CAP N
THE BOTTOM LAYER OF
6000 REINFORCEMENT WRAPS
AROUND AND GOES 2.0m BACK DEMOLITION
UNDERNEATH THE TOP LAYER
TOP OF BED ROCK

R:\B1263600 - Welsh Assembly Government\Sections 5 & 6\150) GDR\Drawings for all deliverables\04 Earthworks Drawing 14 & 15\Re Wall - 2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-600-0015_P02.dwg - 30/08/2017 15:22:46 - Layout1 - ptegg2
GROUND IMPROVEMENT
AT GURNOS
(CH. 12470 m TO 12870 m
3000
KEY PLAN
CROSS SECTION AT CH. 12,580m

SCALE 1:50
PROPOSED EMBANKMENT
1
2
0 1 2 3 4 5m
BASETEX 400/50 SCALE 1 : 50

2000 SEE NOTE 5 EXISTING A465
EXISTING GROUND LEVEL

SEE NOTE 5 SEE NOTE 3 P02 21/08/17 AMENDED FOLLOWING TAA REVIEW PT CR AD DS
BASETEX 400/50 (LONGITUDINAL) P01 10/01/17 ISSUED FOR TAA REVIEW JS SK TN GP
00
Rev Rev. Date Purpose of revision Drawn Checkd Rev'd Apprv'd
20
278.95m AOD
R
3000
1800 8th Floor, Churchill House, 17 Churchill Way,
Cardiff, CF10 2HH
600 x 600 x 500
SQUARE PILE CAP Client
BASETEX 600/50
(TRANSVERSE)
6000
Project
A465 SECTIONS 5 & 6

Drawing title
APPROXIMATE
TOP OF BED ROCK
TYPICAL CROSS SECTIONS AT CH. 12,580m & 12,650m,
NORTH RE WALL, EMBANKMENT
3000
AND LOAD TRANSFER PLATFORM
Drawing status
PRELIMINARY
Scale AS SHOWN @ A1
Jacobs No. B2191100
DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING
CROSS SECTION AT CH. 12,650m Drawing number
2191100-JAC-HGT-DE-GE-600-0015
Rev
P02
SCALE 1:50
This drawing is not to be used in whole or part other than for the intended
AD
G purpose and project as defined on this drawing. Refer to the contract for full
AW I N
TOC
terms and conditions.

R
AU
D
Appendix A. Cuttings and Embankment Assessment Sheets

Refer to Volume 1 of this GDR report.
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Appendix B. Highway Structures Assessment Sheets
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
B.1 Dowlais Junction West Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
GEOTECHNICAL ASSESSMENT SHEET
Project: A465 Section 5 & 6 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/SP039A
Structure Name: Dowlais Junction West Bridges Date: March 2017
Prepared: DE/SN Checked: HM/CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: Ch. 16080m

Exploratory Holes: References:
i. Babtie Group (Nov. 1999). A465 Abergavenny to
North Side: 2/BH190, 2/BH191 and Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 – Dowlais Top to Nant
2/BH192 Ffrwd Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area and
Structures Location Drawings. Drawing No.
South Side: 2/BH188, 2/BH188A, BTI015586/11/147
2/BH189, and 2/BH193
ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
Dualling, Interpretative Report on Preliminary Ground
Investigation, Cardiff. Reference No. BTI15586/D4/100
iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997). A465 Abergavenny

to Hirwaun Dualling Section 3, Volume One of Nine
Factual Report on Ground Investigation. Report No.
166001-3
iv. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling

Sections 5 and 6 Preliminary Sources Study Report.
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017
v. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical Advisor

Presentation Plan
vi. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling

Section 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report. Report
No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6, Dowlais West

Bridge General Arrangements, Drawing No.2191100-
JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3300
Proposed Structure:
Two bridges are proposed to support the proposed A465 carriageway over the Dowlais junction.
The two bridges will run roughly parallel to each other. This report discusses the foundation
design for the western bridge which is proposed to be a 17 m single span integral bridge with
abutments on the eastern and western side. The length of the bridge is 54.6 m.
Existing Ground Level:
≈ 373.5 to 372.2 m AOD (north and south respectively from the topographic survey)
The proposed A465 carriageway level is approximately 383 m AOD.
1-6 02 Dowlais Junction W Bridges 06032017.doc

Ground Conditions:
The ground conditions although vary north to south, it does not vary between the east and west
abutments. As such ground conditions are assumed same for both the abutments.
Northern Side (2/BH190, 2/BH191 and 2/BH192)

Existing ground level: ≈ 373.5 m AOD
Ground Level Depth to
Elevation top of Thickness (m)
Stratum (m AOD) stratum Description
Min Max (m bgl) Min Max
(1)
Topsoil 375.95 0.00 0.1 Topsoil
Loose to medium dense clayey fine
Made
to coarse GRAVEL and cobbles of
Ground 373.93 0.00 2.30
(2) slag, sandstone, mudstone and
(Granular)
tarmac.
Stiff slightly silty slightly sandy
CLAY with occasional gravel of
Made
sandstone and limestone with
Ground 371.63 2.30 2.70
cobbles of sandstone, clinker/slag
(Cohesive)(3)
and cobbles
Soft to very stiff slightly silty sandy

Glacial Till 0.00 to CLAY with gravel and cobbles,
368.93 375.85 6.20 15.15
(Cohesive) 5.00 becoming very dense sand at the
base
Weak, thickly laminated to thinly
bedded MUDSTONE containing
carbonised plant remains
Lower Coal
(sometime recovered as GRAVEL,
Measures 10.12 to
360.70 363.79 5.80 >9.75 highly to slightly weathered) and
(Coal 15.25
(4) thickly laminated to thinly bedded,
seam) weak to moderately weak
SILTSTONE (highly to slightly
weathered)
Interbedded thinly to thickly
bedded, moderately strong to very
strong SANDSTONE (slightly
weathered), very thinly to thinly
Lower Coal 23 to >2.3 Not
350.00 351.1 bedded, moderately weak
Measures >25.00 Proven
MUDSTONE and very thinly to
thinly bedded, moderately weak
SILTSTONE (moderately to slightly
weathered)

Note: (1) Encountered in 2/BH190

(2)
Encountered in 2/BH192
(3)
In 2/BH192 a 0.65m layer of very dense slightly sand with gravel, carbonised plant remains and iron
staining (granular glacial till) was recorded beneath the cohesive glacial till.
(4)
Coal workings were suspected in all the boreholes as core loss was encountered frequently below
rockhead:
Borehole Depth (m bgl) Elevation (m AOD) Thickness (m)

9.50 to 10.10 366.45 to 365.85 0.6
11.00 to 11.28 364.95 to 364.67 0.3
15.00 to 15.25 360.95 to 360.70 0.3
16.10 to 16.20 359.85 to 359.75 0.1
2/BH190
17.00 to 17.30 358.95 to 358.65 0.3
19.20 to 20.00 356.75 to 355.95 0.8
20.67 to 22.00 355.28 to 353.95 1.3
23.20 to 23.30 352.75 to 352.65 0.1
15.90 to 16.70 358.01 to 357.21 0.8
2/BH191
22.3 to 22.5 351.6 to 351.4 0.2
12.50 to 12.90 361.43 to 361.03 0.4
2/BH192
21 to 21.34 352.94 to 352.6 0.3
Southern Side (2/BH188, 2/BH188A, 2/BH189, and 2/BH193)

Existing ground level: ≈ 373.31m AOD to 373.88m AOD
Topsoil 373.31 373.9 0.00 0.20 Topsoil
Firm to stiff slightly silty,
sandy CLAY with gravel and
Glacial Till
373.11 373.7 0.20 20.2 23.30 occasional cobbles and
(Cohesive)
boulders and COAL.
Becoming stiff with depth
Thinly to medium bedded,
strong SANDSTONE
(moderately to slightly
weathered) interbedded with
thickly laminated to very thinly
Lower Coal 21.95 to >2.30
349.11 351.93 bedded MUDSTONE (highly
Measures 24.20 Not proven
to moderately weathered) and
thinly bedded, moderately
weak to moderately strong
SILTSTONE (moderately to
slightly weathered)

Note:
Note : Coal workings were suspected in boreholes 2/BH188A, 2/BH189 and 2/BH193 as core loss recorded
between the following depths:
Borehole Depth (m bgl) Elevation (m AOD) Thickness (m)

20.2 to 20.85 353.7 to 353 0.7
2/BH188A 21.7 to 21.9 352.2 to 352 0.2
22.2 to 22.4 351.7 to 351.5 0.2
19 to 20.4 354.31 to 352.91 1.4
2/BH189
23.85 to 24.2 349.11 to 348.01 1.1
2/BH193 25.39 and 25.8 348.42 to 348.01 0.4

Groundwater:
Groundwater was recorded at 20.20mbgl (353.73m AOD) in 2/BH192 and 22.50mbgl (351.31m
AOD) in 2/BH193 within the bedrock. The highest groundwater level was recorded as 2.30mbgl
within 2/BH193 from water monitoring visit dated 27/06/1997 corresponding with the top of the
cohesive made ground.
Summary of Soil Parameters:
The ground conditions described above suggest that global parameters from Jacobs GIR, 2016
(given below) are applicable except where mentioned.
Unit E’
Cohesion Angle of cu mv
Weight,
Stratum cp’, Friction, (MPa)
γ b,
(kN/m2) φp’, ° (kN/m2) (m2/M)
(Mg/m3)
0.1 10
Made Ground 50 (between
(between
(Cohesive and 2.0 0 32 ground level
ground level 40 (below 4
Granular) and 4 m bgl)
and 2 m bgl) m bgl)
0.1
20
(between
ground level
Glacial Till 20 + 6 z
2.0 2 32 75(1) and 2 m bgl)
(Cohesive) (where z is
metres below
0.03 (below
5 m bgl)
2 m bgl)
Glacial Till
2.0 0 35 - - 35
(Granular)
Bedrock γb UCS
GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
Parameters (Mg/m3) (MPa)
Lower Coal
2.5 13(1) 45 14 0.7 750
Measures
Note: (1) The parameters for glacial till and bedrock have been modified from the global GIR
values in order to reflect the description of boreholes at the location.
Foundation Consideration:
Due to the generally low bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and large amount of vertical
load from the bridge structure, it is proposed that the abutments are founded on piled
foundations. Thick coal seams were encountered at relatively shallow depth underlying the site
and core loss and fractures were also recorded in exploratory holes. Babtie report states that the
Lower 7 Feet Gellidelg Coal Seams have been worked in the area. The base of the Gellidelg Coal
seam, at the location of the proposed centre line at chainage 16000 m is approximately 350 m

AOD which also coincides with the base of the coal seams. Prior to construction, a series of
probe holes should be drilled beneath the abutment footprints to identify potential mine working. If
they are encountered, the voids should be grouted prior to the abutment piles being installed.
The estimated maximum load is approximately 1090 kN per metre length of pile cap which
applied over 52m (length of abutment) corresponds to 59500 kN. Assuming a pile group of fourty
piles per abutment in two rows, as suggested by Drawing B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-
3300, the total load per pile is of the order 1490 kN. As the structure is an integral bridge, due to
the expansion of the deck, it is feasible that much of the load will be applied to one row of piles
with the other row in tension. It was therefore conservatively assumed that the full loading was
applied to a single row of piles. This therefore increases the load to 2975 kN per pile. Assuming a
0.9 m diameter piles socketed 5 m into the bedrock, the anticipated safe working load is 3675 kN
per pile, with an approximate toe elevation of 350 m AOD (the pile length becomes approximately
25 m).
Ground and Groundwater Corrosivity and Aggressivity:
Sulphate and pH tests were carried out on nine samples: one from within the made ground of
2/BH188A; two within glacial till from 2/BH189; four within glacial till from 2/BH190; one within
made ground from 2/BH192 and one within glacial till from 2/BH193. Results from these samples
suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance with
BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1.
Only one result (2/BH192) indicated a slightly higher class of DS2 AC-2z, which is similar as for s
the whole route of section 5.
Construction Issues:
The existing traffic flows from the A465, the A40609 (T) and the A4102 will have to be temporarily
diverted during the construction of the bridge and associated embankments.
It has been reported (Babtie report) that the Lower 7 Feet Gellideg Coal Seams have been
worked in the area, and mine voids were encountered. The piles will therefore need to be
socketed below the coal seam, into more competent bedrock
Conclusions and Recommendations:
A piled solution socketed at least 5.0m into the bedrock, beneath the coal working at an elevation
of 350 m AOD, is the most viable foundation option for the abutments and intermediate piers.
Due to the presence of coal seams and possible voids, the piles will need to be socketed beneath
the coal seam, into more competent bedrock and therefore deep piles (approximately 25 m long
with a diameter of 0.9 m) are recommended.
Design Sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) has been assumed for
concrete design for buried structures. Further chemical testing in this area is recommended to
confirm this assumption.
Prior to construction, a series of probe holes should be drilled beneath the abutment footprints to
identify potential mine working. If they are encountered, the voids should be grouted prior to the
abutment piles being installed.

B.2 Dowlais Junction East Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/3400
Structure Name: Dowlais Junction East Bridges Date: March 2017

i. Babtie Group (Nov. 1999). A465 Abergavenny to
North : 2/BH184, 2/BH185 and Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 – Dowlais Top to Nant
2/BH185A Ffrwd Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area and
Structures Location Drawings. Drawing No.
South : 2/BH183 and 2/BH187 BTI015586/11/147

iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997). A465 Abergavenny

to Hirwaun Dualling Section 3, Volume One of Nine
166001-3
iv. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling

Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017

Presentation Plan

Section 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report. Report
No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6, Dowlais East

Proposed Structure:
Two bridges are proposed to support the proposed A465 carriageway over the Dowlais junction.
The two bridges will run roughly parallel to each other. This report discusses the foundation
design for the eastern bridge which is proposed to be a 14m single span integral bridge with
abutments on the eastern and western side.
≈ 374.4 to 372 m AOD (north and south respectively from the topographic survey)
The proposed A465 carriageway level is approximately 383.7 m AOD.
1-5 01 Dowlais Junction E Bridges 04032017.doc

Ground Conditions:
The ground conditions although vary north to south, it does not vary between the east and west
abutments. As such ground conditions are assumed same for both the abutments.
East and West Abutment
Northern side (2/BH184, 2/BH185 and 2/BH185A)

Ground Level
Depth to top
Elevation Thickness (m)
Stratum of stratum Description
(m AOD)
(1)
Soft to firm dark brown
Made slightly silty sandy CLAY with
Ground 375.70 376.45 0.00 1.50 gravel of slag, coal, burnt
(Cohesive) shale, sandstone, mudstone
and lenses of fibrous peat
Firm to stiff sandy and
gravelly CLAY with
occasional gravel, cobbles
Glacial Till
374.20 374.95 1.5 to 1.7 5.80 8.55 and boulders of sandstone,
(Cohesive)
mudstone, limestone and
coal
Very stiff with depth
Recovered as GRAVELS :
thinly bedded, weak to very
Weathered
weak MUDSTONE (highly
Lower Coal 365.35 369.15 7.50 to 10.35 0.10 6.3
weathered), SANDSTONE
Measures
(highly weathered) and
COAL
Thinly bedded, moderately
strong to strong
SANDSTONE (slightly to
moderately weathered) and
Lower Coal >11.30
359.1 363.30 13.70 to 16.6 very thinly to medium
Measures(2) Not proven
bedded, moderately weak to
moderately strong
SILTSTONE (slightly
weathered)
Note:
(1)
(2)
Coal workings were suspected in 2/BH184 and 185. A 1.30m layer of highly weathered mudstone
described as clay was recorded from 7.50mbgl (369.15m AOD) in 2/BH184 which is underlain by
‘soft mudstone’. Core loss was also recorded between 8.80mbgl and 10.60mbgl (367.85m AOD to
366.05m AOD) and 11.10mbgl to 13.35mbgl (365.55m AOD to 363.30m AOD) either side of a 0.5m
thick layer of coal recovered as gravel.
Southern side (2/BH183 and 2/BH187)


Min Max (m.bgl) Min Max
Topsoil(1) 372.7 0.00 0.20 Topsoil
Soft red brown clay underlain
by tarmac and soft to firm dark
Made Ground
374.15 0.00 2.00 brown slightly silty sandy
(Cohesive)(2)
CLAY with gravel of slag,
sandstone and layers of peat.
Firm to stiff slightly silty, sandy
Glacial Till 0.20 to CLAY with gravel and
372.15 372.5 7.30 11.85
(Cohesive) 2.00 occasional cobbles and
boulders at greater depth
Glacial Till Fine to coarse GRAVEL with
364.85 9.30 0.50
(Granular)(3) clay and cobbles
Recovered as fine to coarse
Weathered GRAVEL and COBBLES :
(4) 364.85 9.80 2.60
Bedrock Bedded, weak MUDSTONE
(highly weathered)
Thinly bedded, moderately
Lower Coal weak to moderately strong
12.05 to
Measures 359.25 361.75 6.05 9.89 SILTSTONE (slightly
(5) 14.9
(Coal Seam) weathered) and weak COAL
seams.
Interbedded thinly bedded,
strong SANDSTONE and
Lower Coal 18.10 to >6.90
352.5 353.35 moderately strong
Measures 20.80 Not proven
SILTSTONE (slightly
weathered)
Notes: (1) Encountered in 2/BH187
(2)
(3)
(4)
Encountered in 2/BH183 (possibly a layer or lens within the cohesive glacial till)
(5)
Coal workings were suspected in 2/BH183 as core loss was recorded between 8.80mbgl to
9.30mbgl (365.35m AOD to 364.85m AOD) and 11.30mbgl to 11.90mbgl (362.85m AOD to 362.25m
AOD).

Groundwater:
Groundwater was only encountered in 2/BH185 within the Made Ground as a slight seepage at
0.7m bgl (375 m AOD).
E’
Cohesion Angle of cu mv
γ b,
Stratum cp’, Friction, (MPa)
(Mg/m3) 2 2 2
(kN/m ) φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /M)
Made Ground
(Cohesive and 2.0 0 32 40(1) 0.1 (1) 10 (1)
Granular)
0.1
20
(between
ground level
Glacial Till (1) 20 + 6 z
2.0 2 32 75 and 2 m bgl)
(Cohesive) (where z is
metres below
0.03 (below
5 m bgl)
2 m bgl)
Glacial Till
2.0 0 35 - - 35
(Granular)
Bedrock γb UCS
3 GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
Parameters (Mg/m ) (MPa)
Lower Coal
2.5 13(1) 45 14 0.7 750
Measures
Note: (1) The parameters for made ground, glacial till and bedrock have been modified from the
global GIR values in order to reflect the description of boreholes at the location.
Due to the generally low bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and large amount of vertical
load from the bridge structure, it is proposed that the abutments are founded on piled
foundations. Thick coal seams were encountered at relatively shallow depth underlying the site
and core loss and fractures were also recorded in exploratory holes. Babtie report states that the
Lower 7 Feet Gellidelg Coal Seams have been worked in the area. The base of the Gellidelg Coal
seam, at the location of the proposed centre line at chainage 16000 m is approximately 350 m
AOD which also coincides with the base of the coal seams. Prior to construction, a series of
probe holes should be drilled beneath the abutment footprints to identify potential mine working. If
they are encountered, the voids should be grouted prior to the abutment piles being installed.
The estimated maximum load is approximately 960 kN per metre length of pile cap which applied
over 52m (length of abutment) corresponds to 51800 kN. . Assuming a pile group of fourty piles

per abutment in two rows, as suggested by Drawing B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3400, the

total load per pile is of the order 1300 kN. As the structure is an integral bridge, due to the
expansion of the deck, it is feasible that much of the load will be applied to one row of piles with
the other row in tension. It was therefore conservatively assumed that the full loading was applied
to a single row of piles. This therefore increases the load to 2600kN per pile. Assuming a 0.9m
diameter piles socketed 5 m into the bedrock, the anticipated safe working load is 2825 kN per
pile, with an approximate toe elevation of 350 m AOD (the pile length becomes approximately
30m).
Ground and Groundwater Corrosivity and Aggressivity:
Sulphate and pH tests were carried out on nine samples: two from within the made ground of
2/BH183; one within made ground, two within glacial till and one within bedrock from 2/BH184;
one within glacial till from 2/BH185 and two within glacial till from 2/BH187. Results from these
samples suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance
with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-
1, which is similar to that of the whole route of Section 5.
The existing traffic flows from the A465, the A40609 (T) and the A4102 will have to be temporarily
diverted during the construction of the bridge.
A piled solution socketed at least 5.0m into the bedrock, beneath the coal working at an elevation
of 350 m AOD, is the most viable foundation option for the abutments and intermediate piers.
Due to the presence of coal seams and possible voids, the piles will need to be socketed beneath
the coal seam, into more competent bedrock and therefore deep piles (approximately 30m long
with a diameter of 0.9m) are recommended.
Prior to construction, a series of probe holes should be drilled beneath the abutment footprints to
identify potential mine working. If they are encountered, the voids should be grouted prior to the
abutment piles being installed.

B.3 Reservoir Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Section 5 & 6 Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/0032/Rev0
Page 1 of 6
Structure Name: Reservoir Footbridge Date: April 2017
Prepared: SN Checked: SM Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100

North Abutment: 3/BH59, 3/BH59A, 3/BH59B, i) Babtie Group (1999) A465 Abergavenny
3/BH59C, 3/BH59D and 3/BH59E to Hirwaun Dualling, Section 6 –Nant
Ffrwd to Baverstock, Scheme proposals
South Abutment: 3/BH57 and 3/BH58 and Exploratory Hole, Location
(from Exploration Associates Ltd, 1997) Drawings, Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/47,
Reference made to SO00NE29 (John Laing and ii) Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465
Son Limited (1958) Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
Section 3. Volume Two of Nine, Factual
Note: Due to the limited available recent Report on Ground Investigation. Report
exploratory holes, relevant historic boreholes No. 166001-3.
have also been used for this structure.
iii) John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) Hiwaun
– Abergavenny Trunk Road –
Exploratory holes. Investigation No.
SS/399.
iv) Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA
Special Publication 32: Construction
over abandoned mine workings.
v) Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6
Technical Advisor Presentation Plan.
vi) Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the
Valleys Dualling Sections 5 and 6
Preliminary Sources Study Report.
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vii) Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the
Valleys Dualling - Sections 5 and 6,
Ground Investigation Report. Report
No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
viii) Jacobs (2016) Reservoir Footbridge
General Arrangement. Drawing.
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3200.
Proposed Structure:
The proposed structure will consist of a new footbridge over the widened A465 carriageway and
comprises a single span warren truss bridge, 45m long and 4.0m wide. A flight of stairs and 40m
long access ramp are proposed on the southern side, attached to the south abutment (see
Drawing. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3200).
The proposed A465 carriageway level is approximately 357.28m AOD. The footbridge will have a
clearance of 5.7m above this carriageway.

≈ 356.53 m AOD to 362.75 m AOD (from topographic survey)
1-6 03 Reservoir Footbridge GAS DE SN 06042017.doc

Page 2 of 6
Ground Conditions:
North Abutment (3/BH59, 3/BH59A, 3/BH59B, 3/BH59C, 3/BH59D and 3/BH59E)
Ground Level Depth to Thickness

Elevation top of
Stratum (m) Description
(m AOD) stratum
(1)
Topsoil 361.70 362.51 0.00 0.10 Topsoil
Made Medium dense slightly clayey silty
Ground 362.10 0.00 0.90 sandy GRAVEL and cobbles of
(Granular) (2) sandstone, siltstone and limestone
Made Stiff to very stiff slightly silty sandy
Ground 0.00 to CLAY with fine to coarse gravel and
361.60 362.89 1.90 2.80
(Cohesive) 0.10 cobbles of sandstone, siltstone and
(3)
limestone.
Thinly laminated very weak to weak
MUDSTONE (moderately
weathered) and moderately weak to
Weathered
(4) 360.22 2.50 2 moderately strong SILTSTONE
bedrock
(slightly weathered). (Thin layer of
strong, slightly weathered
SANDSTONE at the top)
Moderately weak to moderately
strong SILTSTONE (slightly
weathered), thinly to thickly
laminated, weak to moderately
Lower Coal
(5) 358.39 4.50 >8.50 strong MUDSTONE (slightly
Measures
weathered), weak COAL and very
thinly to medium bedded,
moderately strong to strong
SANDSTONE (slightly weathered)
Note: (1) Encountered in 3/BH59, 3/BH59A, 3/BH59B, and 3/BH59D
(2)
(3)
Encountered in 3/BH59A, 3/BH59B, 3/BH59C, 3/BH59D and 3/BH59E – Side of a reservoir
therefore most probably made ground
(4)
Encountered in 3/BH59E
(5)
Encountered in 3/BH59E
Core loss was recorded between 3.1mbgl and 4.5mbgl (359.79m AOD to 358.39m AOD). Flush
returns were recorded as 100% except between 4.00mbgl and 7.00mbgl (358.89m AOD to 355.89m
AOD) where it was recorded as 50%. A 0.5m thick coal seam was also encountered in 3/BH59E
between 7.40mbgl and 7.90mbgl (355.49m AOD to 354.99m AOD). This is most likely to correspond
with the Sun coal seam near the base of the Lower Coal Measures.

Page 3 of 6
South Abutment
As there are no additional recent (Babtie/ Exploration Associates Ltd) boreholes in the vicinity of
this abutment, historic borehole SO00NE29 and the approximate dip of the bedrock have been
used to estimate the ground conditions.
Existing ground level: ≈ 358.8m AOD (topographic survey at abutment location)
Borehole ground levels = 360.1m AOD
Ground Level Depth to top

Stratum Elevation of stratum Thickness (m) Description
(m AOD) (m bgl)

Firm to stiff sandy CLAY with
Glacial Till fine to coarse gravel and
359.82 0.30 5.95
(Cohesive)(1) cobbles with shale fragments
towards the base.
Note: It has been assumed that the bedrock beneath the south abutment will be at a lower
elevation than the north abutment, following the shallow dip of the rock. Assuming a dip of
bedrock of 5 – 16° (≈10°) to the south, at the site of the south abutment (45m away from north
abutment) the coal seam is anticipated to be ≈ 7.9m below the elevation at the north abutment
(355.5m AOD) corresponding with an elevation of 347.6m AOD. If it is 0.5m to 1.0m thick and
underlain by ≈ 1.0m of mudstone (similar to the north abutment) then sandstone is anticipated at
12.7m bgl (≈13.0m) at an elevation of approximately 346m AOD.
Groundwater:
Water was encountered as overnight standing water in 3/BH59E (near the north abutment) at an
elevation of 5.0mbgl (357.9m AOD).
There were no available boreholes in the vicinity of the south abutment however the closest
borehole (SO00NE29) encountered groundwater at 2.7mbgl (357.4m AOD). For design,
groundwater has been assumed to be at 2.5 m depth, corresponding with the top of rock.

Page 4 of 6
(given below) are applicable.
Bulk
density Angle
Cohesion of cu mv E’
Stratum 2
(kN/m ) (cp’) Friction, (kN/m2) 2
(m /MN) (MPa)
γb
φp’, °
3
(Mg/m )
0.1
(between
50 (between
ground
Made ground level 10
level and
Ground 2.0 0 32 and 4m.bgl)
2m.bgl) 40 (below
(Cohesive) 200 (below 4.0m.bgl)
0.05
4.0m bgl)
(below 2m
bgl)
Made 10
Ground 2.0 0 32 - - 40(below
(Granular) 4.0m bgl)
0.1
(between
20
85 ground
Glacial Till level and 20 + 6z (z
2 2 32 85 + 10z (z =
2m bgl) = metres
(Cohesive) metres below
below 5m
2.0m bgl) 0.03
bgl)
(below 2m
bgl)
Glacial Till
2 0 35 - - 35
(Granular)
Bulk
density
UCS
Stratum GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
(MPa)
γb
3
(Mg/m
Lower Coal
2.5 25 45 14 0.7 750
Measures
Foundation Considerations:
It is anticipated that the abutments will be founded on piles foundations socketed into bedrock.
North Abutment: Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and the
shallow depths of bedrock, it is proposed that this abutment be founded within bedrock. Although
rockhead was encountered at approximately 4.50m below existing ground level (358.4m AOD) a

Page 5 of 6
coal seam was encountered in 3/BH59E at 7.40mbgl (355. 9m AOD). It is therefore

recommended that the piles are socketed into the competent sandstone below the coal seam,
anticipated at 8.70mbgl (354.2m AOD). The maximum total load estimated to be applied on each
abutment foundation is 1074 kN. Assuming a pile group of four (2 by 2, as suggested by Drawing
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3200) 0.6m diameter piles, the total load per pile is of the order
of 270kN. If the 0.6m diameter piles are socketed 2.0m into the bedrock, the anticipated safe
working load is 750kN per pile as calculated in Calc. 6, based on a UCS of 10MPa. The total pile
lengths for a 2.0m socket into competent bedrock suggested a minimum of 11.0m length piles
would be needed, with the pile toe at 352m AOD.
South Abutment: Similarly to the north abutment, due to the generally lower bearing capacity of
the various made ground and cohesive glacial till, it is proposed that this abutment be founded on
piles socketed within the bedrock. It is estimated that the bedrock level at the south abutment
location is lower than at the north abutment due to the shallow dip of the bedrock beds (between
5° - 16°, estimated value of 10°). Assuming ground level is approximately 359m AOD, the
estimated depth to rockhead is approximately 6.5mbgl (352.5.4m AOD) however, as the coal
seam is also anticipated to be present beneath the south abutment at approximately 11.4mbgl
(347.6m AOD), the depth to competent sandstone beneath the coal seams is estimated as
13mbgl (346.0m AOD). This estimation is due to the lack of boreholes in the vicinity of the
abutment and lack of proven rock head in the available boreholes. Assuming 0.6 m diameter
piles, socketed 2m into competent bedrock, gives a suggested pile length of 15 m (pile toe at 344
m AOD).
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures was not
undertaken on samples collected from these exploratory holes as part of the preliminary ground
investigation. It is therefore, suggested to adopt the Aggressive Chemical Environment for
Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1 as recommended for the whole route of Section 5.
A coal seam, core loss and reduced flush returns were recorded within 3/BH59E suggesting
possible voids or mine workings. The coal seam appears to be intact with a thick layer of more
competent rock above it and underlain by weak to moderately weak mudstone and strong
sandstone, however the conditions and presence of the coal seam can vary over short distances
due to mine workings. The lack of ground information at the location of the south abutment
means that extrapolation of the bedrock has been used to estimate the depth to bedrock. Probing
of the ground prior to construction is recommended to confirm depth and condition of bedrock if
additional ground investigations have not been carried out.

Piled foundations founded in bedrock are considered the most appropriate design option for the
abutments. Due to the presence of coal seams and possible voids, the piles will need to be
socketed below the coal seam, into more competent bedrock and therefore deeper piles
(approximately 11.0m long at the north abutment and 15m long at the south abutment, both with
a diameter of 0.6m) are recommended.

Page 6 of 6
Core loss was experienced in exploratory hole 3/BH59E (near the north abutment) along with
reduced flush returns and a 0.5m coal seam suggesting possible mine workings in the locality.
There is a lack of intrusive ground investigation such as boreholes in vicinity to the south
abutment and therefore due to the shallow dip of the bedrock, it is anticipated these same
features will be present beneath the south abutment but at a deeper depth. The coal seam
encountered is anticipated to be the Sun seam which is stratigraphically below the ‘Farewell Rock’
which lies beneath the more significant coal seams, such as Gellideg seam, that are known to be
worked in the region. It is therefore unlikely further significant coal seams will be encountered
beneath the Sun seam at potential piling depths.
Further investigation works, such as additional exploratory holes, are recommended in order to
confirm the possibility of mineworkings beneath the proposed structure and to confirm the
location and nature of the bedrock. Prior to construction, probing of the ground is recommended
to confirm the presence of any voids or mineworkings. If the presences of mine workings are
noted beneath the structure, then grouting is required and appropriate piling depths installed in
accordance with the CIRIA special publications 32 (Healy and Head, 1989). Suggested values
can be assessed when further investigation results are available. An additional exploratory hole at
the location of the south abutment, extended into the bedrock, is also recommended in order to
confirm the location and nature of the glacial till and bedrock sequence.

B.4 Jones Street Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Section 5 & 6 Rev: 0 Sheet No:
GAS/0031/R0
Structure Name: Jones Street / Pen Y Wern Bridge Date: July 2016
Prepared: DE Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100

Relevant Exploratory References:
Holes:
i. Babtie Group (Nov. 1999). A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
3/BH60, 61 and 62 Section 5 – Downlais Top to Nant Ffrwd Exploratory Hole,
Earthworks Area and Structures Location Drawings. Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/147
ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling,

Interpretative Report on Preliminary Ground Investigation, Cardiff.
Reference No. BTI15586/D4/100
iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997). A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun

Dualling Section 3, Volume One of Nine Factual Report on Ground
Investigation. Report No. 166001-3
iv. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical Advisor

Presentation Plan
v. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5 and

6 Preliminary Sources Study Report. Report No.
B1855100/D4/2/017
vi. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5 and
6 Ground Investigation Report. Report No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vii. Tomlinson, M. J., & Boorman, R. (2001). Foundation design and

construction. Pearson education.
viii. Jacobs (2016) Jones Street Bridge – General Alignment, Drawing.

No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3100.
Proposed Structure:
The existing structure is an underbridge consisting of a single simply supported span of 9.1 m
founded on propped reinforced concrete abutments with spread footings. The existing structure is
to be demolished and replaced with a 11.8 m span, 25.3 m long integral bridge with precast
beams.
The existing A465 carriageway level is approximately 346.4 m AOD. At the location of the
underbridge, the level of the centreline of the proposed A465 is approximately 347 m AOD. The
current level of the road (Jones Street) below the underbridge is approximately 340.2m AOD.
Ground Conditions and Model:
1-4 04 Jones Street Pen Y Wern Bridge CR 24032017.doc

GAS/0031/R0

Thickness
Elevation top of
(m AOD) stratum
Firm dark brown mottled orange grey
Made
slightly sandy (fine to medium) silty
Ground
341.10 0.00 0.00 2.1 CLAY with a little fine to coarse
(Cohesive)
(1) angular gravel of silty mudstone and
slag
Soft to firm brown slightly silty slightly
Glacial Till sandy (fine to medium) CLAY with
(Cohesive) 340.09 0.00 0.00 2.45 some fine to coarse subangular to
(2)
subrounded gravel and cobbles of
sandstones and siltstones
Recovered as medium dense to
dense grey silty sandy fine to coarse
Weathered 1.20 to angular GRAVEL and light grey and
(3) 339.00 345.77 0.20 0.30
Bedrock 2.10 grey angular COBBLES with some
medium to coarse angular gravel of
sandstone
Mainly described as dark fine grey
fine grained highly weathered
SANDSTONE weak to strong and
Lower
1.50 to slightly weathered silty MUDSTONE
Coal 337.64 345.47 18.65 NP(4)
2.45 weak and dark grey thickly laminated
Measures
to thinly bedded slightly weathered
SILTSTONE moderately weak to
predominantly moderately strong.
(1)
Only encountered in 3/BH61
(2)
Only encountered in 3/BH62
(3)
Only encountered in 3/BH60 and 61
(4)
Not Proven
Note : Zones of core loss up to 0.5m thick were noted in exploratory holes 3/BH60 (located
approximately 20.0m east of the proposed structure) and 3/BH61 at 331.9m OD and 317.3m OD
respectively. Flush returns were noted in all exploratory holes.
Groundwater:
Groundwater was struck and recorded standing at 6.5m.bgl (333.59m AOD) below the existing
ground level in 3/BH62. A standpipe piezometer was installed in 1997 in this exploratory hole with
response zone between 4.0m and 9.0m depth. The highest recorded water level was 4.9m
(335.17m AOD) below existing ground level as reported in the Babtie report, dated 1999. No
groundwater was encountered in exploratory hole 3/BH61. Overnight standing water was struck
at 13.0m bgl (333.97m AOD) in 3/BH60 and 2.7m bgl (337m AOD) in 3/BH63.

GAS/0031/R0
Summary of Soil Parameters :

(given below) are applicable, except where indicated.
Angle of
Cohesion
Stratum γb, (Mg/m3) Friction, cu (kN/m2) mv (m2/MN) E’ (MPa)
cp’(kN/m2)
φp’, °
Made Ground
2.0 0 32 50 0.1 10
(Cohesive)
Glacial Till
2.0 2 32 40(1) 0.14(1) 7(1)
(Cohesive)
γb, E’
Bedrock
UCS (MPa) GSI mi D
Parameters
(Mg/m3) (MPa)
Lower Coal
2.5 12(2) 45 14 0.7 720
Measures
Notes :
(1) Undrained shear strength of cohesive Glacial Till have been reduced from those given in
the GIR to match the description in boreholes logs
(2) UCS of 12 correlated from Point load tests (value of 0.61) in a nearby borehole 3/BH65
which was lower than GIR value of 25
Due to the general low bearing capacity of cohesive Made Ground and Glacial Till, and the
shallow depths of bedrock (1.5 m bgl to 2.45 m bgl), it is proposed that the abutments are to be
founded within unweathered bedrock using spread foundations. Bedrock appears to deepen on
the north-west side of the structure compared to the south-east side and a maximum excavation
depth of 3 m is anticipated.
From the description of the bedrock encountered and based on Tomlinson’s presumed bearing
values for shallow foundations in rock, a safe bearing value of 1000 kN/m2 can be assumed for
the bedrock. Settlement is expected to be negligible from Pdisp 19.3 analysis, based on a 5 m
wide x 25.5 m long foundation with a loading of 200 kN/m2.
Buried Concrete:
Sulphate and pH tests were carried out on Made Ground recovered from the exploratory hole
3/BH61. The results and further tests carried out along the A465 route within the Made Ground
and Glacial Till suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in
accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design
Sulfate class DS-1. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to confirm if these
results are applicable.

GAS/0031/R0
It is anticipated the construction of the foundations for the new bridge will be constrained by the
requirement to maintain traffic movements along the existing A465 and also along Jones Street.
Land take required for temporary working construction might not be a problem although existing
roads and services will impose restrictions.
Zones of core loss up to 0.5m thick were noted in exploratory holes 3/BH60 (located
approximately 20.0 m east of the proposed structure) and 3/BH61 at 331.9m OD and 317.3m OD
respectively. Flush returns were noted in all exploratory holes and the presence of possible
mining activity within the proposed foundation locations should be confirmed or eliminated.
Spread foundations within unweathered bedrock are proposed for this structure. The structure is
located where unrecorded mining works may have been carried out and thus probing and
grouting of potential voids beneath the foundations should be carried out.

B.5 Pant Road Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/0030/R0
Page 1 of 6
Structure Name: Pant Road Viaduct Date: February 2017
Prepared: DE/SN Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: Ch. 14770 m

Relevant Exploratory Holes:
References:
i. Atkins (2011) A465 Heads Of The Valley Trunk Road,
East Abutment: 3/BH64 and Principal Inspection Pant Viaduct, Structure No A465 580.
3/BH65 Report No. 5045070/120/DOC/012.
West Abutment: 3/BH66 ii. Babtie Group (Nov. 1999). A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
Dualling Section 5 – Downlais Top to Nant Ffrwd
Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area and Structures
Location Drawings. Drawing No. BTI015586/11/147.
iii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
Investigation, Cardiff. Reference No. BTI15586/D4/100.
iv. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997). A465 Abergavenny to
Hirwaun Dualling Section 3, Volume One of Nine Factual
Report on Ground Investigation. Report No. 166001-3.
Presentation Plan.
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling
Sections 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report. Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/040.
viii. Jacobs (2016) Pant Viaduct Bridge – General Alignment,
Drawing. No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-3000.
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 & 6 – Geological Long
Section. Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-
0011.
Proposed Structure:
The existing viaduct is a six-span bridge, of 116m total length spanning two roads and is
supported on piles. The existing structure is to be demolished and replaced with a new structure.
The road is to be widened on the north and south side of the existing alignment. The proposed
bridge is a 20 m single span integral structure with concrete bank seats founded on reinforced
soil abutments and wingwalls.
Ground Level:
Underneath the structure, Pant Road level ≈ 327.7m AOD

Existing A465 carriageway level ≈ 335 m AOD
Proposed A465 carriageway level ≈ 335 m AOD
1-6 05 Pant Road Viaduct v5 220217.doc

Page 2 of 6
The ground conditions vary across the length of the proposed new bridge; each abutment will
therefore be discussed separately.
East Abutment (3/BH64 and 3/BH65)

Existing ground level: ≈ 337.8 m AOD (from 3/BH64 located near A465 road level) to 328.3 m
AOD (from 3/BH65, located at Pant Road level, beneath the structure)
Exploratory hole 3/BH65 is located approximately 15m to the north of the proposed east
abutment. Exploratory hole 3/BH64 is located adjacent to the existing east abutment and
approximately 50m east of the proposed new bridge east abutment. The ground conditions have
therefore been estimated as follows:
Elevation of stratum Thickness
Stratum (m AOD) (m bgl) Description
(m)
Max Min
Made Soft to firm brown silty CLAY with some
Ground fine to coarse subangular to subrounded
337.8 328.3 0.0 1.5 to 11.7
(Cohesive) gravel and occasional cobbles of slag,
(1&5) clinker, plastic, limestone ash and brick
Glacial Till Soft to firm brown slightly silty sandy (fine

to medium) CLAY with a little fine to
(Cohesive) 326.8 1.5 4.3
coarse angular to subangular gravel of
(2)
sandstone and siltstone.
Medium dense to dense brown slightly
Glacial Till silty sandy (medium to coarse) fine to
(Granular) 322.5 5.8 1.1 coarse angular to subangular GRAVEL
(3) and COBBLES of limestone and
sandstone
Probable Dense to very dense dark grey silty
Weathered 326.1 321.4 6.9 to 11.7 0.2 to 0.5 medium to coarse angular GRAVEL of
Bedrock slightly to moderately weathered siltstone
Lower Grey and dark red brown fine grained
moderately weathered SANDSTONE and
Coal (1)
325.9 320.9 7.4 to 11.9 >17.6 sandy SILTSTONE (weak to extremely
Measures weak) with extremely closely spaced
(4)
randomly orientated fractures
(1) Made Ground encountered was described as soft to firm in 3/BH65 whereas in 3/BH64 made ground was
described as stiff to very stiff.
(2) Glacial Till Cohesive was only encountered in 3/BH65
(3) Glacial Till Granular was only encountered in 3/BH65
(4) A coal seam was noted in an outcrop located just south of borehole 3/BH64. This corresponds with the Sun
seam which has an estimated thickness of 0.3m. Marine bands comprising mudstones and siltstones and
occasional layers of sandstone, underlie the coal seam. The mudstone and siltstone are generally weaker than
the sandstones of the Lower Coal Measures. Due to the shallow dip of the strata to the south east, this coal
seam is not anticipated beneath the proposed structure however the marine bands are anticipated to extend
across the span of the structure.(5)

Page 3 of 6
West Abutment (3/BH66)

Existing ground level: ≈ 327.85 m AOD
Exploratory hole 3/BH66 is located approximately 10m west of the proposed west abutment, the
ground conditions encountered can be summarised as follows:
Depth to
Ground Level
top of Thickness
Stratum Elevation Description
stratum (m)
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Loose to medium dense dark grey
and brown slightly clayey silty very
Made Ground sandy (fine to coarse) angular to
327.85 0.00 6.30
(Granular) (5) subangular GRAVEL of clinker, slag,
brick, sandstone and occasional
subangular to angular cobbles
Medium dense brown and orange
Glacial Till slightly clayey slightly sandy (medium
321.55 6.30 16.70
(Granular) to coarse) silty fine to coarse angular
to subangular GRAVEL
Bishopston Grey very thinly to thinly bedded
Mudstone slightly weathered silty MUDSTONE
304.9 23.00 >3.30
Formation (6 & (moderately weak to moderately
7)
strong).
Notes:
(5) The historic borehole data shows larger depth of made ground present between both the abutments. There
is also a historic swimming pool between both the abutments which may be filled with made ground. Although
this not located immediately below the abutment, there is a possibility that larger depth of made ground is
encountered during the construction.
(6) As exploratory hole 3/BH66 was open holed from 13.5m to 23.0m bgl, where mudstone was subsequently
cored, it is conjectured that bedrock is at some depth (304m.AOD). Reduced flush returns were recorded in the
exploratory hole, indicating highly fractured rock. There are no recorded mineworkings near to the structure.
(7) Bedrock levels across the site are uncertain as exploratory hole 3/BH66 was open holed. Based on the
assumption that rockhead occurred where coring commenced at the end of the open hole section of the
borehole, rockhead depth increases steeply from east to west from 325.9m.AOD to 304.9m.AOD (11.90mbgl to
23.00mbgl). There was no evidence of coal bands within the bedrock
Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in 3/BH64 at 5.10m bgl (332.7m AOD) within the made ground,
rising to 5.00m bgl (332.8m AOD) during drilling.
An overnight seepage was recorded in exploratory hole 3/BH65 at 12.0mbgl (316.3m AOD). A
piezometer was installed with a response zone between 5.0m and 7.0m depth (323.3m AOD and
321.3m AOD) within the glacial till and the highest recorded groundwater reading was at a depth
of 6.2mbgl (322.1m AOD).

Page 4 of 6
Groundwater was also recorded as standing water at the end of the shift in 3/BH66 at 6.90mbgl
(321 m AOD). Design ground water level has been assumed at 5 mbgl (322.1 m AOD) around
the abutment locations.
(given below) are applicable except where indicated.
Unit Angle of ’
Cohesion 2 2 E
Stratum Weight, γ, 2 Friction, cu (kN/m ) mv (m /MN) 2
3 cp’(kN/m ) (MN/m )
(Mgm ) φp’, °
50
(between 0.1 (between
ground level ground level 10
Made Ground
and 4 m and 2 m bgl)
(Cohesive and 2.0 2 32
bgl) 40 (below
Granular) 0.05 (below 2 4 m bgl)
200 (below m bgl)
4.0m bgl)
Glacial Till
(Cohesive)
2.0 2 32 35 0.1 10
(See note
below)
Glacial Till
2.0 - 35 - - 35
(Granular)
6I / 6J
Reinforced 2.0 - 40 - - -
Earth Fill
Bulk
UCS E’
density
Material Type GSI mi D
(MPa) (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Lower Coal
2.5 25 45 14 0.7 750
Measures
Bishopston
Mudstone FM - 2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
Mudstone
Bishopston
Mudstone FM - 2.6 50 50 15 0.7 3000
Sandstone
Note : The parameters for glacial till cohesive were reduced to reflect the local description of the
material given in the borehole.

Page 5 of 6
It is proposed that the bridge is founded on reinforced soil abutments with concrete facing panels
and steel reinforcing strips. Due to the weak ground conditions present at the site location, the
upper 2m of Made Ground should be replaced with compacted granular engineered fill.
If soft material is present at the location of the foundations, it should be removed and replaced
with acceptable granular engineered fill.
The anticipated construction sequence requires the new bridge and approach embankment to be
constructed in two halves, such that the existing structure is demolished prior to the reinforced
soil (beneath the bridge) being constructed.
The anticipated construction stages are as follows:

1. Construct northern carriageway embankment and abutment, incorporating a temporary
[wraparound face] reinforced soil wall along the southern edge. The wall incorporates
geogrid ‘tails’ for future tying–in to the southern part of the abutment/embankment.
2. Construct northern deck.
3. Transfer traffic on to northern carriageway.
4. Demolish existing structure.
5. Construct southern abutment/embankment linking the north and south embankments
using the geogrid ‘tails’.
6. Construct southern deck.
7. Transfer westbound traffic on to southern carriageway.
Buried Concrete:
Sulphate and pH tests were carried out on three samples taken from around this structure: one
within the glacial till and another from within the bedrock in 3/BH65 and one from within the glacial
till in 3/BH66. Results from this sample suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete
AC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground
(2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed from
chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section 5 and therefore the values
are recommended for design.
Zones of localised core loss and highly fractured rock, together with some loss of flush returns
were recorded in exploratory holes 3/BH65 and 3/BH66 suggesting there may be evidence of
voids or mineworkings. No known mineworkings are indicated near the structure location on
existing information (despite a coal seam recorded in a nearby outcrop) and therefore it is unlikely
they may be present beneath the structure foundations. However, as the underlying bedrock
comprises the Lower Coal Measures, there is a possibility for unrecorded mineworkings or voids
being encountered.

The bridge foundation comprises concrete bank seats founded on reinforced soil abutments.
Further investigation works, such as additional exploratory holes that extend into the rock, are
recommended to confirm the location and nature of the bedrock as well as superficial deposits.

Page 6 of 6

B.6 Bryniau Road Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
GEOTECHNICAL SUMMARY INFORMATION
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Section 5 & 6 Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/0029/R0
Structure Name: Bryniau Bridge Date: January 2017
Prepared: CR Checked: DE Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 13855 m
3/BH73, 3/BH74, 3/BH75 i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny
to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun
to Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and
Exploratory Hole Location Drawings,
Drawing No. BTI015586/11/172.
ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
to Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative
Report on Preliminary Ground
Investigation, Cardiff, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/118.
iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465
Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
Section 3. Volume Three of Nine,
Factual Report on Ground Investigation.
Report No. 166001-3.
iv. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6
v. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the
Ground Investigation Report. Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/040
vii. Jacobs (2016) Vale of Neath Bridge –
General Alignment, Drawing. No.
B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2900.
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to demolish the existing Bryniau Road Bridge and replace it with a new
single span integral bridge. The new structure will connect the Galon Uchaf Roundabout with the
existing Bryniau Road which overlies the A465. The structure is proposed to be approximately 41
m long and 18.3 m wide. The north abutment is anticipated to be founded on 1.5m diameter piles
at 1.8m spacing forming the Gurnos/Galon Uchaf contiguous piled walls. The south abutment is
proposed to be founded on 6 piles of 1.5 m diameter at 3m spacing. There are existing retaining
walls on either side of the A465. For the south abutment, the existing abutment is proposed to be
partly demolished in order to incorporate the beams from the deck of the new bridge and the new
piles will be located behind the existing abutment.
≈ 325 m AOD (South) to 329 m AOD (North) (from the topographic survey)
Proposed A465 carriageway (running beneath bridge) is approximately 317.5 m AOD and the
elevation of the road over the bridge is approximately 325 m AOD.
1-4 06 Byrinau Bridge Final 30012017.doc

North and South Abutments (3/BH73, 3/BH74, 3/BH75)

Existing ground level of boreholes: ≈ 322.7 to 325.8 m AOD
Ground Level
Elevation Depth to
(m AOD) top of Thickness
Stratum Description
stratum (m)
Min Max (m bgl)
(1) Firm slightly silty sandy CLAY with

Made
angular to subangular gravel and
Ground 325.8 322.7 0 0.9 1.5
occasional cobbles of slag, clinker,
(Cohesive)
sandstone, mudstone and wood.
Made Loose very clayey fine to coarse
323.8
Ground 0 0.2 1.5 SAND with fine to coarse subangular
(Granular) (2) to subrounded gravel
Firm to stiff slightly silty sandy CLAY
with a little fine to medium angular to
Glacial Till
324.9 321.2 0.9 to 1.5 3.9 8.3 subangular gravel of silty sandstone
(Cohesive)
and quartzite.
Becoming stiff from 4.5 m bgl
Recovered as dense slightly silty
Probable
sandy very clayey fine to coarse
Weathered 320.3 317.1 5.4 0 0.4
angular to subangular GRAVEL of
bedrock
siltstone and silty sandstone.
Grey thinly laminated to very thinly
bedded slightly weathered silty
Bishopston
MUDSTONE moderately weak
Mudstone
319.8 315.3 5.6 to 9.5 >2 >10.5
Formation
(3) Moderately weathered SILTSTONE
weak to moderately weak was
encountered at greater depths.
Note: (1) Encountered only in 3/BH73 and 3/BH75
(2) Encountered only in 3/BH74
(3) Assumed zones of core loss were recorded between 5.9 to 6 m bgl (319.8 to 319.9 m AOD) in
3/BH73, between 16.8 to 17 m bgl (308 to 307. 8 m AOD) in 3/BH74, between 6.4 to 6.6 (316.3 to
316.1 m AOD), 7.1 to 7.6 m bgl (315.6 to 315.1 m AOD), 16.4 to 16.6 m bgl (306.3 to 306.1 m AOD)
in 3/BH75.

Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in 3/BH73 at 4.55 m bgl (321.2 m AOD) within the glacial till rising
to 4 m bgl (321.8 m AOD). Groundwater was also recorded as standing water at the end of the
shift in 3/BH74 within the Bishopston Mudstone Formation at 17.6m bgl (307.2 m AOD).
Stratum cu mv E’
Angle of
Unit Weight, γb, Cohesion,
Friction, (kN/m2) (m2/MN)
(Mg/m )
3
cp’, (kN/m2) (MPa)
φp’, °
50
(between 0.1
10
ground (between
Made Ground level and ground level
40
(Cohesive/ 2 0 32 4 m bgl) and 2 m bgl)
(below
Granular)
4m
200 0.05 (below
bgl)
(below 4 2 m bgl)
m bgl)
0.1 20
85
(between
ground level 20 + 6z
85 + 10z
Glacial Till and 2 m bgl) (z =
(z =
(Cohesive) metres
2 2 32 metres
0.03 (below below
below 2 m
2 m bgl) 5m
bgl)
bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS E’
3 GSI mi D
Parameters (Mg/m ) (MPa) (MPa)
Bishopston
Mudstone 2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
Formation
The proposed A465 mainline carriageway is anticipated to be within a cutting which will run
beneath the proposed overbridge.
North Abutment
The north bridge abutment is to be founded on Gurnos/Galon Uchaf contiguous piled walls and
acts as a prop to the wall. The contiguous walls are 1.5m in diameter, with 1.8m spacing. The
estimated maximum load from the bridge is 6650 kN. Assuming a pile group of 12 No (as
suggested by Drawing B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2900) the total load per pile is
approximately 550 kN. A minimum rock socket length of 1m is required to support the vertical
loading from the bridge. The contiguous piled walls were designed as a cantilever with a toe level
of 308 m AOD, with an assumed bedrock level at 315.3 m AOD. For design of the bridge piles, it

is proposed that the cantilever design is applied to the bridge piles with an additional metre of
embedment to allow for the additional load from the structure (i.e toe level at 307 m AOD,
depending on the elevation at which bedrock is encountered). The toe level of the piles are
dependent on the elevation at which bedrock is encountered, a minimum of 8m rock socket is
required for the current design.
South Abutment
The south bridge abutment is to be founded on 1.5m diameter piles, with 3.0m spacing.
Assuming a pile group of 6 piles, the total load per pile is 1110 kN. A minimum rock socket length
of 2 m is required to support the vertical loading from the bridge. The toe level of the piles are
dependent on the elevation at which bedrock is encountered, a toe level of 313 m AOD is
required for the current design and based on assumed bedrock level of 315.3 m AOD.
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on samples from 3/BH74 and 3/BH75 collected from within the
Glacial Till and Bishopston Mudstone Formation respectively, as part of the preliminary ground
investigation. The results indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z
conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and
Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests
on samples collected across the whole route of section 5 and therefore the values are
recommended for design.
The control of localised groundwater will also have to be addressed by the Contractor. As noted
above, groundwater was recorded in 3/BH73 and 3/BH74 within the glacial till and Bishopston
Mudstone Formation respectively. Based on this assumption, groundwater is anticipated to be
encountered if excavation works are to be undertaken. In addition, glacial till formation is
susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ upon exposure and therefore may have lower undrained shear
strength than anticipated. The traffic from existing A465 will have to be temporarily diverted
during the construction of the bridge.
Contiguous piled foundations (Gurnos /Galon Uchaf contiguous retaining wall) are suggested for
the north abutment, socketed at least 8 m within the bedrock in the north abutment (toe level of
307 m AOD). Piled foundations are suggested for the south abutment (1.5 diameter with 3 m
spacing), socketed at least 2 m within the bedrock (toe level of 313 m AOD).

B.7 Prince Charles Hospital Overbridge (East

and West)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Prince Charles Hospital Overbridge / Galon Uchaf Bridge Date: November 2016
(East and West)
Prepared: SM Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: Ch.13215 (East Bridge) and Ch 13140 (West Bridge)

Relevant Exploratory Holes: References:
i. Babtie Group (Nov. 1999) A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
Dualling Section 5 – Dowlais Top to Nant Ffrywd
Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area and Structures
Location Drawings. Drawing No. BTI015586/11/148

Investigation – Dowlais Top to Nant Ffrywd, Cardiff.
3/BH79 and 3/BH79A, BGS Reference No. BTI015586/D4/100
Reference SO00NW74 (located
at Galon Uchaf West Bridge), iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465 Abergavenny to
SO00NE14 (located Hirwaun Dualling Section 3. Volume Two of Nine, Factual
approximately 75 m east of the Report on Ground Investigation. Report No. 166001-3.
Galon Uchaf East Bridge)
iv. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2007) A465 Heads
Of The Valley Trunk Road, Principal Inspection Report
Bryniau Road Bridge, Structure No A465 570 (O). Report
No. A50150/08/01
v. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling

Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017
vi. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical Advisor

Presentation Plan
vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6, Galon Uchaf East

Current & Proposed Structure:
The existing Byrniau / Galon Uchaf road bridge spans across a cutting with a single 18m span
and was constructed in 1965 (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2007).
The bridge is supported on mass concrete abutments and spread foundations, and is to be
demolished and replaced by two new structures- Prince Charles Hospital East and West bridges.
The current proposal is to construct a new single span overbridge both on the eastern side as
well as the western side. The structure is proposed to be approximately 42 m long and 11.4 m
wide for the eastern bridge. The structure is approximately 15.6m wide for the western bridge.
The abutments are anticipated to be founded on contiguous piles of 1500mm diameter at 1.8m
spacing forming the Gurnos (North and South of A465) retaining walls.

The existing ground levels mentioned below are taken from the topographic survey:
1-5 07 Galon Uchaf Bridge East & West Rev 0.doc

(East and West)
Eastern Bridge
North Abutment - 304.7 m AOD
South Abutment – 307.3 m AOD
The proposed A465 (running beneath the bridge) carriageway level is 302.5 m AOD and the
elevation of the road over the bridge is 310.6 m AOD.
Western Bridge
North Abutment – 306 m AOD
South Abutment – 305.5 m AOD
The proposed A465 (running beneath the bridge) carriageway level is 299.5 m AOD and the
elevation of the road over the bridge is 307.4 m AOD.
This assessment is based on the Exploration Associates Ground Investigation (1997) and two
historic boreholes available from BGS website. Further historic boreholes may be available from
BGS website. Due to limited ground investigation information available around this structure, the
ground conditions are assumed to be the same for both the East and West bridges and for both
north and south abutments.

(East and West)
Depth
Ground Level
to top
Stratum of Description
(m AOD)
stratum
‘Dense’ dark brown and grey

Made slightly sandy fine to medium
Ground 307 0 Absent 1 silty CLAY with a little fine to
(Cohesive) coarse angular to subangular
gravel of brick and
sandstone.
>2.4
Glacial Till Soft to firm silty brown CLAY
305.7 305.2 0.3 2 Not
(Cohesive) with occasional coarse gravel
proven
Brown grey fine to medium
grained very thinly to thinly
bedded slightly to moderately
Lower Coal weathered silty strong
SANDSTONE and
Measures /
moderately weak
Bishopston >5
306 (2) 303.3 1 to 2.5 SILTSTONE
Mudstone Not Proven
Formation From 3.6 m bgl (303.4 m
(1)
AOD): Thinly laminated to
very thinly bedded slightly to
locally moderately weathered
MUDSTONE weak
Note : (1) The bedrock shown in the long geological section suggest Bishopston Mudstone
Formation to be present for nearby chainages, but the British Geological Survey website suggests
that locally Lower Coal Measures is present above the Bishopston Mudstone Formation. As such,
it is likely that Lower Coal Measures and/or Bishopston Mudstone Formation is present below the
structure. For design purpose, the most conservative design parameters values are to be used in
light of uncertainty of the ground conditions.
(2) 3/BH79A suggests bedrock is present 1 m bgl (306 m AOD), BGS Borehole SO00NW74
suggests bedrock is present at 2.4 m bgl (303.3 m AOD) and bedrock was not encountered in
SO00NE14 upto 2.7 m bgl (302.5 m AOD). Boreholes further away suggest bedrock was at 6 m
bgl (3/BH80 – 150 m west of the eastern bridge) and bedrock was not encountered up to 8 m in
3/BH78 (200 m east of the eastern bridge).
Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in 3/BH79A within the bedrock at 2 m bgl (305 m AOD) which rose
to 1.8 m bgl (305.2 m AOD) within twenty minutes. Groundwater was also encountered at 1.8 m
bgl (303.4 m AOD) in historic BGS Borehole SO00NE14.

(East and West)
Bulk Cohesion Angle of E’ (MPa)

Stratum density, γb, , Friction, cu (kN/m2) mv (m2/M)
(Mg/m3) cp’(kN/m2) φp’, °
10
50 0.1
(between
(between (between
ground
ground level ground level
level and 4
Made Ground and 4 m and 2 m
2.0 0 32 m bgl)
(Cohesive) bgl) bgl)
40
200 (below 0.05 (below
(below 4
4 m bgl) 2 m bgl)
m bgl)
Glacial Till (1)
2.0 2 32 35 0.03 20
Cohesive
Bulk UCS E’
Stratum density, γb, GSI mi D
(Mg/m3) (MPa) (MPa)
Lower Coal
2.5 25 45 14 0.7 750
Measures
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
Formation -
Mudstone
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 50 50 15 0.7 3000
Formation -
Sandstone
(1) The undrained shear strength of Glacial Till Cohesive was reduced from the GIR values to reflect the
description of boreholes.
The bridge is to be founded on the Gurnos contiguous piled walls (Gurnos - North and South of
A465 Retaining walls) and acts as a prop to the wall. The contiguous walls are 1500mm in
diameter, with 1800mm spacing. The estimated maximum load is approximately 5950kN from the
eastern bridge and 6800kN from the western bridge.
A minimum rock socket length of 3 m is required to support the loading from the bridge. Either
side of the bridge, the contiguous piled wall is designed as a cantilever with an embedded length
of 6m (toe level at 292 m AOD). For design it is proposed that the cantilever design is applied to

(East and West)
the bridge piles (i.e. toe at 292 m AOD, rock socket 11m). This will safely support the vertical load
from the structure, whilst also providing sufficient embedment for the propped retaining wall.
Buried Concrete:
investigation. Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance
with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1
were therefore assumed for buried structures at this location. These correspond with the
conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section
5 and therefore the values are recommended for design. Further chemical testing in the area is
recommended to confirm if these results are applicable.
The existing traffic flows on A465 and Byrniau Road will have to be managed during the
construction works.
The control of localised groundwater will also have to be addressed by the Contractor. In addition,
glacial till formation is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ upon exposure and therefore may have lower
undrained shear strength than anticipated.
As the underlying bedrock comprises the Lower Coal Measures, there is a possibility for
unrecorded mineworkings or voids being encountered. In light of this, prior to construction, it is
proposed that the ground beneath the proposed foundations should be investigated for the
presence of possible mineworkings or voids. Any voids or mineworkings encountered is to be
grouted.
Contiguous piled foundations (1500 mm diameter with 1800 mm spacing) are suggested for the
foundations, socketed at least 6 m within the bedrock.
Further exploratory boreholes are proposed to confirm the level and nature of rockhead in the
vicinity of the structure and to confirm or eliminate the possible presence of mineworkings.
Design Sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) have been assumed for

B.8 Gurnos Farm Underpass
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/0027/Rev0
Page 1 of 4
Structure Name: Gurnos Farm Underpass Date: July 2016
Prepared: SN Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 12275m
3/BH85 i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny
to Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 – Dowlais
Top to Nant Ffrywd Exploratory Hole,
Earthworks Area and Structures
Location Drawings, Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/149.

Investigation – Dowlais Top to Nant
Ffrywd, Cardiff, Report No.
BTI015586/D4/100.
iii. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the

Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.


B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vi. Jacobs (2016) Gurnos Farm – General

Alignment, Drawing. No. B2191100-
JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2700.
Proposed Structure
The current proposal is to build a new reinforced concrete box bridge to allow traffic to cross
beneath the A465 following the demolishing of the existing Gurnos Farm Underpass located to
the east of the proposed structure. The underpass bridge is proposed to be approximately 27.8m
long and 6.8 m to 8.5 m wide.
≈ 259.2 m AOD (obtained from exploratory hole 3/BH85)
The proposed underpass road level is approximately 2.2m above the existing ground level (as
shown in Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2700) corresponding with approximately
261.4m AOD. Due to the northwards slope of the road level within the underpass, the final road
level at the southern end of the underpass will be higher than the northern end, reflecting the
slope of the existing ground.
1-4 08 Gurnos Farm Underpass 24032017.doc

Page 2 of 4

(m AOD) (m bgl)
Topsoil 259.2 0 0.7 Topsoil
Firm slightly silty slightly sandy
Possible CLAY with some fine to coarse
Solifluction 258.5 0.7 2.3 angular to subangular gravel
Deposits and occasional cobbles of
limestone
Medium dense to dense slightly
clayey silty very sandy fine to
coarse angular to subangular
Glacial Till
256.2 3 10.7 GRAVEL of limestone and
(Granular)
occasional sandstone
Gravel is very dense from 7.5 m
bgl
Very closely fissured moderately
weathered silty MUDSTONE
very weak to weak with
occasional interlaminae of coal
and carbonised plant remains.
Locally highly weathered to stiff
Twrch
clay with many angular gravel
Sandstone 248.4 10.7 >9.3
sized very weak mudstone / very
Formation
stiff clay lithorelicts
13.7– 14.35 m bgl Moderately
weathered SILTSTONE weak to
moderately weak
14.35 - 20 m bgl Slightly
weathered SANDSTONE strong.
Note: The borehole log material descriptions and geological history of the region indicates that there may
be possible solifluction deposits. Prior to construction of the embankment, the majority of this material will
need to be removed and replaced with appropriate fill.
Only the recent Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) borehole closest to the proposed structure was used to
estimate the ground conditions at this structure location due to the lack of available boreholes and age of the
historic borehole nearby (dated 1958).
Groundwater:
Groundwater was struck at 4.7 m bgl which rose to 4.6 m bgl (254.6 m AOD) after 20 minutes
during drilling.

Page 3 of 4

Bulk Cohesion Angle of cu mv E’

Stratum density , cp’, Friction, (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3) (kN/m2) φp’, °
1.9 0 28 35 0.5 7
Deposits
Glacial Till -
Cohesive 2.0 2 32 75(1) 0.1 20
(Reworked)
Glacial Till -
2.0 - 35 - - 35
Granular
Bulk
Bedrock UCS E’
density GSI mi D
parameters 3 (MPa) (MPa)
(Mg/m )
Twrch Sandstone
2.60 50 50 17 0.7 1500
Formation
Note : (1) The parameters for reworked glacial till cohesive is assumed to be the lowest of
Section 5 & Section 6 Cohesive Glacial Till.
As the proposed underpass road level is higher than the existing ground level, it is assumed that
6N/6P engineered fill will be used beneath the base of the concrete box structure to build it up to
the required level. The proposed underpass road level is approximately 2.2m above the existing
ground level and the base of the underpass foundations is anticipated to be 0.8m below the final
road level (fill level) (as shown in Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2700). In addition,
the possible solifluction deposits are anticipated to be present and these weaker strength
deposits will need to be removed prior to construction and replaced with appropriate fill. This
replacement fill is likely to be reworked glacial till, with 6N/6P fill used above existing ground level.
For a 27.8m by 7.8m spread foundation (corresponding with the base of the concrete box)
founded on the engineered fill and reworked glacial till, the safe bearing capacity is anticipated to
be at least 175kN/m2. The maximum total load anticipated is 83kN/m2 (taking into account the
load distribution factor) and therefore total settlement is estimated to be in the range of 10 –
15mm. If 6N/6P engineered fill is to be used as replacement fill for the possible solifluction
deposits, bearing capacity is anticipated to be greater and settlement smaller.
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on one sample from 3/BH85 within the glacial till as part of the
preliminary ground investigation. The results indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1.
The new structure is approximately 120 m to the west of the existing Gurnos Farm Underpass. A
diversion route would be required to maintain access to Gurnos Farm. The existing traffic flows
will have to be maintained during the construction works.

Page 4 of 4
glacial till is susceptible to ‘wetting-up’ upon exposure and therefore may have decreased

B.9 Taf Fechan Viaduct (widened)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Section 5 and 6 Rev: 0 Sheet No:
GAS/0026/R0
Page 1 of 6
Structure Name: Taf Fechan Viaduct Date: May 2017
Prepared: CR Checked: HM Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 11482 m
Babtie,(Exploration i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
Associates Ltd, 1997): Dualling Section 5 – Dowlais Top to Nant Ffrwd, Scheme
Proposals and Exploratory Hole Location Drawings,
East Side of the viaduct: Drawing No. BTI015586/11/150.
3/BH89 and 3/BH90 ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
West side of the viaduct: Investigation, Cardiff, Report No. BTI.015586/D4/100.
3/BH91 and 3/BH92 iii. Coombs, & Hinch (1969) The Heads of the Valleys Road,
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 44(2), pp
89-118.
iv. Caves of South Wales (2016) , Central Northern Outcrop
Cave Location Map, [Online], Available from :
http://www.ogof.org.uk/Central-Northern-Outcrop-Cave-
Location-Map.html [Accessed 16th February 2016]
v. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2004) A465 Heads
Of The Valley Trunk Road, Principal Inspection Report
Taf Fechan Viaduct, Structure No A465 540 (U). Report
No. A40150/20/01
vi. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2005) A465 Taf
Fechan Viaduct Deck strengthening and re-waterproofing
report, Structure No A465 540 (U).
vii. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
viii. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical Advisor
Presentation Plan
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling
Sections 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report. Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
x. Jacobs (2016) Taf Fechan – General Alignment, Drawing.
No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2600.
xi. RocLab 1.0, software from Rocscience, Version 1.021,
April 2006
xii. Tomlinson (2001), Foundation Design and Construction,
Seventh edition, Prentice Hall
xiii. Wyllie, D.C. (1991) Foundations in Rock, Spon, London
Proposed and Existing Structure:

The current proposal is that the existing viaduct is to be retained and symmetrically widened. The
existing structure is an open spandrel reinforced concrete arch structure of 69.4m span as shown
in Figure 1-A. The reinforced concrete slab deck is intermediately supported by 18 reinforced
concrete piers (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2004). The piers are numbered 1 to 18
from west to east and supported at its ends by reinforced concrete skeletal abutments (West End
Abutment and East End Abutment). Piers 3 to 14 are founded on a pair of reinforced concrete
arches which itself is supported by arch abutments on both sides (West Arch Abutment and East
Arch Abutment). Piers 1 and 2 are supported directly on the West Arch Abutment and similarly
Taf Fechan Viaduct

GAS/0026/R0
Page 2 of 6
Pier 15 on East Arch Abutment. The construction drawing shows that Piers 16, 17 and 18 are
supported by individual spread footings directly onto bedrock.
The existing arches are splayed at the west end which has hinged half joint to account for
possible settlement of abutment. The new structure is proposed to be a steel arch bridge tied to
the existing structure.
Figure 1-A Existing General Arrangement, A465 Taf Fechan Viaduct Deck strengthening and re-
waterproofing report, Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2005
Ground Level:
From existing A465 alignment ≈ 227.8 to 228.3 m AOD
East side of the viaduct (from 3/BH89 and 3/BH90) ≈ 219.7 to 221.7 m AOD
West side of the viaduct (from 3/BH91 and 3/BH92) ≈ 219.14 to 227.51 m AOD
Proposed road level ≈ 227.8 m AOD
Taf Fechan Viaduct

GAS/0026/R0
Page 3 of 6

Eastern Side of the Viaduct (3/BH89 and 3/BH90)
Ground Level
Elevation Depth to top Thickness (m)
Stratum (m AOD) of stratum Description
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Medium dense slightly clayey
Made Ground silty fine to medium SAND with
(1) 221.68 0.00 0 4.9
(Granular) gravel of sandstone, quartzite,
slag and clinker
Medium dense silty sandy fine to
Glacial Till coarse angular GRAVEL with
(2) 0.00 0 2.8
(Granular) 219.68 occasional cobbles of sandstone
and limestone
Oxwich Head Slightly weathered strong to very
216.8 2.8 – 4.86 >25.23 > 35
Limestone strong LIMESTONE
Note: (1) Granular Made Ground was encountered from ground level to a depth of 4.9 m bgl only
in 3/BH89 comprising 1 m thick slag and clinker
(2)
Granular Glacial Till was encountered only in 3/BH90
Western Side of the Viaduct (3/BH91 and 3/BH92)

Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Made Ground 219.14 Stiff silty sandy CLAY with
(3) 227.51 0.00 0.6 3.7
(Cohesive) gravel, sandstone and slag
Glacial Till Medium dense to dense
(4) 218.54 223.81 0.6-3.7 10.4 13.4
(Granular) GRAVEL with cobbles
Oxwich Head Slightly weathered strong
207.06 210.01 12.08-17.5 >7.5 > 13.11
Limestone LIMESTONE
Note:
(3)
Made Ground (Cohesive) was encountered only in 3/BH92.
(4)
Open hole techniques were used from 2m to 12 m depth in 3/BH91 and from 5.1 to 17.5m depth in 3/BH92.
The nature of the superficial deposits within this range is therefore, only indicative.
Taf Fechan Viaduct

GAS/0026/R0
Page 4 of 6
Groundwater:
Groundwater was not encountered in any of the four exploratory holes (3/BH 89, 3/BH90, 3/BH91
and 3/BH92). A standpipe was installed in 1999 in borehole 3/BH90 with a response zone
between 25m and 30m below ground level. However, it was reported as ‘dry’ in the Babtie report
(2000).
Summary of Soil Parameters
Stratum cu mv E’
Angle of
γb, Cohesion,
Friction, (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3) cp’, (kN/m2)
φp’, °
0.1
(between
50 (between 10
ground
ground level
Made Ground level and
and 4 m bgl)
(Cohesive / 2.0 0 32 2 m bgl)
Granular) 200 (below 4 40 (below
0.05
m bgl) 4 m bgl)
(below 2
m bgl)
Glacial Till
2.0 - 35 - - 35
(Granular)
E’
Bedrock γb, UCS
GSI mi D
Parameters (Mg/m3) (MN/m2)
(MPa)
Oxwich Head
Limestone
2.7 50 65 12 0.7 7500
(Carboniferous
Limestone)
Since the bridge is to be symmetrically widened, it is proposed that the foundations to be
constructed at the same level as the existing structure (Drawing No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-
1600-2600). The north east topography could make accessibility for the arch foundation difficult.
It is suggested that the proposed foundations are similar to the existing foundations with arch
abutments on either side of the proposed steel arches and spread footings to support the piers.
The arch abutments and spread footings, due to their high loadings, are to be founded directly on
the bedrock at approximately 216m AOD (approx. 4 to 6 m below the sloping ground level) on the
eastern side and 207 m AOD (approx. 6 m below where the existing arch meets the ground) on
the western side. The suggested allowable bearing capacity of the bedrock, based on
Tomlinson’s (2001) values for foundations in Limestone, is 10000kN/m2. Based on Wylie’s
equation for foundation on sloping bedrock, this value is limited to 5500 kN/m2 for a 10 m by 7 m
Taf Fechan Viaduct

GAS/0026/R0
Page 5 of 6
foundation and 3800 kN/m2 for a 1.5 m by 1.5 m foundation. Due to the proximity of the existing
foundations and potential disturbance to the structure which may be caused by any blasting on
bedrock, splitting the bedrock with a hydraulic splitter might be a better option to excavate the
bedrock. Since the limestone tested in nearby areas showed a high UCS value of 133 - 154 MPa,
(note that a lower value of 50 MPa has been adopted for assessing shear strength properties)
excavation even using a hydraulic splitter for foundation is anticipated to be really difficult and
time consuming.
Due to the proximity of the existing foundations and difficulty in excavating strong limestone to
construct spread footings, piled foundations are an alternative design option. Assuming a 0.6 m
diameter piles socketed 2.0 m into the bedrock, the anticipated safe working load is usually
assumed as 0.5UCS, however, in this case the limiting end bearing value is restricted to 10 MPa.
The safe working load also depends on the concrete compressive strength, fcu and should not
exceed 25% fcu. The disadvantage of using this option in Taf Fechan is the difficulty in
accessibility of piling rig and would require the construction of access tracks, protection to
workers and working platform for the piling rig.
The ICE paper entitled “The Heads of the Valley’s Road (1969)” indicates that solution caverns in
the limestone to the east of Taf Fechan caused concern during construction of the existing bridge
after a large cavern was exposed. The paper doesn’t state the exact location of the cavern. The
paper also mentions about the “plugging” of a cavern under the east foundation of the Taf Fechan
arch ribs. The Cambrian Cave registry and Cave of South Wales website shows a cave entrance
at the location of SO 03620 08340, about 40 metres north from A465 and 200 m north east from
the existing Taf Fechan bridge. The cave (named Ogof Ffordd Y Blaenau) is approx. 30 m long
and passes under A465 and partway along the passage a 10m aven was present, along with few
sheep bones which suggests that the aven was once open at the surface. Another cave entrance
is also shown nearby with the entrance at the southern face of the disused Gurnos Quarry, at an
elevation of 224m AOD. Detailed inspection and survey of the rock face, along with ground
investigation for the detection of voids is therefore recommended. This should comprise probe
drilling techniques at close intervals at the proposed foundation locations. Bearing capacity and
length of the piles should be reassessed, upon discovery of any voids or cavities.
Buried Concrete:
Sulphate and pH tests were carried out on Made Ground recovered from the exploratory hole
3/BH92. The results and further tests carried out along the A465 route within the Made Ground
and Glacial Till suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in
Sulfate class DS-1. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to confirm if these
results are applicable.
Both pile and pad foundation has its own construction issues and difficulties on this site. Difficulty
in excavating the strong limestone is anticipated and careful consideration should be taken in not
impacting the existing foundations if pad foundation design is chosen, especially where rock has
to be excavated or ripped. Widening of the existing bridge will require access to the base of the
steep sided Taf Fechan Gorge and formation of temporary tracks, access and protection will be
required if the pile option is chosen. The effects of construction of temporary accesses on the
stability of the side slopes would need to be evaluated as well as the environmental impact of
removing the trees along these accesses. The woodlands surrounding Taf Fechan Gorge are
classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
Taf Fechan Viaduct

GAS/0026/R0
Page 6 of 6
Since limestone solution caverns proved to be a concern at the eastern side of Taf Fechan during
the construction of existing bridge, particular attention should be given to the existence of such
features during detailed design stage and construction. Depending on the results of the probe
holes, remedial options should be considered such as grouting the voids or piling through these
cavities into competent bedrock.
The existing traffic flows will have to be maintained during the construction works. The control of
localised groundwater, if encountered, will also have to be addressed by the Contractor.
Both pile and pad foundation has its own construction issues on this site and careful
consideration should be taken during detailed design stage on which option to be chosen. Further
ground investigation would be necessary at the proposed location of the abutments to confirm the
location and nature of the bedrock and the existing foundations exposed to assess the conditions
of the existing footings. It is also recommended to investigate the presence of cavities and any
possible solutions features within the limestone. It is also recommended to subsequently re-
assess the bearing capacity of the foundations.
buried concrete structures. Further testing to assess ground aggressivity towards buried concrete
structures is recommended to confirm this assumption.
Taf Fechan Viaduct

B.10 Taf Fechan Footbridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
` GEOTECHNICAL SUMMARY INFORMATION
GAS/2650/R0
Page 1 of 4
Structure Name: Taf Fechan NMU bridge Date: March 2017
Chainage: 11450m – 11570m

Babtie,(Exploration Associates i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
Ltd, 1997): Section 5 – Dowlais Top to Nant Ffrwd, Scheme Proposals and
Exploratory Hole Location Drawings, Drawing No.
East Side of the NMU bridge: BTI015586/11/150.
3/BH89 (Exploration Associates Ltd, ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling,
1997) Interpretative Report on Preliminary Ground Investigation,
BGS Borehole SO00NW53, BGS Cardiff, Report No. BTI.015586/D4/100.
Borehole SO00NW54 (John Laing iii. Coombs, & Hinch (1969) The Heads of the Valleys Road,
and Son Limited, 1958, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 44(2), pp 89-
Approximate National Grid 118.
Reference: 303410,208170) iv. John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) Hirwaun – Abergavenny Trunk
Road – Exploratory holes. Investigation No. SS/399.
West side of the NMU bridge: v. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5
3/BH91 and 3/BH92 (Exploration and 6 Preliminary Sources Study Report. Report No.
Associates Ltd, 1997) B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical Advisor
Note: Due to the limited available Presentation Plan
recent exploratory holes, relevant vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5
historic boreholes have also been and 6 Ground Investigation Report. Report No.
used for this structure. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
viii. Jacobs (2016) Taf Fechan NMU – General Alignment, Drawing.
No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2650.
ix. RocLab 1.0, software from Rocscience, Version 1.021, April
2006
x. Tomlinson (2001), Foundation Design and Construction,
Seventh edition, Prentice Hall
xi. Wyllie, D.C. (1991) Foundations in Rock, Spon, London
Proposed and Existing Structure:

The proposed structure will be a steel arch bridge with steel spandrels and a reinforced concrete deck,
south of the mainline viaduct. Details of the proposed structure are shown on Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-
SBR-DE-SE-1600-2650.
Ground Level:
Proposed NMU Bridge level ≈ 227.8 m AOD
East side of the NMU bridge (from topographic survey) ≈ 224.6 to 215 m AOD
West side of the NMU bridge (from topographic survey) ≈ 224.2 to 212 m AOD
Eastern Side of the NMU Bridge (SO00NW53, SO00NW54 and 3/BH89)
Taf Fechan NMU

GAS/2650/R0
Page 2 of 4
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Topsoil 219.1 215.5 0.00 0.00 0.3 Topsoil

Medium dense slightly clayey
Made Ground
(1) silty fine to medium SAND with
(Granular) 221.7 0.00 0.00 4.9
gravel of sandstone, quartzite,
slag and clinker
Soft to firm friable light brown
Made Ground silty CLAY with fine medium &
(2) 218.9 215.3 0.00 0.15 1.7
(Cohesive) coarse gravel, cobbles &
boulders
Oxwich Head
(3) >20.37 Slightly weathered strong to very
Limestone 216.8 217.3 1.8 – 4.9
Depth not proven strong LIMESTONE
Note: (1) Granular Made Ground was encountered from ground level to a depth of 4.9 m bgl only in 3/BH89
comprising 1 m thick slag and clinker
(2) Made Ground Cohesive was encountered in historic BGS Boreholes SO00NW53 and SO00NW54.
(3) SO00NW54 was not drilled to sufficient depth to penetrate bedrock
Western Side of the NMU bridge (3/BH91 and 3/BH92)
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Made Ground Stiff silty sandy CLAY with

(4) 219.14 227.5 0.00 0.6 3.7
(Cohesive) gravel, sandstone and slag
Glacial Till Medium dense to dense
(5) 218.54 223.8 0.6-3.7 10.4 13.4
(Granular) GRAVEL with cobbles
Oxwich Head Slightly weathered strong
207.06 210.01 12.08-17.5 >7.5 > 13.11
Limestone LIMESTONE
Note:
(4)
Made Ground (Cohesive) was encountered only in 3/BH92.
(5)
Open hole techniques were used from 2m to 12 m depth in 3/BH91 and from 5.1 to 17.5m depth in 3/BH92.
The nature of the superficial deposits within this range is therefore, only indicative.
Taf Fechan NMU

GAS/2650/R0
Page 3 of 4
Groundwater:
Groundwater was not encountered in any of the five exploratory holes (SO00NW53, SO00NW54, 3/BH89,
3/BH91, 3/BH92). A standpipe was installed in 1999 in borehole 3/BH90 (located approximately 3 m North
of the NMU bridge) with a response zone between 25m and 30m below ground level. However, it was
reported as ‘dry’ in the Babtie report (2000).
The ground conditions described above suggest that global parameters from Jacobs GIR, 2016 (given
below) are applicable.
’
Stratum γb Angle of cu mv E
Cohesion,
2 Friction,
3 cp’, (kN/m ) 2 2
(Mg/m ) φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
50 (between 0.1 (between

ground level ground level 10
Made Ground
and 4 m bgl) and 2 m bgl)
(Cohesive/ 2.0 0 32
40 (below
Granular)
200 (below 4 m 0.05 (below 4 m bgl)
bgl) 2m bgl)
Glacial Till
2.0 - 35 - - 35
(Granular)
γ b, E’
Bedrock
UCS (MPa) GSI mi D
Parameters 3
(Mg/m ) (MPa)
Oxwich Head
2.7 50 65 12 0.7 7500
Limestone
It is recommended that the arch abutment and spread footings be founded directly onto bedrock at
approximately 217.3 m AOD (approx. 1.8 to 8 m below the sloping ground level) on the eastern abutment
and 207 m AOD (approx. 11 m below the sloping ground level) on the western side. The suggested
allowable bearing capacity of the bedrock, according to Tomlinson’s (2001) values for foundations in
2
Limestone is 10000kN/m . Based on Wylie’s equation for foundation on sloping bedrock, this value is limited
2 2
to 4800 kN/m for a 10 m by 5 m foundation and 3700 kN/m for a 2 m by 5 m foundation. Due to the
proximity of the existing foundations and potential disturbance to the structure which may be caused by any
blasting on bedrock, splitting the bedrock with a hydraulic splitter might be a better option to excavate the
bedrock. Since the limestone tested in nearby areas showed a high UCS value of 133 - 154 MPa, (note that
a lower value of 50 MPa has been adopted for assessing shear strength properties) excavation even using a
hydraulic splitter for foundation is anticipated to be really difficult and time consuming.
Due to the proximity of the existing foundations and difficulty in excavating strong limestone to construct
spread footings, piled foundations are an alternative design option. Assuming a 0.6 m diameter piles
socketed 2.0 m into the bedrock, the anticipated safe working load is usually assumed as 0.5UCS, however,
in this case the limiting end bearing value is restricted to 10 MPa. The safe working load also depends on
the concrete compressive strength, fcu and should not exceed 25% fcu. The disadvantage of using this option
in Taf Fechan is the difficulty in accessibility of piling rig and would require the construction of access tracks,
protection to workers and working platform for the piling rig.
The ICE paper entitled “The Heads of the Valley’s Road (1969)” indicates that solution caverns in the
limestone to the east of the existing mainline Taf Fechan caused concern during construction of the existing
viaduct bridge (parallel to the new NMU bridge) after a large cavern was exposed. The paper doesn’t state
the exact location of the cavern. The paper also mentions about the “plugging” of a cavern under the east
Taf Fechan NMU

GAS/2650/R0
Page 4 of 4
foundation of the existing Taf Fechan arch ribs. The Cambrian Cave registry and Cave of South Wales
website shows a cave entrance at the location of SO 03620 08340, about 40 metres north from A465 and
200 m north east from the existing Taf Fechan bridge. The cave (named Ogof Ffordd Y Blaenau) is approx.
30 m long and passes under A465 and partway along the passage a 10m aven was present, along with few
sheep bones which suggests that the aven was once open at the surface. Another cave entrance is also
shown nearby with the entrance at the southern face of the disused Gurnos Quarry, at an elevation of 224m
AOD. Detailed inspection and survey of the rock face, along with ground investigation for the detection of
voids is therefore recommended. This should comprise probe drilling techniques at close intervals at the
proposed foundation locations. Bearing capacity and length of the piles should be reassessed, upon
discovery of any voids or cavities.
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures was not undertaken on
samples collected from these exploratory holes as part of the preliminary ground investigation. However,
based on the chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route along Section 5, Design Sulfate
class DS-1 and Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-AC2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005)
have been assumed for this site.
Both pile and pad foundation has its own construction issues and difficulties on this site. Difficulty in
excavating the strong limestone is anticipated and careful consideration should be taken in not impacting the
existing foundations at Taf Fechan Viaduct if pad foundation design is chosen, especially where rock has to
be excavated or ripped.
Construction of a new NMU bridge may require access to the base of the steep sided Taf Fechan Gorge
and formation of temporary tracks, access and protection will be required if the pile option is chosen. The
effects of construction of temporary accesses on the stability of the side slopes would need to be evaluated
as well as the environmental impact of removing the trees along these accesses. The woodlands
surrounding Taf Fechan Gorge are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as Local
Nature Reserve (LNR).
Since limestone solution caverns proved to be a concern at the eastern side of the existing Taf Fechan
Viaduct during construction, particular attention should be given to the existence of such features during
detailed design stage and construction. Depending on the results of the probe holes, remedial options
should be considered such as grouting the voids or piling through these cavities into competent bedrock.
Open hole drilling techniques were used from 2m to 12 m depth in 3/BH91 and from 5.1m to 17.5m depth in
3/BH92. Depth and nature of the superficial deposits around the western side of the NMU bridge will need to
be confirmed prior to construction as the range stated above is only indicative.
The control of localised groundwater, if encountered, will also have to be addressed by the Contractor.
Both pile and pad foundation has its own construction issues on this site and careful consideration should be
taken during detailed design stage on which option to be chosen. Further ground investigation would be
necessary at the proposed location of the abutments to confirm the location and nature of the bedrock and
the existing foundations exposed to assess the conditions of the existing footings. It is also recommended to
investigate the presence of cavities and any possible solutions features within the limestone. It is also
recommended to subsequently re-assess the bearing capacity of the foundations.
No sulfate or pH tests were carried out on samples taken from the exploratory holes drilled at the site.
Further chemical tests are suggested to confirm the assumptions made.
Taf Fechan NMU

B.11 Taff Trail Footbridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/SP027A
Page 1 of 5
Structure Name: Taff Trail Footbridge Date: May 2017
Prepared: LK Checked: DE/SN Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 11312m
Babtie Boreholes:3/BH93, 3/BH93A & i) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
3/BH93B(Located at the base of the cutting level, to Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 –
east of the south abutment) Downlais Top to Nant Ffrwd
and Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area
3/BH94 (Located at the base of the cutting level, and Structures Location Drawings,
west of the south abutment) Drawing No. BTI015586/11/150.
ii) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny

Historic John Laing and Son Ltd. Boreholes to Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative
(1958): Report on Preliminary Ground
BH138B (approximate north abutment location) Investigation, Cardiff. Report No.
and BTI.015586/D4/100.
BH133 and BH134 (located on the south side of
the carriageway, either side of the south iii) Jacobs (2015), A465 Heads of the
abutment location) Valleys Dualling Sections 5 and 6
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
iv) Jacobs (2012), Brecon Merthyr Railway

Bridge Principal Inspection Report.
Structure No. A465-530, Doc Ref.
B1844702/PI/NOR/037.
v) Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the

Ground Investigation Report. Report
No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vi) Jacobs (2017), A465 Sections 5 & 6 –

Taff Trail Footbridge General
Arrangement. Drawing No. 2191100-
Proposed and Existing Structure

Taff Trail Footbridge comprises a single span superstructure of two longitudinal steel plate girders
joined by a series of transverse fabricated steel beams which in turn support steel decking. The
substructure consists of mass concrete abutments with associated precast concrete plank faced
mass concrete wing walls with a skew of 40 degree (Jacobs, 2012).
The current proposal is to demolish the existing footbridge and replace with single span
continuous bridge located approximately 50m west of the existing structure. The proposed
structure is understood to be 39.0m long and 4.0m wide.
Taff Trail Footbridge

Page 2 of 5

North side of footbridge (from topographic survey) ≈ 240.2 to 227.9 m AOD
South side of the footbridge (from topographic survey) ≈ 233.3 to 227.5m AOD
The proposed carriageway elevation is approximately 227.0 m AOD.

North Abutment (historic borehole (1958) BH183B)
Existing ground level: ≈ 235.80m AOD to 232.30m AOD (from cross section elevation values at
approximate location of north to south ends of abutment location, respectively)

Stratum (m AOD) Description
stratum
Topsoil 238.83 239.13 0.00 0.0 0.3 ‘Topsoil’

Weathered grey and yellow sandy
Made Ground
238.83 0.30 0.77 clay with medium and coarse gravel
(Granular)
and cobbles
Glacial Till Firm red sandy clay with occasional
238.06 1.03 0.91
(Cohesive ) cobbles.
Twrch >0.12
Sandstone 237.15 1.98 (Depth not ‘SANDSTONE’ (driller’s description)
Formation proven)

Page 3 of 5
South Abutment (historic borehole (1958) BH183B and BH184, and Babtie boreholes
3/BH93, 3/BH93A, 3/BH93B and 3/BH94)
Existing ground level: ≈ 234.30m AOD to 233.50m AOD (from cross section elevation values at
approximate location of north to south ends of abutment location, respectively)

stratum
Topsoil 234.76 234.90 0.00 ’Topsoil’

0.30
Soft to firm red brown sandy and silty
Glacial Till
234.46 234.60 0.30 0.23 0.9 clay with fine to coarse gravel and
(Cohesive)
cobbles.
> 0.30
Depth
Twrch
233.70 234.16 0.53 - 0.90 >0.07 not ‘SILTSTONE’ (driller’s description)
Sandstone
proven
Formation (1)
>4.7
Oxwich Head Grey fine and medium to thickly
18.65 - (Depth
Limestone 216.11 224.81 >3.90 slightly weathered cystalline strong to
(2) 18.80 not
Formation very strong LIMESTONE.
proven)
(1)
Note: As the Twrch Sandstone Formation lies stratigraphically above the Oxwich Limestone Formation, it
can be assumed that the top of the Oxwich Limestone Formation encountered in the Babtie boreholes located
further from the south abutment location, corresponds with the base of the Twrch Sandstone Formation. This
suggests an approximate maximum thickness of 18.05m.
(2)
Encountered in 3/BH93, 3/BH93B and 3/BH94. Open hole techniques were used in 3/BH93B and thus the
depth to limestone bedrock is only indicative.
Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in exploratory hole 3/BH93 at 10.3m bgl (216.11m AOD) and rose
to 7.5m bgl (218.91m AOD) after 20 minutes. Overnight standing water was encountered in
3/BH94 at a level of 5.0 m bgl (222.31 m AOD), noted on 03/06/1997. No ground water was
encountered in the historic boreholes located closest to the abutment locations.

Page 4 of 5

The ground conditions described above suggest that global parameters from Jacobs GIR, 2016 (given below)
are applicable, except where indicated.
’
Stratum γb, Angle of cu mv E
Cohesion,
2 Friction,
3 cp’, (kN/m ) 0 2 2
(Mg/m ) φp , (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
Made Ground
(Cohesive and 2.0 0 32 50 0.1 10
Granular)
Glacial Till (1) (1)
(Cohesive)
2.0 2 32 50 0.1 10
E’
Bedrock γb,
UCS (MPa) GSI mi D
Parameters (Mg/m3)
(MPa)
Twrch
Sandstone 2.6 50 50 17 0.7 1500
Formation
Oxwich Head
Limestone 2.7 50 65 12 0.7 7500
Formation
(1) The undrained shear strength and Young’s Modulus of Glacial Till Cohesive were reduced from the GIR values
to reflect the description of boreholes.
North Abutment
At the location of the north abutment, competent bedrock is expected at existing ground level (an
elevation of 235.6m AOD). The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the abutment
foundation is 680 kN. Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2500 suggests a 2.3m by 2.3m
pad foundation at the north abutment. Assuming these pad dimensions, the total load applied to
the pad would be 130kN/m2. These values are well within the bearing capacity of the rock which
has a UCS value of 50 MPa. If the founding depth is at 231.3 m AOD (1.0m below ground level at
the southern end of the abutment) this corresponds with a foundation depth of 3.5m to 1.0m below
existing ground level (north to south ends of pad footing respectively). Settlement is estimated to
be negligible.
South Abutment
At the location of the south abutment, bedrock is expected at an elevation of 233.5m AOD
(approximately existing ground level) and competent bedrock is anticipated approximately 1.0m
below this (232.5m AOD to allow for any potential weathering). The estimated total maximum load
to be applied to the abutment foundation is 680 kN. Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-
2500 suggests a 2.5m by 2.5m pad foundation at the south abutment. Assuming these pad
dimensions, the total load applied to the pad would be 110kN/m2. These values are well within the
bearing capacity of the rock which has a UCS value of 50 MPa. If the founding depth is at 1.0m
below competent bedrock level, this corresponds with an elevation of 231.5m AOD and therefore a
foundation depth of approximately 2.0m below existing ground level. Settlement is estimated to be
negligible.

Page 5 of 5
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures was undertaken
on one sample collected from exploratory hole 3/BH94 within the glacial till as part of the
Concrete AC-1 conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1 for the glacial till. However, based on the chemical
tests on samples collected across the whole route along Section 5, Design Sulfate class DS-1 and
Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-AC2z have been assumed for this site.
Difficulty in excavating the sandstone is anticipated and careful consideration should be taken as
to not impacting the slope stability of the cutting or the existing carriageway, especially where rock
has to be excavated or ripped. Due to the strength of the sandstone encountered along this
section of the route, blasting may be required locally.
The existing traffic flows will have to be maintained during the construction works. Monitoring and
control of the localised groundwater, if encountered, will have to be addressed by the Contractor.

Further ground investigation is recommended at the proposed location of the abutments to confirm
the nature of the ground condition
Limited sulfate and pH tests were carried out on samples taken from the exploratory holes drilled
at the site and no chemical tests were carried out on rock samples. Further chemical tests are
suggested to confirm the assumptions made.
Note that the above recommendations are intended to give a general guidance for preliminary
design purposes only and may be required to revise depending on the outcome of further ground
investigation. Detailed earthworks design will require stability assessment of the side slopes of the
cutting underneath the footbridge abutments. Bearing capacities and settlement may also vary
according to the actual foundation dimensions in the detailed design option.

B.12 High Street (or previously known as

Brecon Road Bridge)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Section 5 and 6 Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/2400
Page 1 of 5
Structure Name: High Street / Brecon Road Bridge Date: March 2017
Prepared: LK Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 11150 m
i) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
North abutment: 3/BH97 and 3/BH97A to Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 –
Historic boreholes (BGS Reference: SO00NW43) Downlais Top to Nant Ffrwd
– 177 and 180 Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area
and Structures Location Drawings,
South abutment: 3/BH96 Drawing No. BTI015586/11/150.
Historic boreholes (BGS Reference: SO00NW43)
– 179 and 182 ii) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
Centre of the carriageway, prior to the Report on Preliminary Ground
construction of the existing A465 : Historic Investigation, Cardiff. Report No.
boreholes (BGS Reference: SO00NW43) – 178 BTI.015586/D4/100.
and 181
iii) Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy
(2006) - Principal inspection report
on Brecon Road Bridge. Report No.
A60150/04/01.
iv) Jacobs (2015), A465 Heads of the

Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
v) Jacobs (2017), A465 Sections 5 & 6 –

Brecon High Street Viaduct General
Arrangement. Drawing No. 2191100-
Existing and Proposed Structure
The existing Brecon Road Bridge was constructed in 1965 and is located to the north of Cefn
Coed. It carries the A4054 over the A465 Trunk Road. The carriageway is 7.3 m wide with two
footways of 1.8 m width. The abutments and wing walls are constructed with mass concrete on
spread footings. The wing walls are faced with vertical pre-cast concrete planks and capped with
pre-cast concrete copings (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2006).
The current proposal is to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a widened single span
integral structure. The length and width of the proposed bridge is 35.5m and 15.5m respectively.
North abutment ≈ 233.8m AOD to 234.8m AOD and South abutment ≈ 231 m AOD
The existing A465 carriageway level is 226.6 m AOD. The proposed A465 carriageway level is
225.2 m AOD on the northern side and 224.2 m AOD on the southern side.
Note that the elevation of borehole 3/BH96 is similar to the existing A465 carriageway, whilst the
levels of boreholes 3/BH97 & 3/BH97A correspond to the proposed bridge level.
High Street / Brecon Road Bridge

Page 2 of 5

North Abutment - 3/BH97 and 3/BH97A
stratum
Soft to firm slightly silty and
slightly sandy CLAY with
Made Ground
233.8 234.8 0.0 2.3 subangular to subrounded
(Cohesive)
gravel, cobbles of sandstone
with brick, clicker and plastic
Firm brown silty sandy CLAY
Glacial Till 231.5 with a little fine to coarse
2.3 0.7
(Cohesive) angular to subangular
sandstone and cobbles
Medium dense to very dense
slightly clayey very sandy
Glacial Till fine to coarse angular to
230.8 3.0 10.8
(Granular) subangular GRAVEL of
sandstone and cobbles (with
boulders at depth)
Brown and grey fine to

Twrch coarse grained thinly to
>1.55Not
Sandstone 220.02 13.8 medium bedded slightly
proven
Formation weathered SANDSTONE
strong to very strong.
Note : In historic boreholes 177 (located north-west) and 180 (located north-east) , bedrock was
not encountered at the end of the borehole depth which was at 222.4 m AOD and 219.9 m AOD
respectively.

Page 3 of 5
South Abutment - 3/BH96

Ground
Level Depth to top
Thickness
Stratum Elevation of stratum Description
(m)
(m bgl)
(m AOD)
Loose brown clayey sandy fine
Made Ground to coarse angular to subangular
227.0 0.0 0.65
(Granular) gravel of clicker, sandstone and
brick.
Light grey fine and medium to
thickly slightly weathered
crystalline strong to very strong
SANDSTONE,
CONGLOMERATE and
Twrch >24.4 LIMESTONE.
Sandstone 226.3 0.65
Formation Not proven From 4.35 m bgl to 4.7 m bgl
(222.6 to 222.3 m AOD)
recovered as GRAVEL of
CONGLOMERATE. Driller’s
description : “Probable infill of a
solution feature”
Note : In historic borehole 179, located southwest, bedrock was not encountered at the end of the
borehole which was at 220.6 m AOD (12.7 m bgl). In historic borehole 182 which was located
south east, bedrock was encountered at 223 m AOD.
Central reserve
In historic borehole BH181, located east of the central reserve, bedrock was not encountered up
to a depth of 220.7 m AOD. In historic borehole BH178, located west of the central reserve
bedrock was not encountered up to a depth of 210 m AOD (16 m below existing A465
carriageway level).
Groundwater:
North abutment: A standing groundwater level of 8.35m (225.5m AOD) below ground level was
recorded in 3/BH97A.
South abutment: An overnight standing water level of 19.0m (208.0m AOD) below ground level
was noted in exploratory hole 3/BH96.
The highest groundwater level recorded was within the granular glacial till in 3/BH97A from a
piezometer reading taken on 03/06/1997 at 7.41 m bgl (226.4 m AOD).

Page 4 of 5

are applicable, except where indicated:
Stratum cu mv E’
Unit Cohesion Angle of
Weight, γ, cp’, Friction,
(kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MN/m2)
(Mg/m3) (kN/m2) φp°,
Made
Ground
(Cohesive 2.0 2 32 40(1) 0.1(1) 10(1)
and
Granular)
Glacial Till
2.0 2 32 50(1) 0.1(1) 20(1)
(Cohesive)
Glacial Till
2.0 0 35 - - 35
(Granular)
Bedrock γb UCS
Twrch
Sandstone 2.6 50 50 17 0.7 1500
Formation
Note : (1) The parameters for made ground and glacial till have been modified from those give in
the GIR in order to reflect the description given in the boreholes.
North and South Abutments
The High Street bridge is proposed to be founded on piled foundations formed as a contiguous
piled wall. Fourteen piles are proposed in the north and thirteen piles in the south, with 1.5m
diameter and 1.8m centre to centre spacing (as shown on Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-
SE-1600-2400). The estimated maximum load from the bridge to the pile cap is 347 kN/m which
over the area of the north abutment (25 m long) is 8675 kN and over south abutment is (23.5 m
long) is 8155 kN. The load per pile is therefore 620 kN on the north side and 630 kN on the south
side. If rock is encountered, a minimum rock socket length of 2 m is required. The anticipated
safe working load is 9424.8 kN per pile. If rock is not encountered, assuming a 1.5 m diameter
pile and the same number of piles, the minimum length of the pile that is required within the
glacial till is 14 m. At north abutment, if the pile cut off level is 231 m AOD, the pile toe level is
estimated to be at 217 m AOD. At south abutment, if the pile cut off level is 228 m AOD , the pile
toe level is estimated to be at 214 m AOD. Further ground investigation is suggested at the
proposed abutment locations as well as the central reserve to confirm the ground, groundwater
conditions and the elevation of the bedrock.
Central reserve
As part of the construction sequence, it is proposed that a temporary pier is installed at the centre
of the carriageway. If rock is encountered, the temporary pier could be installed with spread
foundations on rock. However if rock is not encountered, then piled foundations installed within
the glacial till will be required, assuming the central pier loading will be 50% of the abutment

Page 5 of 5
loads. It is anticipated that 15 m long, 1.5 m diameter piles may be required. This needs to be
confirmed during the detailed design stage and after further ground investigation.
Buried Concrete:
undertaken on samples collected from these exploratory holes. However, based on the chemical
tests on samples collected across the whole route along Section 5, Design Sulphate class DS-1
and Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-AC2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005)
The existing traffic flows on A465 and High Street will have to be maintained during the
construction works. There may be a need for a temporary pier required as part of the construction
sequence. The anticipated construction sequence is as follows:
1. Install the piles for both abutments (services will need to be diverted or a temporary
structure put in to carry them over the A465)
2. Excavate approximately 3m down the north abutment piles to allow the casting of the pile
cap (assuming 1:1 benching, the extents of which are shown on the plan)
3. Part excavate between the existing north abutment and new north abutment.
4. Remove the existing deck under a weekend closure (existing structure is upside down
precast beams with transverse bars tying them together. No deck slab)
5. Push A465 traffic as far to the south as possible (remove verge so traffic can run closer to
the abutment). Assume two way single lane running at 30mph.
6. Remove north abutment, excavating down to Finished Road Level (FRL), preferably
across to the south edge of the new central reserve.
7. Construct a temporary pier in the central reserve.
8. Lift part deck beams in between the north abutment and temporary pier
9. Switch A465 traffic to the completed north half of the road, running under the half deck.
10. Repeat steps 2-6 for the south abutment.
11. Lift beams in, bolt and plate the two sections together to make them continuous.
12. Remove temporary support
13. Install formwork and pour deck making deck integral with abutments.

Further ground investigation is suggested at the proposed abutment locations to confirm the
ground, groundwater conditions and the elevation of the bedrock. No sulphate or pH test has
been carried out on samples taken from the exploratory holes. Further chemical tests are
suggested to confirm the assumptions made here.
Note that the above recommendations are intended to give general guidance for preliminary
design purposes only and may be required to be revised depending on the outcome of further
ground investigation.

B.13 Taf Fawr Mainline Viaduct
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Taf Fawr Mainline bridge Date: May 2017
Prepared: CR Checked: SN Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: Ch. 10846 m

Relevant Exploratory Holes: References:
East Abutment – 3/BH98, 98A i. Babtie Group (Nov. 1999). A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
Dualling Section 5 – Dowlais Top to Nant Ffrwd
East Pier – 3/BH 99 Exploratory Hole, Earthworks Area and Structures
Location Drawings. Drawing No. BTI015586/11/150
West Pier On slip – 3/BH99
West Pier Mainline – 3/BH 99 Dualling, Interpretative Report on Preliminary Ground
West Abutment Mainline-
3/BH100 iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997). A465 Abergavenny to
Hirwaun Dualling Section 3, Volume Two of Nine Factual
West Abutment On Slip – B79 Report on Ground Investigation. Report No. 166001-3
(Historic Borehole – Norwest
Holst Soil Engineering Ltd, iv. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2006). A465 Trunk
1990, BGS Reference Road Principal Inspection Report, Structure No A465 510
SO00NW267, Grid Reference: (U).
302650,207900)
v. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling
Sections 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/2/040.
vi. Jacobs (2016) A465 Sections 5 & 6 – Vale of Neath

Railway Bridge General Arrangement, Drawing No.
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2300
Current & Proposed Structure:
At the location of Taf Fawr valley, it is proposed to have the following structures:
 Taf Fawr (North) on-slip and Taf Fawr Mainline viaduct
 Taf Fawr South Slip road – Existing bridge
This geotechnical assessment sheet discusses the ground conditions and foundation for the Taf
Fawr on-slip and the mainline viaduct north of the existing structure. At the mainline viaduct, it is
proposed to have a three span haunched post tensioned concrete box with similar profile to the
existing bridge (Taf Fawr South Slip Road – see Figure 1). The proposed length and width of the
bridge is 187 m and approximately 37 m respectively. The Taf Fawr on-slip and mainline structure
share the East Abutment and East pier foundations. The structure splits at the western half of the
span to form the on-slip and thus have independent west pier and west abutments.
Taf Fawr Mainline Viaduct

Fig.1: Existing Taf Fawr - South Slip Road (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy)
The existing ground levels mentioned below are taken from the topographic survey:
East Abutment ≈ 219 m AOD

East Piers ≈ 205 m AOD
West Piers ≈ 223 (north on-slip) to 213 (mainline) m AOD
West Abutment ≈ 227 m AOD

This assessment is based predominantly on the Exploration Associates Ground Investigation
(1997) and limited historic boreholes where required. The ground conditions are described
separately for each abutment, and for the two bridge piers. When the ground conditions differ
between the mainline and the on-slip road structure, these are described separately. The soil
strata are interpolated from the available boreholes at the base of the valley and from boreholes
towards the two ends of the proposed viaduct.

East Abutment (3/BH98 and 3/BH98A)
Depth
Ground Level
to top
Stratum of Description
(m AOD)
stratum
Dense black slightly silty fine to
coarse sand with some fine to
Made
Ground 224.5 225.09 0.0 1.2
GRAVEL of sandstone and
(Granular)
quartzite, limestone, mudstone,
concrete and slag
Dense to very dense brown
slightly clayey silty fine to
medium SAND with some fine
to coarse subangular to
Glacial Till 223.2
1.2 subrounded gravel of
(Granular) 23.00
sandstone and quartz and
limestone. Encountered
possible boulder at 218 m AOD
in 3/BH98
Grey fine to coarse grained
thinly to medium bedded slightly
Twrch
23 >1.8m (Not weathered strong to very
Sandstone 202.1
proven) strong SANDSTONE and
Formation
moderately weak to moderately
strong SILTSTONE
From 23.0m to 24.6m bgl the bedrock consists of layers of strong sandstone and moderately weak
siltstone.
Note: A layer of possible solifluction deposits is suggested around chainage 10900m (thickness
unknown). This is due to the steep slopes in this area and abundant glacial till across the slope.
This is considered to be unusual for granular glacial till deposits in the area and could be
indicative of the large scale glaciation that affected the area in the past.
Due to poor sample recovery between 4.5m and 6.8m in 3/BH98 open hole techniques were used
from 6.05 m bgl (218 m AOD) to 23 m bgl (202.1 m AOD) in 3/BH98A and therefore the ground
profile in this range of depth is uncertain.

East Pier and West Piers (3/BH99)
Depth to
Ground Level
top of Thickness
Stratum Elevation Description
stratum (m)
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Firm dark brown slightly sandy

Made (medium to coarse) silty CLAY with a
Ground 199.04 0.0 0.7 little medium to coarse angular to
(Cohesive) subangular gravel and cobbles of
sandstone, quartzite, slag and clinker
Firm to stiff grey and brown slightly
sandy (fine to medium) silty CLAY with
Glacial Till
198.3 0.7 2.9 a little coarse subangular gravel and
(Cohesive)
cobbles of sandstone and silty
sandstone
Grey very thinly to medium bedded silty
strong SANDSTONE.
From 9.2 m bgl (189.8 m AOD) – dark

Twrch
>11.6 (Not grey thinly to medium bedded slightly
Sandstone 195.4 3.6
proven) weathered carbonaceous sandy
Formation
SILTSTONE moderately weak to
moderately strong, SANDSTONE
strong and MUDSTONE weak to
moderately weak
Note:
A layer of possible solifluction deposits is suggested around Chainage 10900m as indicated

above.

West Abutment – Mainline bridge (3/BH100)
Based on the exploratory hole at the west abutment location 3/BH100, the ground conditions can
be summarised as below:

Thickness
Elevation top of
(m AOD) stratum
Glacial
Deposits
224.12 0.00 5.80 (No description available)
(Cohesive -
assumed)
Grey thickly laminated to
thinly bedded slightly
weathered silty
Bishopston MUDSTONE moderately
>19.5 (Not
Mudstone 218.3 5.80 weak to moderately strong
proven)
Formation From 10 m bgl slightly
weathered SANDSTONE
moderately strong to
strong
Note: The exploratory hole was advanced using open hole drilling techniques from ground
level to 5.8m depth (218 m AOD). It has been assumed that cohesive Glacial Deposits
were encountered from ground level to 5.8m depth.
On-slip West Abutment (B79 - BGS Reference SO00NW267)

Elevation top of
Stratum Thickness (m) Description
stratum
(m AOD) (m bgl)
Firm grey brown slightly sandy

very clayey SILT becoming
Glacial Till slightly sandy silty CLAY with
234.4 0.0 1.5 depth, with occasional fine to
(Cohesive)
gravel and occasional cobbles.
Red brown silty clayey fine and
medium SAND with some fine
Glacial Till to coarse angular to sub-
232.9 1.5 2.7 rounded limestone gravel.
(Granular)
Becoming very clayey below
2.0m.

Very stiff red brown silty very

sandy CLAY with much fine to
Glacial Till
230.2 4.2 0.9 coarse angular to subangular
(Cohesive) gravel, cobbles and boulders of
limestone.
Driller’s description: Fine to
medium GRAVEL in a very
Glacial Till sandy matrix. Some boulders
229.3 5.1 9.7 encountered from 7.5m bgl.
(Granular)
Boulders recorded from 13.5m
bgl.
Moderately weak to weak, dark
sandy MUDSTONE (recovered
as medium gravel sized
Weathered
219.6 14.8 0.7 fragments of light grey medium
Bedrock grained sandstone and grey
mudstone in a brown clay
matrix).
Light grey brown, fine to coarse
grained slightly weathered,
strong to very strong
SANDSTONE, interbedded with
Bishopston dark grey moderately
Mudstone 218.9 15.5 >5.8 weathered, thinly laminated,
Formation moderately weak to moderately
strong SILTSTONE and black,
thinly laminated, highly
weathered, very weak
MUDSTONE.
Note: Open hole techniques were used in exploratory hole B79 between depths of 5.35 m bgl (229.05 m
AOD) and 15.5 m bgl (218.9 m AOD). The ground profile in this range of depth is therefore uncertain.
Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in exploratory hole 3/BH100 at the west abutment location. An
overnight seepage was recorded at a depth of 13.4m bgl (210.7 m AOD) in Bishopston Mudstone
Formation. A standpipe piezometer was installed with a response zone between 12.5 m and 15 m
bgl and the highest recorded level was 13.3 m bgl (210.8 m AOD).
Groundwater was encountered in exploratory hole 3/BH101 at a depth of 4.3m bgl (225.2m
AOD), rising to 4.2m bgl (225.3m AOD) in 20 minutes during drilling. A standpipe was installed in
exploratory hole B79 to a depth of 15 m (219.4 m AOD) however no groundwater was observed
during drilling and no recordings were available. Groundwater is assumed to be at 229.5m AOD
(above the granular glacial till) for design in West Abutment.

Bulk
Angle of
density, Cohesion mv
Stratum Friction, cu (kN/m2) E’ (MPa)
γb, cp’(kN/m2) (m2/MN)
φp’, °
(Mg/m3)
50
0.1
(between 10
(between
ground level (between
ground
and 4 m ground
Made Ground level and
bgl) level and 4
(Granular / 2.0 0 32 2 m bgl)
m bgl)
Cohesive)
0.05
40 (below
(below 2
200 (below 4 m bgl)
m bgl)
4 m bgl)
Glacial Till
2.0 - 35 - - 35
(Granular)
0.1
(between
85 20
ground
level and
Glacial Till 85 + 10z (z 20 + 6z (z
2.0 2 32 2 m bgl)
(Cohesive) = metres = metres
below 2 m below 5 m
0.03
bgl) bgl)
(below 2
m bgl)
Bulk
UCS E’
density,
Stratum GSI mi D
γb, (MPa) (MPa)
3
(Mg/m )
Twrch
Sandstone 2.6 50 50 17 0.7 1500
Formation
Bishopston
Mudstone
Formation 2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
-Mudstone and
Siltstone
Bishopston
2.6 50 50 15 0.7 3000
Mudstone
Formation –
Sandstone

East Abutment
At the location of the eastern abutment, competent bedrock is expected at an elevation of 202.1
m AOD. The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the abutment foundation is 62,090
kN. Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2300 suggests a pile group of 28 (14x2) at the east
abutment. The total load per pile is 2220 kN. Assuming 1.5 m diameter piles, a minimum rock
socket length of 2 m is required. However, to ensure a good socket, it is suggested that a
minimum socket length of two diameter is adopted (i.e a minimum rock socket length of 3m). This
gives a pile length of 20 m and approximate toe level elevation of 199 m AOD.
East Pier
Due to the generally low bearing capacity of the underlying cohesive glacial till, and relatively
shallow depth to bedrock, it is proposed that piles are socketed within the bedrock. Competent
bedrock is estimated at approximately 195.4 m AOD, however as there are no boreholes at the
location of this pier it is possible bedrock is at greater or shallower depths. The estimated total
maximum load to be applied to the structure foundation is 153,530 kN. Assuming a pile group of
No. 30 (15 by 2, as suggested by Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-2300) the total load
per pile is 5120 kN. Assuming 1.5 m diameter piles, a minimum rock socket length of 5 m is
required, corresponding with pile length of 15 m and with an approximate toe elevation of 190.4 m
AOD.
West Piers
The West Pier is considered to have similar ground conditions as the East Pier. However the on-
slip splits off from the mainline to have a separate foundation. At the location of the west piers,
competent bedrock is expected to be at 195.4 m AOD.
Mainline bridge
The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the mainline foundation is 133,360 kN.
Assuming a pile group of No. 24 (12 by 2) the total load per pile is 5560 kN. Assuming 1.5 m
diameter piles, a minimum rock socket length of 5 m is required, corresponding with pile length of
15 m and with an approximate toe elevation of 190 m AOD.
On-slip bridge
The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the on-slip foundation is 52,100 kN. Assuming
a pile group of No. 10 (5 by 2) the total load per pile is 5210 kN. Assuming 1.5 m diameter piles, a
minimum rock socket length of 5 m is required, corresponding with pile length of 20 m and with
an approximate toe elevation of 190 m AOD.
West Abutment
Due to the uncertainty of the nature of superficial deposits at this location and low bearing
capacity of cohesive glacial till (if present), it is proposed that this abutment will be founded on
piles socketed within the bedrock. At the location of the western abutment, competent bedrock is
expected at a depth of 218 m AOD (9 m bgl if the ground level is at 227 m AOD).
Mainline bridge
The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the mainline foundation is 53,940 kN.
Assuming a pile group of No. 24 (12 by 2) the total load per pile is 2250 kN. Assuming 1.5 m
diameter piles, a minimum rock socket length of 2 m is required. However, adopting a minimum
rock socket of two diameter i.e. 3 m, this corresponds to a pile length of 12 m and an approximate
toe level of 215 m AOD.

On-slip bridge
The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the on-slip foundation is 21,070 kN. Assuming
a pile group of No. 10 (5 by 2) the total load per pile is 2110 kN. Assuming 1.5 m diameter piles, a
minimum rock socket length of 2 m is required. However, adopting a minimum rock socket of two
diameter i.e. 3 m, this corresponds to a pile length of 12 m and an approximate toe level of 215 m
AOD.
Summary of foundation considerations:

Estimated Estimated Foundation Estimated Toe Pile
Ground level Bedrock details Load per Elevation Length
(m AOD) level (m pile (kN) (m AOD) (m)
AOD)
20
East 36.8 m x 4.1 m (14
219 202.1 2220 199 (3 m rock
Abutment x 2 rows of piles)
socket)
15
36.8 m x 4.1 m (15
East Pier 205 195.4 5120 190 (5 m rock
x 2 rows of piles)
socket)
15
West Pier – 32 m x 4.1 m (12 x
205 195.4 5560 190 (5 m rock
Mainline 2 rows of piles)
socket)
20
West pier – 12.5 m x 4.1 m (5 x
210 195.4 5210 190 (5 m rock
On slip 2 rows of piles)
socket)
West 12
32 m x 4.1 m (12 x
Abutment – 227 218.3 2250 215 (3 m rock
2 rows of piles)
Mainline socket)
West 12
12.5 m x 4.1 m (5 x
Abutment – 227 218.9 2110 215 (3 m rock
2 rows of piles)
On slip socket)
Buried Concrete:
on five samples as part of the preliminary ground investigation: one sample within the made
ground in 3/BH99, three samples from the bedrock in 3/BH100 and one sample within the glacial
till in 3/BH101. The results indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-2z
Design Sulfate class DS-1.
Zones of core loss were identified within the boreholes drilled at the west abutment. The
geological map shows that the zone of core loss is likely to be an area of highly fractured bedrock
rather than mineworkings due to the underlying bedrock comprising Bishopston Mudstone
Formation and Twrch Sandstone Formation, both of which lie stratigraphically below the Lower
Coal Measures and therefore any coal seams. However, further ground investigation is
suggested at the proposed bridge location to confirm if the voids are present, or whether the core

loss may have been drilling induced. If the presence of voids is confirmed beneath the structure
then they should be grouted prior to construction.
Construction of the bridge foundations will require access to the base of the steep sided Taf Fawr
valley. Temporary access roads will therefore have to be prepared to allow construction to
proceed, the localised stability of the adjacent slopes should be considered.
Further specific information is required at the proposed locations of the abutments and piers. The
soil and rock conditions should be determined along with appropriate testing to determine the
engineering parameters. Piezometers should be installed to monitor groundwater conditions.
Deeper boreholes are recommended to confirm the bedrock level.
Any solifluction deposits, if encountered, should be removed before any construction work, this is
especially important as an embankment and bridge structure is to be constructed at this location

B.14 A470 Junction Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Section 5 & 6 - Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/0020/R0
Page 1 of 4
Structure Name: A465/A470 Underbridge Date: July 2016
Prepared: LK Checked: LAK / CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100

North and South abutments: 3/BH102 and i) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to
3/BH102A. Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative Report on
Preliminary Ground Investigation, Section
5 – Nant Ffrwd to Baverstock, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/118.
ii) Exploration Associates Ltd (1997), A465

Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling Section
3. Volume One of Nine, Factual Report on
Ground Investigation. Report No. 166001-
3.
iii) Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989), CIRIA

Special Publication 32: Construction over
abandoned mine workings.
iv) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to

Hirwaun Dualling Section 5 – Hirwaun to
Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and
v) Jacobs (2015), A465 Heads of the Valleys

Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Preliminary
Sources Study Report. Report No.
B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi) Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys

Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Ground
Investigation Report. Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vii) Tomlinson (2001), Foundation design and

construction, 7th Edition, Pearson
Education.
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to build a new single span integral underbridge at A465/A470
interchange. The length and width of the proposed bridge is 35 m and 27 m respectively. The
new structure is proposed to have steel girders with concrete deck.

≈ 231 m AOD to 233 m AOD (from relevant boreholes and cross-section drawings)
A465 / A470 Underbridge

Page 2 of 4
Ground Conditions:
Ground profile for both North and South Abutment are assumed same.

stratum
Firm brown, mottled grey
slightly clayey sandy SILT
with a little fine to coarse
Glacial Till 231.0 subrounded gravel of
0.0 6.4 6.6
(Cohesive) sandstone, quartzite and
cobbles of sandstone and
limestone. Very stiff below
4.5 m bgl
Recovered as medium dense
to dense grey and brown
Weathered
224.6 6.4 0.81 clayey sandy very silty coarse
Bedrock
angular GRAVEL of
sandstone
7.21 – 8 m bgl: Described as
light grey slightly weathered
SANDSTONE strong and
thinly interlaminated with
weathered siltstone
moderately weak to
Bishopston
moderately strong.
Mudstone Not
223.8 7.2 >13
Formation - proven
8m bgl – 20 m bgl :
Siltstone
Described as grey slightly
weathered SILTSTONE
moderately weak to
moderately strong, locally
present mudstone weak to
moderately weak
Note: Assumed zone of core loss (AZCL) recorded between 6.4m bgl to 6.60 m bgl, 10.6m bgl to
10.7 m bgl, 10.90m to 11.15m and from 16.65m to 16.80m in Borehole 3/BH102A.
This assessment is based only on the Exploration Associates Ground Investigation (1997). Further
historic boreholes may be available from BGS website.

Page 3 of 4
Groundwater:
No groundwater strikes were recorded in the relevant boreholes. However, overnight standing
water levels of 5.89 m (225.4 m AOD) and 5.65 m (225.3 m AOD) below existing ground level
were recorded in borehole 3/BH102 and 3/BH102A respectively.
Stratum Unit Angle of cu mv E’

Cohesion,
Weight, γ, Friction,
cp’, (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MN/m2)
(Mg/m3) φp’, °
Glacial Till
2.0 2 32 50(1) 0.13(1) 15(1)
(Cohesive)
Unit E’
Bedrock UCS
Weight, γ, 2 GSI mi D
Paramters 3 (MN/m ) 2
(Mg/m ) (MN/m )
Bishopston
Mudstone 2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
Formation (2)
Notes:
(1) The parameters for Glacial Till Cohesive were reduced from the GIR values to reflect the description of
boreholes.
(2) Values are taken from Jacobs GIR (2016). There was limited available information on testing in Siltstone
for Bishopston Mudstone Formation in the nearby area for Section 5 and thus the parameters have been
assumed similar to that of mudstone.
There is limited available borehole data at this location, however based on the available
information it is anticipated that piled foundations will be founded on to intact bedrock.
The carriageway level is approximately 240.0m AOD. Existing ground level varies from 231 to
233 m AOD. At both abutments, a piled foundation socketed to the bedrock is anticipated. The
estimated total maximum load to be applied to the bridge abutment is 24000 kN. Assuming a pile
group of twenty piles per abutment in two rows, as suggested by Drawing B2191100-JAC-SBR-
DE-SE-1600-2000, the total load per pile is of the order 1200 kN. As the structure is an integral
bridge, due to the expansion of the deck, it is feasible that much of the load will be applied to one
row of piles with the other row in tension. It was therefore conservatively assumed that the full
loading was applied to a single row of piles. This therefore increases the load to 2400kN per pile.
Assuming a 0.9m diameter piles socketed 5 m into the bedrock, the anticipated safe working load
is 2825 kN per pile, with an approximate toe elevation of 218.8 m AOD.

Page 4 of 4
Buried Concrete:
Sulphate and pH tests for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures were not
undertaken on samples collected from the exploratory holes at this location. However, based on
the chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route along Section 5 within Made
Ground and Glacial Till suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-AC2
Design Sulfate class DS-1. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to confirm if
these results are applicable.
localised groundwater, if encountered, will also have to be addressed by the Contractor. In
addition, Glacial Till is susceptible to ‘wetting-up’ and therefore may have decreased undrained
shear strength than anticipated.
Due to limited information available on site further ground investigation is recommended at both
abutments of the proposed bridge.
According to Borehole records, core loss was noted between 6.4m to 6.60m, 10.6m to 11.15m
and from 16.65m to 16.80m below existing ground level. Therefore, further investigation works,
are recommended in order to find out the possibility of mine workings beneath the proposed
structure and to confirm the location and nature of the soil. If the presence of mine workings are
noted beneath the structure, then the allowable bearing pressures should be reduced in
accordance with the CIRIA special publications 32 (Healy and Head, 1989). Suggested values
can be assessed when further investigation results are available.
concrete design for buried structures. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to
confirm if these results are applicable.
The above recommendations are intended to give a general guidance for preliminary design
purposes only. Bearing capacities and settlement will also vary according to the actual foundation
dimensions adopted in the detailed design option.

B.15 Nant Ffrwd Mainline Viaduct
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Nant Ffwd Overbridge (Mainline) Date: February 2017
Prepared: LAK Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 10355 m
i) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to
East and West abutment: 3/BH106, Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative Report on
3BH106a, 3/BH108, 3/BH107 Preliminary Ground Investigation, Section
5 – Nant Ffrwd to Baverstock, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/118.
ii) Exploration Associates Ltd (1997), A465
Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling Section
3. Volume One of Nine, Factual Report on
Ground Investigation. Report No. 166001-
3.
iii) Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989), CIRIA
Special Publication 32: Construction over
abandoned mine workings.
iv) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to
Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and
v) Jacobs (2015), A465 Heads of the Valleys
B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi) Tomlinson (2001), Foundation design and
construction, 7th Edition, Pearson
Education.
vii) Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys
Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Ground
B2191100/D2/1/040
viii) Jacobs (2016) Nant Ffrwd Off-Slip Viaduct –
B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1801 to
1802.
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new mainline overbridge to the north of the existing Nant
Ffrwd structure and to the south of the proposed Nant Ffrwd Off-slip Viaduct. The existing
structure is proposed to remain to act as the Nant Ffrwd South Slip Road. The northern off-slip
viaduct and the mainline viaduct crosses Nant Ffrwd (at approximately Ch 10360), which is
surrounded by woodland on either side.
The Nant Ffrwd mainline viaduct consists of a 150 m three span bridge, which has fixed bearings
on both abutments. The east abutment and intermediate piers are proposed to be founded on
spread foundations. The west abutment is proposed to be founded on piled foundations.
1-6 15 Nant Ffwd Overbridge Mainline GAS 072017.doc


≈ 241.61 m AOD (from 3/BH107) to 244.7 (from 3/BH108)
Existing ground level at West Abutment (approx. Ch 10280)
North ≈ 250.5 m AOD
South ≈ 256.3 m AOD
The proposed A465 carriageway level is 260.7 m AOD.
Existing ground level at West Pier (approx. Ch 10320)
Existing ground level at East Pier (approx. Ch 10390)
North ≈ 245 m AOD
South ≈ 238 m AOD
The existing ground level slopes considerably from north to the south. The proposed A465
carriageway level is 255.7 m AOD.
Existing ground level at East Abutment (approx. Ch 10430)
Ground Conditions:
The ground profile for both the abutments and piers is assumed to be the same as there is limited
borehole information nearby to the structure. It should be noted that although boreholes 3/BH106
and 3BH/106A are in the vicinity of the east abutment, they are both 75 m further along the
chainage to the east and show a considerable depth of Glacial Till. Further ground investigation
will be required to confirm the ground conditions at the east abutment, however, for this
assessment, the ground profile represented by boreholes 3/BH106 and 3/BH106A have been
considered for the east abutment only. They are not considered to be representative of the
ground conditions at the proposed piers or west abutment.

East Abutment (3/BH106, 3/BH106a)

Elevation of stratum Thickness (m)
Min Max Min Max Min Max
Soft red-brown friable slightly silty,

Glacial Till
262.1 0.0 5.1 very sandy CLAY and GRAVEL of
(Cohesive)
sandstone, cobbles and boulders.
Very dense fine to course gravel,

Glacial Till
257.0 5.1 15.5 cobbles and boulders in a matrix of
(Granular)
brown silty sandy clay
Bedrock Light grey thinly to medium bedded
(Bishopston >1.9 slightly weathered
241.5 20.5
Mudstone Depth not proven SILTSTONE/SANDSTONE
Formation) moderately strong to strong.
West Abutments and Piers (3/BH107, 3/BH108)

Elevation of stratum Thickness (m)
Soft red-brown friable slightly silty,

Glacial Till
241.6 244.7 0.0 1.1 4.4 very sandy CLAY and GRAVEL of
(Cohesive)
sandstone, cobbles and boulders.
Light grey thinly to medium bedded
Bedrock slightly weathered SANDSTONE
>10.8 >23.9
moderately strong to strong.
(Bishopston Depth Depth
240.3 240.5 1.1 4.4 From 8.3 m bgl (236.4 m AOD) –
Mudstone not not
Dark grey thickly laminated to thinly
Formation) proven proven
bedded slightly weathered
MUDSTONE moderately weak.
Note: Zones of core loss up to 0.5 m were noted between 5.60 and 6.00 m bgl, 8.05 and 8.30 m bgl and between 24.50
and 25.00 m bgl in 3/BH107. Open hole techniques were used in 3/BH108 between ground level and 4.4 m bgl.
Groundwater:
Borehole 3/BH107 recorded a standing water level of 3.10 m bgl (238.5 m AOD) and borehole
3/BH108 indicated standing water at 3.25 m bgl (241.4 m AOD).
A summary of the groundwater level measured from piezometer monitoring at this chainage is
summarised below:
Depth Depth of Groundwater (m.bgl)

Response Ground
to
Type of Date zone level
BH ID base / Strata Date
instrument installed (m
tip (m
(m bgl) AOD)
bgl) 2/6/97 26/6/97 27/6/97 2/7/97
Bishopston
3/BH108 Piezometer 15/05/97 4.00 2.00 – 4.50 Mudstone 244.7 0.00 0.00 - -
Formation

Design ground water level is to be assumed as at existing ground level.
These values have been taken from the global parameters in Jacobs GIR (2016), except where
indicated:
Stratum Unit cu mv E’
Cohesion, Angle of
Weight, 2 2
cp’, Friction, (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
γb
(kN/m2) φp’, °
(Mg/m3)
Glacial Till
(1) 2 2 32 35 0.1 10
(Cohesive)
Unit
Bedrock Weight, UCS
GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
Parameters γb (MPa)
3
(Mg/m )
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 50 50 15 0.7 3000
Formation –
Sandstone
Bishopston
Mudstone (2)
2.6 9 35 8 0.7 200
Formation -
Mudstone
Note: (1) The glacial till parameters have been reduced from the values given in GIR, in order to reflect the
description given in boreholes.
(2) A lower UCS value for Mudstone has been selected for this site based on the converted point load test
results from borehole 3/BH100.
Intermediate Piers and East Abutment

It is proposed that the intermediate piers and the east abutment are founded on unweathered
bedrock using spread footings. The estimated maximum load for the structure at the abutments is
21000 kN, whilst at the base of the piers, the maximum load is 38270 kN. Assuming a 3 m x 21
m wide foundations for the piers, the loadings on each pier foundations is of the order of 600
2
kN/m . Assuming a 5 m x 21 m wide foundation for the east abutment, the loading per area is
about 200 kN/m2. From the description of the bedrock encountered and based on Tomlinson’s
presumed bearing values for shallow foundations in bedrock, a safe bearing value of 1000 kN/m 2
can be assumed for the bedrock. Settlement is expected to be negligible (<25mm).
West Abutment
Due to the low bearing capacity of soft cohesive Glacial Till, and the depth to bedrock (up to 16 m
below existing ground level), it is proposed that the west abutment is founded on piles founded in
the unweathered bedrock. The estimated maximum load for the structure at the west abutment is

21000 kN. Assuming a 900 mm diameter pile group of 15 x 2 piles, the load per pile is about 710
kN.. A minimum rock socket length of 2 m (i.e. toe level of 238 m AOD depending on the level at
which bedrock is encountered) is suggested to support the vertical loading from the bridge.
Buried Concrete:
undertaken on samples collected from the exploratory holes. However, based on the chemical
tests on samples collected across the whole route along Section 5, Design Sulfate class DS-1
This structure is off-line and will be located within an area where there is little significant existing
development, apart from a high voltage pylon located close to the east abutment. High voltage
power cables also span the proposed alignment. As such, consideration will be needed to avoid
undermining the existing pylon foundations, especially during the temporary works. A small
retaining structure may be needed to this aim; however this depends on the final design for the
works which is not yet confirmed. The contractor will also need to liaise with Western Power to
determine an appropriate construction methodology.
There is considerable variation in the existing ground level across the site (up to approximately 11
m) which will affect the carriageway approach and may require the construction of earthworks.
The control of localised groundwater will also have to be addressed by the Contractor. The
Interpretive Report on Preliminary Ground Investigation produced by Babtie in 2000 indicates that
there is an existing waterfall located near the centre of the west abutment; care will need to be
taken to avoid disturbance of this natural feature.
Due to limited information available on site, further ground investigation is recommended to
confirm the nature of the superficial deposits and depth to bedrock.
Spread foundations within unweathered bedrock are recommended for the east abutment and
intermediate piers. A piled foundation on unweathered bedrock is recommended for the west
abutment.
ground investigation. Bearing capacities and settlement may vary according to the actual
structure dimensions in the detailed design option.

BEARING CAPACITY – Spread Foundations

Founding
Footing
Structure Founding Level 2
Size Allowable Bearing Pressure (kN/m )
Element Stratum m AOD /
(m x m)
(mbgl)
Bishopston
East 240 (See 5 m x 21
Mudstone 1000
Abutment Note) m
Formation
Bishopston
Intermediate 240 (See 3 m x 21
Mudstone 1000
Piers Note) m
Formation
Note: The toe level shown above are indicative only, the toe level will depend on the level at which bedrock
is encountered on site.
PILE DESIGN
Founding Toe Level Pile Width Pile Length Pile Working Load
Structure Element
Stratum (m AOD) (m) (m) (kN)
Bishopston
West Abutment 238 (See 18 (See Note
Mudstone 0.9 710 per pile
(15 x 2 pile group) Note) 1)
Formation
Note 1). The toe level and pile length shown above are indicative only, the toe level and length will depend
on the level at which bedrock is encountered on site. A minimum rock socket length of 2 m is required.

B.16 Nant Ffrwd Off-slip Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Nant Ffwd Off-Slip Viaduct (North) Date: February 2017
Prepared: LAK/DE Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 10310 m
3/BH107, 3/BH108 (80 m away) i. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
Investigation, Section 5 – Nant Ffrwd to
Baverstock, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/118.
ii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997), A465
Section 3. Volume One of Nine, Factual
Report on Ground Investigation. Report
No. 166001-3.
iii. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989),
CIRIA Special Publication 32:
Construction over abandoned mine
workings.
iv. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
v. Jacobs (2015), A465 Heads of the
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi. Tomlinson (2001), Foundation design
and construction, 7th Edition, Pearson
Education.
vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the
B2191100/D2/1/040
viii. Jacobs (2016) Nant Ffrwd Off-Slip
Viaduct – General Alignment, Drawing.
No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-
1700.
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new off-slip viaduct to the north of the proposed new
mainline Nant Ffrwd viaduct. The existing structure is proposed to remain to act as the Nant
Ffrwd South Slip Road. The northern off-slip viaduct and the mainline viaduct crosses Nant Ffrwd
(at approximately Ch 10360), which is surrounded by woodland on either side.
The Nant Ffrwd off-slip viaduct consists of a 60 m span bridge which is proposed to be integral at
the east abutment and to have fixed bearings on the west abutment. The east abutment is also
anticipated to be founded on a spread foundation shared with the wingwall foundation. The west
abutment of the structure is anticipated to be founded on a spread foundation, with a retaining
wall to the south of the abutment connecting the mainline viaduct.
1-4 Nant Ffwd Off-Slip Viaduct


≈ 241.61 m AOD (from 3/BH107) to 244.7 (from 3/BH108)
North ≈ 245 m AOD
South ≈ 243 m AOD
The proposed slip road level is 251.5 m AOD.
North ≈ 244 m AOD
South ≈ 246 m AOD
The proposed slip road level is 255.7 m AOD.
The ground profile for both the east and the west abutments is assumed to be the same as there
is limited borehole information nearby to the structure. Borehole 3/BH107 is located adjacent to
the south side of the structure and 3/BH108 is located 50m north west of the structure.
East and West Abutments
Depth to
Ground Level
top of
Stratum stratum Description
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Soft red-brown friable slightly
Glacial Till silty, very sandy CLAY and
241.6 244.7 0.0 1.1 4.4
(Cohesive) GRAVEL of sandstone,
cobbles and boulders.
Light grey thinly to medium

SANDSTONE moderately
>10.8 >23.9 strong to strong.
Bishopston
Depth Depth From 8.3 m bgl (236.4 m
Mudstone 240.3 240.5 1.1 4.4
not not AOD) – Dark grey thickly
Formation
proven proven laminated to thinly bedded
slightly weathered
MUDSTONE moderately
weak.
Note: Zones of core loss (up to 0.5 m) were noted between 5.60 and 6.00 m bgl, 8.05 and 8.30 m
bgl and between 24.50 and 25.00 m bgl in 3/BH107. Open hole techniques were used in 3/BH108
between ground level and 4.4 m bgl.
Groundwater:
Borehole 3/BH107 recorded a standing water level of 3.10 m bgl (238.5 m AOD) and borehole
3/BH108 indicated standing water at 3.25 m bgl (241.4 m AOD).

A summary of the groundwater level measured from piezometer monitoring at this chainage is
summarised below:

Response Ground
to
tip (m
(m bgl) AOD)
bgl) 2/6/97 26/6/97 27/6/97 2/7/97
Bishopston
3/BH108 Piezometer 15/05/97 4.00 2.00 – 4.50 Mudstone 244.7 0.00 0.00 - -
Formation
Design ground water level is to be assumed as at existing ground level.

indicated:
Cohesion, Angle of
Weight, 2 2
cp’, Friction, (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
γb
(kN/m2) φp’, °
(Mg/m3)
Glacial Till
2 2 32 35 0.1 10
(Cohesive) (1)
Unit
Bedrock Weight, UCS
GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
3
(Mg/m )
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 50 50 15 0.7 3000
Formation –
Sandstone
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 9(2) 35 8 0.7 200
Formation -
Mudstone
Note : (1) The glacial till parameters have been reduced from the values given in GIR, in order to
reflect the description given in boreholes.
(2) A lower UCS value for Mudstone has been selected for this site based on the converted point
load test results from borehole 3/BH100.

Due to the low bearing capacity of soft cohesive Glacial Till, and the shallow depths of bedrock
(1.5m to 6 m below existing ground level), it is proposed that the abutments are founded within
the unweathered bedrock using spread foundations. The estimated maximum load for the
structure at the east abutment is 15230 kN whilst at the west abutment is 13040 kN. Assuming a
5 m x 13.7 m wide spread foundations for both abutments, the loadings on east and west
2 2
abutment is 225 kN/m and 190 kN/m .
From the description of the bedrock encountered and based on Tomlinson’s presumed bearing
values for shallow foundations in bedrock, a safe bearing value of 1000 kN/m2 can be assumed
for the bedrock. Settlement is expected to be negligible.
Buried Concrete:
undertaken on samples collected from the exploratory holes. However, based on the chemical
tests on samples collected across the whole route of Section 5, Design Sulfate class DS-1 and
Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-AC2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) have
been assumed for this site.
The control of localised groundwater will also have to be addressed by the Contractor. It is
understood overhead electric cables are in close proximity to the east abutment. It is essential the
contractor liaise with Western Power to determine an appropriate construction methodology.
Spread foundations within unweathered bedrock are recommended due to the low bearing
capacity of the cohesive glacial till and the shallow depths to bedrock.
Due to limited information available on site, further ground investigation is suggested at both
abutments of the proposed bridge, especially at the east abutment where no ground information
is currently available.

B.17 Nant Ffrwd Approach Structure
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Nant Ffwd Approach Viaduct Date: May 2017
Prepared: CR Checked: AD Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 9900 m
3/BH111 (near the structure) i. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
3/BH110 (150 m east of the structure) to Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative
Historic BGS Boreholes : Report on Preliminary Ground
SO00NW31, SO00NW32 Investigation, Section 5 – Nant Ffrwd to
(BGS Grid Reference 302070,207340) Baverstock, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/118.
ii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997), A465
Section 3. Volume One of Nine, Factual
No. 166001-3.
iii. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989),
CIRIA Special Publication 32:
Construction over abandoned mine
workings.
iv. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
v. Jacobs (2015), A465 Heads of the
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi. Tomlinson (2001), Foundation design
and construction, 7th Edition, Pearson
Education.
B2191100/D2/1/040
viii. Jacobs (2016) Nant Ffrwd Approach
Viaduct – General Alignment, Drawing.
No. B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-
1650.
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new approach viaduct to the north of the existing A465 to
support the eastbound carriageway as it goes off the mainline. The Nant Ffrwd approach viaduct
consists of a 125 m span steel arch bridge which is proposed to be founded on spread
foundations.
≈ 280 m AOD (from 3/BH111)
North ≈ 282 m AOD
South ≈ 285 m AOD
Nant Ffwd Approach Viaduct

The proposed A465 road level is 281 m AOD.

North ≈ 274 m AOD
South ≈ 277m AOD
The proposed A465 road level is 277.5 m AOD.
The ground profile for both the east and the west abutments is assumed to be the same as there
is limited borehole information nearby to the structure. Borehole 3/BH111 is located adjacent to
the structure and 3/BH110 is located 150m east of the structure.
East and West Abutments
Depth to
Ground Level
top of
Stratum stratum Description
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Firm to stiff yellow brown
slightly silty sandy (fine to
medium) CLAY with a little
Glacial Till
279.95 0 3.4 fine to medium angular to
(Cohesive)
subangular gravel and
cobbles of sandstone,
quartzite and silty sandstone.
Very dense clayey sandy
(fine to coarse) fine to
> 0.8 m (Not
Glacial Till medium subangular GRAVEL
(1) 276.6 3.4 proven in
(Granular) of silty mudstone. (Driller’s
3/BH110)
description: Possible
Weathered bedrock)
Very stiff brown grey very
silty sandy (fine to medium)
Glacial Till 274.6 m AOD - CLAY with a little fine to
5.4 5.5
(Cohesive) Estimated medium angular to
subangular gravel of
sandstone.
Dark grey thickly laminated to
thinly bedded generally
moderately occasionally
Lower Coal 267 m AOD - >9.4
13 (1) highly weathered silty
Measures Estimated Not proven
MUDSTONE moderately
strong to locally moderately
weak.
Note: (1) Although the borehole description suggests possible weathered bedrock, the historic
boreholes and the geological ground model suggest that the bedrock might be at a greater depth
(approximately 267 m AOD). The steepness of the existing ground level suggests that there is the
possibility that the bedrock is present at a more shallow level. Due to the uncertainty of the
bedrock level at this location, it is recommended that further ground investigation is carried out.

Groundwater:
Groundwater was not encountered during drilling within 3/BH111. Groundwater was recorded
however, in a piezometer installed in the borehole, within the granular Glacial Till. A summary of
the groundwater levels measured from piezometer monitoring at this chainage is summarised
below:

Response Ground
to
tip (m
(m bgl) AOD)
bgl) 2/6/97 26/6/97 27/6/97 2/7/97
Glacial Till
3/BH111 Piezometer 19/06/97 4.00 3.4-4.2 279.95 - - 3.51 3.35
(Granular)

indicated:
Cohesion Angle of
Weight, 2 2
, cp’, Friction, (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
γb 2
3 (kN/m ) φp’, °
(Mg/m )
75
75 + 10 z
Glacial Till
(1) 2 2 32 (where z = 0.1 10
(Cohesive)
metres
below 4 m
bgl)
Glacial Till
2 - 35 - - 35
(Granular)
Unit
Bedrock Weight, UCS
GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
South Wales
Lower Coal 2.5 25 45 14 0.7 750
Formation
Note: (1) The glacial till parameters have been reduced from the values given in GIR, in order to
reflect the description given in boreholes.
Although the borehole description suggests possible weathered bedrock, the historic boreholes
and the geological ground model suggest that the bedrock might be at a greater depth
(approximately 267 m AOD). The steepness of the existing ground level however, suggests that
bedrock may be at a more shallow level. Due to the uncertainty of the bedrock level at this
location, it is recommended that further ground investigation is carried out.

It is proposed to found the new approach viaduct on 20 m x 27 m wide spread foundations at

approximately 275 m AOD. The estimated maximum load for the structure at each abutment is
approximately 90,000 kN (vertical loading) and 17650 kN (horizontal loading). The bearing
pressure at the east and west abutment is therefore of the order of 170 kN/m2. Due to the low
bearing capacity of the near surface cohesive Glacial Till, it is recommended that this is
excavated and replaced with 6N/6P granular material. For design, an allowable bearing capacity
of 200 kN/m2 can be adopted for the compacted granular 6N/6P fill. Settlement is expected to be
less than 25mm.
If bedrock is encountered at shallow depth, a safe bearing value of 1000 kN/m2 can be assumed
for foundations bearing on the bedrock. Settlement is expected to be negligible if founded on
bedrock.
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on two samples from 3/BH110 within the glacial till as part of
the preliminary ground investigation. The results indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. This corresponds with the conditions assessed
from chemical tests on samples carried across the whole route of section 5. Chemical analysis to
be confirmed after further chemical testing in the area.
The control of localised groundwater will also have to be addressed by the Contractor. Firm to
stiff cohesive glacial tell (material with an undrained shear strength less than 80kN/m 2)
encountered at founding level should be dug out and replaced with acceptable granular fill
material.

Due to limited information available on site, further ground investigation is suggested at both
abutments of the proposed bridge.

B.18 Baverstock Junction Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Page 1 of 5
Structure Name: Baverstock Junction Bridge Date: May 2017
Prepared: SN Checked: HM / AD Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: Ch. 7745m to 7770m

West Abutment: BH117 (John Laing and Son i) Babtie Group (1999) A465 Abergavenny
Limited, 1958) to Hirwaun Dualling, Section 6 –Nant
Ffrwd to Baverstock, Scheme proposals
East Abutment: 3/BH127 (Exploration Associates and Exploratory Hole, Location
Ltd, 1997) Drawings, Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/169.
Note: Due to the limited available recent ii) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
exploratory holes, relevant historic boreholes to Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative
have also been used for this structure. Report on Preliminary Ground
Investigation, Section 6 – Nant Ffrwd to
Baverstock, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/101.
iii) Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465
No. 166001-3.
iv) John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) Hirwaun
– Abergavenny Trunk Road –
SS/399.
v) Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA
vi) Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vii) Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the alleys
Dualling - Sections 5 and 6 - Ground
Investigation Report, Report No.
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
viii) Jacobs (2016) A465 Sections 5 & 6 -
Baverstock Junction Bridge General
Arrangement, Drawing No. 2191100-
ix) The Coal Authority (2016) Non-
Residential Coal Authority Mining Report
- A465, Rhondda Cynon Taff. Ref.:
71001290633001, Dated February
2016.
Proposed Structure:
It is proposed that the existing A465 in the vicinity of the proposed bridge location will be
symmetrically widened and built up on an embankment. The proposed structure will consist of a
new underbridge which will carry a new road under the proposed A465 (Drawing No. 2191100-
JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1600). The elevation of the existing A465 carriageway is approximately
Baverstock Junction Bridge

Page 2 of 5
329.2 m AOD, whilst that of the proposed widened A465 is expected to be approximately 340.0 m
AOD.
The proposed structure will be an integral bridge comprising reinforced concrete with a 20 m span
with a clearance of approximately 7.5 m above the finished underbridge road level. Engineered fill
will be placed above the proposed structure to build the mainline carriageway embankment up to
the proposed level.

≈ 328.7 m AOD to 331.6 m AOD (west to east, respectively, from relevant boreholes and
topographic survey)
The proposed mainline carriageway elevation is approximately 339.0 m AOD to 341.4 m AOD
(west to east, respectively, from cross sections elevation values).
The proposed underbridge road level elevation is approximately 327.4 m AOD to 326.3m AOD
(north to south, respectively, from cross sections elevation values).
Ground Conditions:
West Abutment (historic borehole (1958) BH117)
Existing ground level: ≈ 333.70 m AOD to 328.80 m AOD (from cross sections elevation values
at approximate location of north to south ends of abutment location, respectively)

(m AOD) (m bgl)

Possible Soft to firm slightly silty,
Solifluctio 331.10 0.30 2.00 mottled CLAY with gravel,
n Deposits cobbles and boulders.
Stiff to very stiff brown to
Glacial Till brown slightly silty CLAY with
329.10 2.29 >2.30
(Cohesive) some fine gravel, cobbles
and boulders.
Note: Bedrock was not encountered in this borehole.

Page 3 of 5
East Abutment (3/BH127)

Existing ground level: ≈ 334.30 m AOD to 330.00 m AOD (from cross sections elevation values
at approximate location of north to south ends of abutment location, respectively)

(m AOD) (m bgl)
Glacial Till 0.25

331.60 0.00 Stiff brown sandy CLAY
(Cohesive)
Dense to very dense light
brown silty fine to medium
SAND with much fine to
Glacial Till
331.35 0.25 >2.35 coarse subangular to
(Granular)
subrounded gravel and
quartzite.
Note: Bedrock was not encountered in this borehole.
Bedrock was not encountered in any boreholes in vicinity to the proposed bridge and therefore
rockhead was interpolated from boreholes 3/BH128 and 3/BH125 located further west and east of
the structure location, respectively. From these boreholes, it is suggested that the elevation of
bedrock beneath the structure is approximately 318.5 m AOD beneath the west abutment and
321.5 m AOD beneath the east abutment. These correspond with depths of approximately 15.2 m
bgl to 10.3 m bgl, north to south, respectively beneath the west abutment and approximately 12.8
m bgl to 8.5 m bgl, north to south, respectively beneath the east abutment.
The Twyn Ddisgwylfa Fault is anticipated to lie beneath the proposed bridge. It is possible that
there may be a possible fracture zone either side of this fault suggesting the number of fractures
within the bedrock around this chainage may increase which in turn may affect the competency of
the bedrock. The groundwater behaviour may also vary slightly from that anticipated in the
ground further away.
Existing information shows that 2 No. mine entries (identified as adits by the Coal Authority, 2016)
are located within 200m of the proposed structure (one to the north and one to the south). This
indicates there are mine workings within the area and, as the underlying bedrock comprises the
Lower Coal Measures, there is a possibility for unrecorded mineworkings or voids being
encountered. However, the anticipated direction of the adits suggests that they are unlikely to
extend to the bridge location.
Groundwater:
Water was recorded as surface water (331.4m AOD) in historic borehole BH117 corresponding
with the topsoil. Ground water was also encountered within the granular glacial till in 3/BH127 at
2.0mbgl (329.6m AOD) rising to 1.95m bgl (329.7m AOD) in 20 minutes during drilling.

Page 4 of 5

γb Angle of cu mv E’
Cohesion,
Stratum Friction,
(Mg/m ) 3 cp’ (kN/m2) (kN/m ) 2 2
(m /MN) (MPa)
φp’ (°)
Possible
Solifluction 0 28 35 0.3 7
Deposits 1.9
75
20
Glacial Till 75+10z
2 32 0.1 20+3z
(Cohesive) (z = metres
2.1 (z = metres
below 2.0 m
below 5.0 mbgl)
bgl)
30
Glacial Till
2.0 0 36 - - 30+17z (z =
(Granular) metres below
5.0 m bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.5 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Sandstone
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.5 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone
Due to the lower bearing capacity of the glacial till, it is anticipated that the abutments will be
founded on piled foundations socketed within the bedrock. The estimated total maximum load to
be applied to the structure foundation is of the order of 108600kN. Assuming a pile group of No.
48 for the west abutment (24 by 2) and 46 for the east abutment (23 by 2), as suggested by
Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1600, the total load per pile is approximately 2265 kN
and 2365kN for the west and east abutment, respectively. As this bridge is an integral bridge, due
to the expansion of the deck, it is feasible that much of the load will be applied to the outer row of
piles with the front row possibly in tension. This could increase the load to about 4530 kN per pile
for the west abutment and 4730 kN per pile for the east abutment. Assuming 0.9m diameter piles,
a minimum rock socket of 9.0m is required.
At the west abutment, a nominal value of 15.5 m has been estimated for the pile length assuming
the pile cut of level (COL) for the structure is approximately 3.5 m bgl (325.0 m AOD). At the east
abutment, a nominal value of 12.5 m has been estimated for the pile length assuming the pile cut
of level (COL) for the structure is approximately 6.5 m bgl (325.0 m AOD). The actual pile length
may differ depending on the rockhead elevation which will need to be confirmed with further
ground investigation. Settlement within the bedrock is estimated to be <10 mm.

Page 5 of 5
Buried Concrete:
undertaken on samples collected from previous exploratory holes drilled in the Baverstock area.
Based on the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole
route of section 6 in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground
(2005), an Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z and Design Sulfate class DS-1
are recommended for design. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to confirm if
these results are applicable.
Prior to construction, any soft material (undrained shear strengths of <40 kN/m2), such a possible
solifluction deposits, encountered within the footprint of the proposed structure should be
removed and replaced with appropriate fill.
Depth to bedrock was not confirmed due to lack of available boreholes in the vicinity of the
proposed structure and therefore pile lengths may vary. Rockhead assumptions should be
confirmed on site.
As the underlying bedrock comprises the Lower Coal Measures, there is a possibility of
suggested that the area beneath the proposed foundations should be investigated thoroughly for
the presence and condition of possible mineworkings or voids. Any voids or mineworkings
encountered will require grouting.

Piled foundations founded in bedrock are considered the most appropriate design option for the
abutments.
Existing information shows that 2 adits are located within 200m of the proposed structure. This
indicates there are mine workings within the area and, as the underlying bedrock comprises the
Lower Coal Measures, there is a possibility for unrecorded mineworkings or voids being
encountered. The anticipated directions of the known adits suggest that they are unlikely to
extend to the bridge location.
Further investigation works, such as additional exploratory holes, are recommended in order to
confirm the location and nature of the bedrock. It is recommended that the ground is probed prior
to construction to confirm the presence of any mineworkings or voids. If the presences of mine
workings or voids are noted beneath the structure, then they will require grouting and the design
reviewed. Suggested values can be assessed when further investigation results are available.

B.19 Nant Hir (North) Viaduct
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Section 5 & 6 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Sheet No: GAS/SE018
Page 1 of 7
Structure Name: Nant Hir Viaduct Date: April 2017
Prepared: SN Checked: HM/CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 6740m to 6645m

i) Atkins (2011) A465 Heads Of The Valley
East End Abutment and Pier Support No. 16: 3/BH132 Trunk Road, Principal Inspection Report
and 3/BH133 and historic boreholes (1965) BH102E, Nant Hir Viaduct, Structure No A465 480.
BH103E and BH104E Report No. 5045070/920/DOC/016
East Arch Abutment: Historic boreholes (1965) ii) Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to
BH102A-D BH103A-D, BH104A-D Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun to
Historic boreholes (1965) BH93A, BH94A and BH95A) Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and
West Arch Abutment: Historic boreholes (1965) Drawing No. BTI015586/11/170.
BH93A, BH94A and BH95A
iii) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to
West End Abutment and Pier Support No. 1: Historic Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative Report
boreholes (1965) BH93A & B, BH94A and BH95A & B on Preliminary Ground Investigation,
Cardiff, Report No. BTI.015586/D4/118.
iv) Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465

No. 166001-3.
v) Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys

B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi) Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6

vii) Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6, Nant

Hir General Arrangements, Drawing No.
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1500
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is that the existing viaduct which crosses over the Nant Hir Reservoir is to be retained
and a new structure is to be built to the north. The current structure is a reinforced concrete arch structure
with a seventeen span continuous reinforced concrete deck slab, which is supported at the ends by
reinforced concrete skeletal type abutments (Atkins, 2011). The sixteen intermediate supports are reinforced
concrete piers comprising a crosshead member and a pair of rectangular columns.
The new structure is proposed to be a reinforced concrete arch bridge, similar to the existing bridge. The
pier supports are numbered 1 to 16 from west to east and supported at its ends by concrete abutments.
Piers 4 to 13 are founded on a pair of reinforced concrete arches, which itself is supported by arch
abutments on both sides (West Arch Abutment and East Arch Abutment). Piers 2 and 3 are supported
directly on the West Arch Abutment and similarly Pier 14 and 15 on the East Arch Abutment. Piers 1 and 16
are supported on individual pile caps.
The proposed width of the bridge is 15.8 m and the length of the bridge (between the centre of piers 3 and
14) is 56.1 m.
1-7
Page 2 of 7

Maximum level ≈ 279.4m AOD to 272.5m AOD (obtained from topographic survey)
Minimum level ≈ 261.8m AOD to 259m AOD (from topographic survey, corresponding with the eastern and
western banks of Nant Hir Reservoir approximately level with the reservoir water surface)

East End Abutment and Pier No. 16 (3/BH132 and 3/BH133 and historic boreholes (1965) BH102E,
BH103E and BH104E)
Existing ground level: ≈ 276.5m AOD to 271.4m AOD (from topographic survey at approximate locations
of proposed east end abutment and Pier No. 16, respectively)
Top of Stratum
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Medium dense, slightly clayey
silty sandy (fine to medium) fine
Made Ground
(1) 279.4 0.00 0.00 1.50 to coarse angular to subangular
(Granular)
GRAVEL and cobbles of clinker,
ash, sandstone and brick
0.7m thick soft brown silty CLAY
cobbles and boulders with some
organic material recorded in the
Glacial Till historic boreholes
(2) 274.3 277.9 0.00 – 1.50 4.2 6.40
(Cohesive)
Firm to very stiff slightly sandy,
silty CLAY with occasional
gravel, cobbles and boulders
Weathered
Grey laminated weathered
Bishopston
270.1 272.0 4.2 - 5.5 0.0 2.0 SHALE with small bands of
Mudstone
(3) brown clay
Formation
Interbedded very weak to
moderately weak, dark grey,
thinly bedded, slightly weathered
Bishopston > 19.9 SILTSTONE and grey, thinly
>0.9
Mudstone 269.8 271.5 4.3 – 7.90 Not bedded very weak to moderately
Formation proven weak MUDSTONE with grey,
fine to coarse grained, thinly
bedded strong to moderately
strong SANDSTONE layers.
Notes: (1) Only encountered in 3/BH132
(2) A 1 m thick layer of gravel occurs at 6.8mbgl (272.6 m AOD) within the glacial till in 3/BH132.
(3) Encountered in 3/BH133 and historic borehole BH102E
2-7
Page 3 of 7
East Arch Abutment (Historic boreholes (1965) BH102A-D, BH103A-D, BH104A-D)

Existing ground level: ≈ 271m AOD to 264m AOD (from topographic survey at approximate location of
proposed east arch abutment, east to west)
Top of Stratum
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Soft brown silty clay with traces
(1)
Topsoil 267.6 273.5 0.0 0.0 1.1 of shale and some organic
matter
Soft to firm brown CLAY with
Glacial Till
(2) 262.7 274.5 0.0 0.0 6.4 cobbles and boulders (locally
(Cohesive)
sandy)
Hard laminated blue-grey
Weathered
weathered SHALE and
Bishopston
262.2 270.6 0.0 - 6.3 0.0 5.0 MUDSTONE oxidised yellow
Mudstone
brown with small bands of stiff
Formation clay
Laminated dark grey slightly
Bishopston weathered MUDSTONE with
Mudstone 260.4 268.3 1.8 - 6.4 >9 >17.7 bands of SILTSTONE overlying
Formation medium to coarse grey
SANDSTONE
Notes: (1) Encountered in BH102B, BH102C, and BH102D
(2) Encountered in BH103A, BH103D, BH104A, and BH104D. BH103A and BH104A are located west of the
proposed arch abutment location.
West Arch Abutment (Historic boreholes (1965) BH93A, BH94A and BH95A)
Existing ground level: ≈ 265.0m AOD to 271.7m AOD (from topographic survey at approximate location of
proposed west arch abutment, east to west respectively)
Top of Stratum
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Weathered Weathered grey SHALE with
Bishopston small partings of firm brown clay
266.3 266.8 0.0 0.0 3.7
Mudstone and weathered grey-brown
Formation SILTSTONE
Bishopston Interbedded grey SILTSTONE
Mudstone 261.5 265.3 0.0 - 3.7 >8.5 >10.7 and SANDSTONE with thin
Formation bands of MUDSTONE.
Note: The boreholes are located further south and at a lower elevation than the proposed abutment location.
It is anticipated the ground conditions are similar at the abutment location but elevations of the top of the
strata interfaces are anticipated to be slightly higher beneath the proposed abutment.
3-7
Page 4 of 7
West Abutment and Pier No. 1 (Historic boreholes (1965) BH93A & B, BH94A and BH95A & B)
Existing ground level: ≈ 273.8m AOD to 271.5m AOD (from topographic survey at approximate locations
of proposed west end abutment and support No. 1, respectively)
Top of Stratum
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
(1)
Topsoil 272.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 Topsoil
Glacial Till Firm brown clay with cobbles,

(2) 268 272 0.0 - 0.2 0.0 4.1
(Cohesive) boulders and shale fragments.
Weathered grey laminated
SHALE with small partings of
Weathered
firm brown clay, weathered grey-
Bishopston
266.3 267.9 0.0 - 4.3 0.0 4.1 brown SILTSTONE and
Mudstone
(3) weathered laminated
Formation MUDSTONE with bands of very
fine grained SANDSTONE
Grey SILTSTONE with thin
Bishopston bands of MUDSTONE,
Mudstone 261.5 266.7 0.0 - 5.5 >3.6 >10.7 SANDSTONE and locally
Formation ironstone overlying laminated
grey MUDSTONE
Note: (1) Only encountered in historic borehole BH93B.
(2) Only encountered in historic boreholes BH93B and BH95B.
(3) Not encountered in historic borehole BH95A
Groundwater:
At the east abutment location, a standing groundwater level was noted at 1.5mbgl (277.9m AOD) in
3/BH132 and 1.80mbgl (272.5m AOD) in 3/BH133 following overnight seepages. A standpipe piezometer
was installed in 3/BH132 with a response zone between 6.8mbgl (272.6m AOD) and 9.0mbgl (270.4m
AOD). The highest groundwater level recorded within the piezometer was 7.6mbgl (271.8m AOD) on
02/07/1997.
Standing groundwater was recorded at 3.7m bgl (268.8m AOD) in 3/BH135 (which is located further west of
the west end abutment) following an overnight seepage.
4-7
Page 5 of 7

The ground conditions described above suggest that global parameters from Jacobs GIR, 2016 (given
below) are applicable.
’
Stratum Angle of cu mv E
γ b, Cohesion,
3 2 Friction,
(Mg/m ) cp’, (kN/m ) 2 2
φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
100 20 (between
(between ground level and
ground 2 m bgl)
Made Ground
level & 2 m
(Cohesive and 2.0 0 32 0.1
bgl)
Granular)
150 (below 30 (below 2 m
2 m bgl) bgl)
10
Glacial Till (1) 10 + 3z

(1) 2.1 2 32 40 0.1
(Cohesive)
(z = metres
below 5 m bgl)
UCS E’
γ b,
Stratum 3 GSI mi D
(Mg/m ) (MPa) (MPa)
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 50 50 15 0.7 1500
Formation -
Sandstone
Bishopston
Mudstone
Formation - 2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
Mudstone and
Siltstone
Note: (1) The parameters for glacial till have been modified from the global GIR values in order to
reflect the description of boreholes at the location.
Arch Abutments
At the location of the east and west arch abutments, competent bedrock is expected at an elevation of 260
m and 261 m AOD respectively. The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the arch foundation is
10,460 kN. Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1500 suggests a 15.8 m by 10.2 m pad foundation at
2
the arch abutments. Assuming these pad dimensions, the total load applied to the pad will be 65kN/m . The
suggested allowable bearing capacity of the bedrock, based on Tomlinson’s (2001) values for foundations in
2
Sandstone and Siltstone is of the order of 1000 kN/m .
The depth to foundation level (~260 m AOD) varies between 4 m and 11m below existing ground level and
will require excavation within the rock. The Sandstone associated with the Bishopston Mudstone in this
area, recorded UCS values in the order of 98 MPa. Excavation within the Sandstone is therefore anticipated
to be difficult, probably requiring pre-splitting and chemical jacking.
5-7
Page 6 of 7
Founding Footing
Structure Founding Allowable Bearing Pressure
Level Size 2
Element Stratum kN/m
(mAOD) (m x m)
Bishopston
East Arch
Mudstone 260 15.8 x 10.2 1000
Abutment
Formation
Bishopston
West Arch
Mudstone 260 15.8 x 10.2 1000
Abutment
Formation
Pier Supports No 1, 16, East and West End Abutments

The estimated maximum load applied to individual support foundations is 1220 kN. Piled foundations are
proposed, with the piles socketed into rock. 600mm diameter piles are proposed; formed as a 9 pile group
at the eastern end and an 18 pile group (2 rows of 9 piles) at the western end. The maximum pile load is
therefore only of the order of 140 kN. Whilst this could easily be supported with a 1m socket into the rock, a
2m socket has been proposed to allow for possible weathering in the upper layers of rock.
Expected Toe
Pile
Structure Founding Bedrock Level
Pile Width Length
Element Stratum Level (m (1) Load per pile (kN)
(m) (m)
AOD)
(1)
East End
Bishopston
Abutment
Mudstone 270 268 0.6 8 140
(single row of 9
Formation
piles)
Pier Support Bishopston
No 16 (single Mudstone 270 268 0.6 7 140
row of 9 piles) Formation
Pier Support Bishopston

No. 1 (double Mudstone 265 263 0.6 8 70
row of 9 piles) Formation
West End
Bishopston
Abutment
Mudstone 266 264 0.6 10 70
(double row of
Formation
9 piles)
Notes:
1) The toe level of the piles and pile length are dependent on the elevation at which bedrock is
encountered, a minimum 2 m rock socket length is required for the current design.
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures was not undertaken on
samples collected from these exploratory holes as part of the preliminary ground investigation. It is therefore
anticipated that Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE
Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1 are considered
6-7
Page 7 of 7
applicable for design. These correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples
collected across the whole route of section 6.
The existing traffic flows will have to be maintained during the construction works.
The control of localised groundwater, if encountered, will also have to be addressed by the Contractor.
Any deep excavation for foundations adjacent to the existing foundation could potentially damage the
existing foundations, especially where rock has to be excavated or ripped.
Piled foundations, socketed into the bedrock are considered the most appropriate design option beneath the
abutments and piers. Pad foundations are considered beneath the arch abutments.
Further ground investigation should be carried out at the proposed location of the abutments to confirm the
location and nature of the bedrock.
Design Sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) have been assumed for concrete
design for buried structures. Further testing in this area is recommended to confirm this assumption.
7-7
B.20 Nant Moel Underpass
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/0014/Rev
0
Page 1 of 4
Structure Name: Nant Moel Reservoir Underpass Date: September 2016
Chainage: 6350m
i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny
3/BH136, 3/BH137, 3/BH138 to Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and
Exploratory Hole, Location Drawings,
Drawing No. BTI015586/11/170,

BTI.015586/D4/118.

No. 166001-3.


Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.

B2191100/D2/1/2/040
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to demolish the existing Nant Moel Access overbridge and construct a
reinforced concrete box underpass slightly north east to the existing structure. The underbridge is
proposed to be 34 m long and 6 m wide.

≈ 264m AOD at the northern side to 262m AOD at the southern side (obtained from cross-
sections and topography)
The proposed A465 carriageway level is 264.3 m AOD which is approximately 1.1 m above the
existing ground level. The proposed underpass road level is approximately 7 m below existing
ground level , corresponding to 256 m AOD.
Nant Moel Reservoir Underpass

0
Page 2 of 4
Ground Conditions and Model (3/BH136, 3/BH137 and 3/BH138):
Ground Level
Depth to
top of
stratum
Topsoil 260.2 270.4 0.0 0.10 Topsoil

Firm to stiff slightly sandy,
silty CLAY with occasional
Glacial Till
258 270.3 0 to 0.1 6.5 8 sandstone and siltstone
(Cohesive)
gravel, traces of peat and
rare boulders.
Recovered as very dense
Glacial Till
medium to coarse angular to
(Granular)1
subangular GRAVEL and
(Possible 253.2 262 7 to 8.5 1.1
subangular cobbles of
weathered
sandstone (Possible
bedrock)
weathered bedrock)
In 3/BH136: Moderately
weathered silty moderately
weak to moderately strong
MUDSTONE.
Bishopston
Mudstone 251.4 261 6.5 to 9.7 >10.3 >13.5 In 3/BH137 and 3/BH138:
Formation2 Slightly weathered
SANDSTONE with
SILTSTONE and
MUDSTONE interbeds
Note:
(1) Encountered only in 3/BH136 and 3/BH137
(2) The strata below 15 m bgl also comprise interlaminaed to thin interbeds of carbonaceous
mudstone or coal but there is no evidence of mineworkings at these locations.
(3) The site is located approximately halfway between boreholes 3/BH137 (as well as 3/BH138) and
3/BH136. Therefore the bedrock elevation is anticipated to be between 251 to 261 m AOD , at
approximately 256 m AOD (approximately 6 to 8 m below existing ground level).
Groundwater:
In exploratory hole 3/BH137, seepage was encountered at 5.0mbgl (255.2m AOD) during the
drilling operations, although no rise was recorded. However, standing groundwater level at
2.5mbgl (257.7m AOD) was recorded early next morning. A standpipe piezometer was installed in
with a response zone between 5.5m (254.7m AOD) and 8.0m (252.2m AOD) below the existing
ground level. The highest recorded water level was collected from water level monitoring
(27/06/1997) at 3.4mbgl (256.8 m AOD).

0
Page 3 of 4
In exploratory hole 3/BH138, groundwater was recorded at 1.35mbgl (256.6m AOD) following an
overnight seepage when the borehole had advanced to sandstone at 6.5m depth.
In exploratory hole 3/BH136, groundwater was recorded at 5 m bgl (265.4 m AOD) which rose to
4.5 m bgl (265.9 m AOD) within twenty minutes. It was also encountered at 8.4 m bgl (262 m
AOD) which rose to 6.6 m bgl (263.8 m AOD) within twenty minutes.

The ground conditions mentioned above suggests that global values from Jacobs GIR (2016),
given below is applicable.
Bulk
Angle of cu mv E’
density, Cohesion,
Stratum Friction,
γb, cp’, (kN/m2)
φp’, ° (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(kN/m3)
15
75 0.03 (0 to
2m bgl)
Glacial Till 15 + 16z (z
2.1 2 32 75 + 75z (z =
(Cohesive) = metres
metres below 0.13 (below
below 6.5m
6.5m bgl) 2m bgl)
bgl)
30
30 + 18 z (
Glacial Till
2 - 35 - - where z =
(Granular)
metres
below 5 m
bgl)
Bulk E’
UCS
Material density
GSI mi D
Type (MPa)
3 (MPa)
(Mg/m )
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 50 50 15 0.7 1500
Formation -
Sandstone
Bishopston
Mudstone
2.6 6 (*) 35 8 0.7 200
Formation -
Mudstone
Note : (*) A lower UCS value for Mudstone has been selected for this site based on the results in a nearby borehole
3/BH131.

0
Page 4 of 4
As the bedrock is anticipated at shallow depths from the underpass road level, it is proposed that
the foundations are placed on bedrock. It is anticipated the bedrock will be encountered at
approximately 256 m AOD (which is approximately 6 to 8 m below existing ground level and
approximately the same level as the proposed underpass road level). The estimated maximum
load to be applied to the structure foundation is 22310 kN which for a 34 m by 6 m concrete box
becomes 110 kN/m2. The safe bearing capacity for a strip foundation in Mudstone (weakest
material compared to Sandstone and Siltstone) is estimated as 1000 kN/m2. Settlement is
expected to be negligible in bedrock.
Buried Concrete:
on two samples collected from two exploratory holes as part of the preliminary ground
investigation: one groundwater sample collected from within the glacial till in 3/BH137 and one
soil sample collected from within the glacial till in 3/BH138. The results indicate Aggressive
Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest
1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with
the conditions anticipated across the whole route of section 6 and therefore the values are
recommended for design.
It should be noted that cohesive glacial till is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ upon exposure leading to
softening and therefore, any formation in cohesive glacial till, if wetted up, may have lower
undrained shear strength than anticipated. Any soft material (undrained shear strength less than
40 kN/m2) such as peat traces should be excavated.
The traffic of the existing reservoir overbridge will have to be temporarily diverted during the
construction of the bridge and associated earthworks.
Foundations are proposed to be founded within the bedrock as they are anticipated at shallow
depths to the proposed underpass level.
Further ground investigations, such as additional boreholes, are recommended at the proposed
location to confirm the location and nature of the bedrock at the site location.

B.21 Nant Melyn Mainline Viaduct
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Page 1 of 6
Structure Name: Nant Melyn Viaduct Date: March 2017
Prepared: SN Checked: AD Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 5380m – 5480m

i. Atkins (2011) A465 Heads Of The Valley Trunk
East Abutment: 3/BH142 Road, Principal Inspection Report Nant Melyn
Viaduct, Structure No A465 460 (U). Report No.
West Abutment: 3/BH143, 3/BH143A, 5045070/920/DOC/018.
3/BH144 and 3/BH144A ii. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to
Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and Exploratory
Hole Location Drawings, Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/171.
iii. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to
Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative Report on
Preliminary Ground Investigation, Cardiff, Report
No. BTI.015586/D4/118.
iv. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465
Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling Section 3.
Volume Three of Nine, Factual Report on Ground
Investigation. Report No. 166001-3.
v. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA Special
Publication 32: Construction over abandoned
mine workings.
vi. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical
Advisor Presentation Plan.
vii. Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the Valleys
Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Preliminary Sources
Study Report. Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
viii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys
Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Ground Investigation
Report. Report No. B2191100/D2/1/040
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6, Nant Melyn
Ch. 5422 General Arrangements, Drawing
No.2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1300
Proposed Structure
The current proposal is to demolish the existing viaduct and replace it with a new single span
deck structure comprising reinforced concrete slabs, which is offline (south) from the original
A465 carriageway alignment. The proposed structure is 100 m long, 50 m wide at the eastern
end, 60 m wide at the western end and is anticipated to be fixed at the eastern end. Information
regarding the existing structure can be found in the Atkins report (2011).
The proposed carriageway level is approximately 217.60 m AOD and 212.15 m AOD at the east
and west abutments respectively.
1-6 21 Nant Melyn Viaduct GAS DE SN 220317.doc

Page 2 of 6
Existing Ground Level

Maximum ≈ 202.14 m AOD to 204.87 m AOD by the east abutment (from topographic survey
and 3/BH142, respectively) and 209.00 m AOD to 213.20 m AOD by the west abutment (from
topographic survey and borehole 3/BH144 and 3/BH144A, respectively).
Minimum level ≈ 195.94 m AOD (river bank level, from topographic survey).
Ground Conditions and Model
East Abutment (3/BH142)
Existing ground level: ≈ 202.14 m AOD to 204.87 m AOD (from topographic survey and
3/BH142, respectively)
A cross section of the structure area is shown in Drawing B2191100/XSEC/1300.
Top of stratum
Depth to top
Stratum of stratum Description
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Stiff, slightly silty CLAY with
Glacial Till occasional gravel and
204.87 0.00 1.05
(Cohesive) cobbles of sandstone,
siltstone and mudstone
Slightly weathered, strong
SANDSTONE underlain by
slightly weathered,
moderately strong
Bishopston
SILTSTONE, underlain by
Mudstone 203.82 1.05 > 19.00
moderately strong, locally
Formation
moderately weak
MUDSTONE containing
nodules and bands of
ironstone (from 12.0mbgl).
Note: The mudstone contained nodules and bands of ironstone below 12.0 m (192.9 m AOD) and
20% flush returns is noted throughout the length of 3/BH142). The rock mass however, does not
appear to be highly fractured and there is no evidence of mineworkings beneath this abutment.
The top of the bedrock is anticipated to be weathered at its upper boundary with the overlying
Glacial Till. The vertical extent of the weathering is unknown due to the lack of detailed information
of this boundary.

Page 3 of 6
West Abutment (3/BH143 to 3/BH144A)

Existing ground level: ≈ 209.00 m AOD to 213.20 m AOD (from topographic survey and
borehole 3/BH144 and 3/BH144A, respectively)
A cross section of the structure area is shown in Drawing B2191100/XSEC/1300.
Top of stratum
Depth to top Thickness
Elevation
Stratum of stratum (m) Description
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Topsoil 209.43 212.96 0.00 0.00 0.20 Topsoil

Stiff to very stiff, slightly sandy
Glacial Till silty CLAY with occasional gravel
207.73 213.20 0.00 to 0.20 0.70 7.25
(Cohesive) and cobbles of sandstone and
quartzite.
(1) Dense to very dense light brown,
Glacial Till
209.33 0.10 2.50 slightly clayey, silty fine to coarse
(Granular)
SAND with gravel
Dense, slightly clayey, silty,
medium to coarse SAND with
little fine to medium subangular
Weathered gravel of quartzitic sandstone and
205.95 207.03 2.40 - 7.25 0.55 0.87
Bedrock grading into the underlying
SANDSTONE with the addition of
extremely to very closely spaced
fractures
Slightly to moderately weathered,
strong SANDSTONE underlain by
Bishopston slightly weathered, moderately
Mudstone 205.40 206.16 3.27 – 7.80 >12.00 weak to moderately strong
Formation MUDSTONE which is underlain
by a successions of mudstone,
siltstone and sandstone
(1)
Note: Only encountered in 3/BH143
Coal seams/interlaminae were noted in 3/BH143A and 3/BH144A and ironstone nodules/interbeds
were noted 3/BH143A. However it is unlikely they have been worked at this location due to the
Bishopston Mudstone Formation occurring stratigraphically below the Lower Coal Measures and the
‘Farewell Rock’, a very strong quartzitic sandstone layer which was so named by miners, as it
signified the reduced likelihood of encountering ironstone veins and coal seams when encountered.
The coal seam is also not identified on any geological/mining maps around the abutment location.
The ironstone nodules and veins present in 3/BH143A were also not identified on available
geological/mining maps and are described as interbedded and thin, therefore it is unlikely they will
have been considered economic to work (if their presence was known). Zones of localised core loss
and highly fractured rock, together with some loss of flush returns were also recorded suggesting
there may be evidence of voids (or drilling disturbance).

Page 4 of 6
Groundwater
At the east abutment location, groundwater was encountered in the form of overnight seepage
from the bedrock into 3/BH142, with a recorded level of 3.0 mbgl (201.87 m AOD).
At the west abutment location, an overnight seepage from the bedrock into 3/BH144A was noted
with a groundwater level recorded at 13.9 mbgl (199.3 m AOD). A piezometer was installed in the
borehole with a response zone between 10.0 mbgl (203.2 m AOD) and 14.5 mbgl (198.70 m
AOD). The highest standing water level recorded was 7.33 mbgl (205.63m AOD) on 26/06/1997.
The Nant Melyn (river) is located beneath the viaduct and therefore groundwater is anticipated to
be encountered close to ground surface towards the river.

Angle of cu mv E’
Cohesion,
Stratum 3 Friction,
γb,(Mg/m ) cp’, (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (m2/MN)
φp’, ° (MPa)
20
20 + 3z
Glacial Till
0.1 (z = metres
(Cohesive) 2.1 2 32
(1) below
150
5.0m.bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
2.0 0 36 - - (z = metres
(Granular)
below
5.0m.bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
Bishopston
Mudstone FM - 2.60 50 50 15 0.7 1500
Sandstone
Bishopston
Mudstone FM - 2.60 13 35 8 0.7 200
Mudstone
Note: (1) This parameter for glacial till (cohesive) has been modified from the global GIR values in
order to reflect the log descriptions and in situ testing of borehole 3/BH144 at the location of the
west abutment where foundations within the glacial till may be considered.

Page 5 of 6
Foundation Considerations
Spread foundations are considered an appropriate design option for the east abutment and piled
foundations for the west abutment. It is anticipated that the abutments will be founded on
bedrock. Details of the foundations at each location are given below.
East Abutment
It is proposed that pad foundations are founded directly on the bedrock at approximately 203.7 m
AOD (1.2 m below existing ground level). The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the
structure foundation is 61650.6 kN. Assuming a 50.0 m by 4.0 m spread footing (based on the
50.0 m width of the bridge at the abutment location the total unfactored bearing pressure from the
2
loading is 310 kN/m . This is well within the allowable bearing capacity of the sandstone
(Bishopston Mudstone Formation) as the suggested allowable bearing capacity of the bedrock,
based on Tomlinson’s (2001) values for foundations in Sandstone, is in the order of 10000 kN/m2.
Settlement is anticipated to be less than 5 mm.
West Abutment
Existing ground level at the proposed abutment location is approximately 212.2 m AOD (at the
centreline). Possible foundation options are either spread foundations founded within the
cohesive glacial till or piled foundations socketed into the bedrock.
For spread foundations, if the foundation level is assumed at 2.0 m ground level (approximately
210.2 m AOD) then the abutment will be founded on stiff clay (glacial till). The safe bearing
2
capacity for the glacial till at 2.0 mbgl is estimated as 340 kN/m (based on undrained shear
2
strength of 150 kN/m and a factor of safety of 3). The estimated total maximum load to be
applied to the structure foundation is 61650.6kN. Assuming a 60 m by 4 m spread footing (based
on the 60m width of the bridge at the abutment location), the total unfactored bearing pressure
from the loading is 260 kN/m2. This is less than the bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till.
However, predicted settlement at this location is between 25 mm and 30 mm. Within the cohesive
materials, half of the total settlements are expected to be completed soon after construction.
Differential settlement is the main issue with this spread foundation option as the predicted
settlement of 25 mm to 30 mm at this abutment is far greater than the predicted values of <5 mm
at the east abutment. This would be unsuitable for the structure. It is therefore proposed that this
abutment is founded directly onto the bedrock (anticipated at approximately at 205.4 m AOD,
corresponding with approximately 8.0 m below existing ground level). Founding on the bedrock
would also reduce the differential settlement between the abutments supports. Due to the extent
of glacial till anticipated beneath the abutment, piled foundations are considered an appropriate
design option.
Competent bedrock is anticipated at approximately 205.4 m AOD (approximately 6.8 m bgl at
location of the proposed abutment) corresponding with the strong sandstone of the Bishopston
Mudstone Formation. The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the structure foundation
is 61650.6 kN. Assuming a pile group of 43 no. of piles at this abutment (22 pile for the inner row
and 21 for the outer row, based Drawing No.2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-1300), the total
load per pile is 1433 kN. Assuming a 0.9m diameter piles socketed 3.0 m into the bedrock, the
anticipated safe working load is 1695 kN per pile, with an approximate toe elevation of 202 m
AOD. This corresponds with a pile length of approximately 10.0 m. Settlement of the piles is
anticipated to be less than 10 mm.

Page 6 of 6
Buried Concrete
on three samples as part of the preliminary ground investigation: two samples from within the
topsoil and glacial till in 3/BH143 and one sample from the glacial till in 3/BH144. The results
indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete ACEC-2z conditions in accordance with
BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1.
These correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across
the whole route of section 6 and therefore the values are recommended for design.
Construction Issues
It should be noted that glacial till is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ leading to softening and therefore,
any formation in the cohesive glacial till, if wetted up, may have lower undrained shear strengths
than anticipated.
Zones of localised core loss and highly fractured rock, together with some loss of flush returns
were recorded in exploratory holes 3/BH143A and 3/BH144A (near the west abutment)
suggesting there may be evidence of voids or mineworkings. However no mineworkings are
indicated near the structure location from existing information. It is also unlikely they may be
present beneath the structure foundations because the Bishopston Mudstone Formation occurs
stratigraphically below the Lower Coal Measures and the ‘Farewell Rock’ (as previously
discussed) therefore coal seams are unlikely to be encountered. The coal seams and ironstone
layers/nodules encountered were also not identified on any geological/mining maps. It is possible
that the zones of localised core loss and highly fractured rock may be related to drilling
disturbance.
Conclusions and Recommendations

Spread and piled foundations into bedrock are considered the most appropriate design options of
the abutments: spread foundations for the east abutment and piled foundations for the west
abutment.
The presence of voids needs to be ruled out in the area of the proposed structure and therefore it
is recommended that further ground investigation, such as probing at the abutment locations, are
carried out to confirm the depth to bedrock and the presence of any voids. If however the
presence of voids is noted beneath the structure, then they are to be grouted prior to construction
of the structure and its foundations.

B.22 Croesbychan Junction Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Section 5 & 6 Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/0011/R0
Structure Name: Croesbychan Junction Bridge Date: August 2016
Chainage: 5087m
3/BH145, and 3/BH146 to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun

BTI.015586/D4/118.



Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.

B2191100/D2/1/2/040
vii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6,

Croesbychan General Arrangements,
Drawing No.2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-
1600-1100
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new single span integral underbridge with precast beams.
The structure is proposed to be 33m long and 16m wide.

≈ 200m AOD to 198m AOD (obtained from topographic survey – north and south respectively)
The proposed carriageway level below the bridge varies between 198.7 m AOD and 197 m AOD
for the north and south extremes of the proposed structure respectively. The proposed
carriageway level of the overbridge is approximately 206.1 to 206.8 m AOD at north and south
respectively.
Croesbychan Junction Bridge


The ground conditions were estimated from boreholes 3/BH145 and 3/BH146, located
approximately 100m from either sides of the bridge.
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Soft to firm yellow brown
Possible slightly clayey sandy (fine to
solifluction 195.7 0 0 1.8 medium) SILT with a little
deposits (1) fine to medium subrounded
gravel
Firm slightly silty sandy CLAY
Glacial Till with a little fine to coarse
(Cohesive) 193.9 205.8 0 to 1.8 5.7 8.6 angular to subrounded gravel
(2)
of sandstone. Very stiff from
4 m bgl (191.7 m AOD).
Possible
Highly
Not proven Recovered as very stiff
Weathered
(Borehole slightly silty CLAY and
bedrock - 188.16 197.2 7.5 to 8.6
terminated at GRAVEL of weathered
(Bishopston
10.2 m bgl) siltstone.
Mudstone
Formation)
Notes:
(1) Encountered only in 3/BH146, and also in 3/BH147 which is further west of the structure.
(2) In addition to the cohesive glacial till, granular glacial till was encountered in shallow
thicknesses in the boreholes. Granular glacial till was encountered in 3/BH145 at depths
between 5 to 5.7 m bgl (200.8 to 200.1 m AOD) as GRAVEL and in 3/BH146 at depths
between 1.75 to 1.85 m bgl (193.9 to 193.5 m AOD) as loose to medium dense SAND.
Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in 3/BH145 at 5 mbgl (200.8m AOD) and rose to 3.40m bgl
(202.4m AOD) in 20 minutes. Groundwater was also struck in 3/BH146 at 3.50mbgl (192.2m
AOD) and rose to 3.40mbgl (192.3m AOD) in 20minutes. A piezometer installed in 3/BH146 with a
response zone of 6.5 m to 8 m bgl , recorded the highest groundwater level as 3.3 m bgl (192.3 m
AOD).


(given below) are applicable except where indicated.
Angle of cu mv E’
γb Cohesion,
Stratum Friction,
(Mg/m3) cp’, (kN/m2) (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
φp’, °
Possible
Solifluction 1.9 0 28 35 0.3 7
Deposits
50
16
50+ 12z
Glacial Till 16 + 2z
(z = 0.2
(Cohesive) (1) 2.1 2 32
metres
(z = metres
below 5 m
below 5
bgl)
m bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
2.0 0 36 - - (z = metres
(Granular) below
5.0m.bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
Bishopston
Mudstone 2.6 13 35 8 0.7 200
Formation
(1) The parameters for Glacial Till Cohesive have been modified to reflect the borehole
description of the material.
The estimated maximum total load to be applied per abutment is 21620 kN. Assuming a pile
group of twenty six per abutment (13 by 2, as suggested by Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-
1600-1100), the total load per pile is 835 kN. However, as the underpass is an integral structure,
due to the expansion of the deck, it is feasible that much of the load will be applied to one row of
piles with the other row in tension. This therefore increases the load to 1670 kN per pile. Due to
the uncertainty in the bedrock level at this structure, it is conservatively assumed that the
cohesive glacial till parameters extend for the full depth of piling. Assuming 0.9 m diameter piles,
and a pile cut off level of 196 m AOD a minimum pile length of 20 m is required, corresponding
with a toe elevation of 176 mAOD.
Buried Concrete:
undertaken in the two relevant exploratory holes. However, the results across the whole route of
Section 6 indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in
Sulfate class DS-1.

During the course of construction, groundwater encountered will have to be controlled and the
water disposed of in accordance with Natural Resources Wales guidelines. In addition, exposed
glacial till is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ upon exposure and therefore, any formation in glacial till, if
wetted up, may have lower undrained shear strength than anticipated.
The construction of the foundations will have to be carried out in phases so that the existing flow
of traffic can be maintained on the A465 carriageway.

Further investigations, such as additional boreholes, are also recommended to determine the
nature and engineering properties of the glacial till and the bedrock level at the structure. Pile
foundations are suggested for this structure and it is conservatively assumed that the ‘possible
weathered bedrock’ encountered in the boreholes, is a continuation of the glacial till deposits. The
existing boreholes were terminated at 10m depth and therefore do not extend to beyond the
proposed pile length. If, from subsequent ground investigation, Bishopston Mudstone Formation is
encountered above the proposed pile toe level, then the pile design should be amended to a rock
socket design. Any soft material encountered at the surface should be removed prior to
construction and replaced with granular engineered fill beneath the proposed structure
foundations.

B.23 Court Lodge Underpass
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/0010/R0
Structure Name: Court Lodge Underbridge Date: July 2016
Chainage: 4661m
3/BH150, 3/BH150A and 3/BH149 to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun

BTI015586/D4/118.



Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.

B2191100/D2/1/2/040

Court Lodge Underbridge General
Arrangements, Drawing No.2191100-
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new single span integral underbridge. The structure is
proposed to be approximately 82m long and 17 m wide.

≈ 195m AOD (obtained from topography and relevant boreholes approximately located at the
proposed abutment sites, north and south respectively)
The proposed carriageway level below the bridge is approximately 190.7 m AOD. The proposed
carriageway level of the overbridge is approximately 199.1 to 200 m AOD.
Court Lodge Bridge


Estimated from 3/BH150 and 3/BH150A (reference made to 3/BH149 located approximately 40m
to the southeast)
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Topsoil 195 0.0 0.0 0.35 Topsoil

Firm to very stiff, slightly
sandy, silty CLAY with
occasional gravels of
Glacial Till
194.7 195.9 0.0 to 0.35 6.3 7.5 sandstone, quartzite and coal
(Cohesive)
and cobbles of sandstone
and mudstone at deeper
depths
Weathered Dense to very dense slightly
Lower Coal 188.4 6.6 to 7.5 0.0 0.9 silty, clayey GRAVEL of coal
Measures and carbonaceous mudstone
Slightly weathered
moderately strong, fine
grained, thinly bedded
SANDSTONE with traces of
Lower Coal >7.5 to carbonised plants, overlying
183 (2) 188.4 (2) >12.5
Measures(1) 13.3 slightly to moderately
weathered, weak to
moderately strong, thinly
bedded SILTSTONE with
coal seams.
(1)
Note: Encountered in 3/BH150A.
(2)
Bedrock was encountered at 13.3m bgl (183.0m AOD) in 3/BH149 indicating that bedrock is
deeper to the east of the structure. It is therefore likely that bedrock is encountered at a slightly
deeper depth at the structure location (estimated as 8.9m bgl, 187.0m AOD). A thick layer of
granular glacial till was recorded in 3/BH149 and therefore it may be encountered above the
weathered bedrock beneath the proposed structure.
Groundwater
At the location of the northwest abutment, groundwater was struck in 3/BH150 at 4 m bgl (191.0m
AOD) and rose to 3.85m bgl (191.2m AOD) in 35 minutes. The Babtie Interpretative Report
(2000) states that groundwater was also recorded at 3.1m bgl (191.9m AOD) following an
overnight seepage from the glacial till or weathered bedrock in the borehole. Overnight standing
water was also recorded in 3/BH150A at 8 m bgl (187.9 m AOD).
On the southeast side of the route, groundwater was recorded standing at 6.1mbgl (190.23m
AOD) following an overnight seepage from the glacial till into 3/BH149. This rose to 1.3mbgl
(195.03m AOD). It was also noted seeping from the siltstone bedrock with a level of 1.8m bgl
(195.5m AOD) at the end of the drilling operations.
Court Lodge Bridge


The ground conditions mentioned above suggests that global values from Jacobs GIR (2016), is
applicable.
Angle of cu mv E’
γb Cohesion,
Stratum 3 2 Friction,
(Mg/m ) cp’, (kN/m ) 2 2
φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
75 20
Glacial Till 75 + 10 z 20 + 3 z
0.1
(Cohesive) 2.1 2 32 (z = (z = metres
metres below 5 m
below 2 bgl)
m bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
2 0 36 - - (z = metres
(Granular) below 5 m
bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.50 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Sandstone
Lower Coal
Measures –
2.50 10 35 8 0.7 150
Siltstone or
Mudstone
Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and its extent, it is proposed
that this abutment is founded on piles socketed into the bedrock. Bedrock was encountered at
approximately 188m AOD in 3/BH150, corresponding with approximately 7.5m below existing
ground level. However, it is estimated that the bedrock at the structure location will be
encountered approximately at 187m AOD, which is 9 m below existing ground level. The
estimated maximum load to be applied to the structure foundation is 34840kN. Assuming a pile
group of No. 64 per abutment (32 by 2, as suggested by Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-
1600-1000) the total load per pile is 550kN. However, as this bridge is an integral bridge, due to
the expansion of the deck, it is feasible that much of the load will be applied to one row of piles
with the other in tension. This therefore increases the load to 1100kN per pile. Assuming 0.6m
diameter piles, a minimum rock socket of 3 m is required, corresponding to a pile length of 7m
and with a toe elevation of 184m AOD (depending on the elevation at which bedrock is
encountered).
Buried Concrete:
on three samples collected from the boreholes at this structure location: two from the glacial till in
3/BH149 and one groundwater sample from within the glacial till in 3/BH150. The results indicate
Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE
Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. This
Court Lodge Bridge

corresponds with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the
whole route of section 6 and therefore the values are recommended for design.
During the course of construction, groundwater will be encountered in superficial deposits. These
will have to be controlled and the water disposed of in accordance with Natural Resources Wales
guidelines. In addition, exposed glacial till formation is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ and therefore,
any formation in glacial till, if wetted up, may have lower undrained shear strength than
anticipated.
The construction of the foundations will have to be carried out in phases so that the existing flow
of traffic can be maintained on the A465 carriageway.

Piled foundations are suggested for the foundations of both abutment and wingwalls, anticipated
to be founded on bedrock. All soft material at the surface should be removed prior to construction
and replaced with granular engineered fill beneath the proposed structure foundations.
Further investigations, such as additional boreholes, are also recommended to determine the
nature and engineering properties of the glacial till and level of bedrock at the abutment.
Court Lodge Bridge

B.24 Vale of Neath Railway Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Page 1 of 6
Structure Name: Vale of Neath Railway Bridge Date: March 2017

i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to
East and West Abutment: 3/BH152 Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun to
(Exploration Associates Ltd. 1997). and Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and Exploratory
SN90NE33A, SN90NE33B, Hole Location Drawings, Drawing No.
SN90NE33C (John Laing and Soc Ltd, BTI015586/11/171.
1957). (See Appendix-A). ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to
Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative Report on
Preliminary Ground Investigation, Cardiff, Report
Note: Due to the limited available No. BTI.015586/D4/118.
recent exploratory holes, relevant
iii. John Laing and Son Limited (1957). Hiwaun-
historic boreholes have also been used
Abergavenny Trunk Road – Exploratory holes.
for this structure.
Investigation no:SS/399.
iv. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465
Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling Section 3.
Volume Three of Nine, Factual Report on Ground
v. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2007)
Welsh Assembly Government, A465 Trunk Road,
Principal Inspection Report On: Vale Of Neath
Railway Bridge. Report No. A60150/02/01.
vi. BGS Boreholes
http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.ht
ml
vii. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6 Technical
viii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling
Sections 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report.
Report No. B2191100/D2/1/040.
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Sections 5 & 6 – Vale of
Neath Railway Bridge General Arrangement,
Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-
0900
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new single span
integral deck underbridge structure comprising a pre-stressed beam & slab portal. The new
structure is proposed to be 51.5m long and 25.1m wide with a 17.0m skew span (Drawing No.
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0900).
The existing structure is a single span, simply supported, steel beam and reinforced concrete
composite deck (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2007). The steel beams are cased in
reinforced concrete and reinforced concrete cantilever walls support the bridge deck with cast in
situ concrete pile foundations. The proposed carriageway level is anticipated to vary from 196.0m
AOD to 193.0m AOD from east to west respectively.
Vale of Neath Railway Bridge

Page 2 of 6

≈ 190.3m AOD to 189.6m AOD (west and east side of the bridge, respectively, from recent
topographic survey)
The ground level for the underlying railway lines is approximately 186.7mAOD.

West Abutment:
(Ref: 3/BH152 and Geological long section)
Existing ground level: ≈ 190.3m AOD (track level beneath bridge is approximately 186.7m
AOD)

(m AOD) (m bgl)
SAND, gravel, cobbles and
Glacial Till boulders of sandstone,
190.34 0.00 1.00
(Granular) siltstone and quartz
conglomerate
Firm to stiff slightly silty
Glacial Till
189.34 1.00 6.55 CLAY with gravels of
(Cohesive)
mudstone
Dense slightly sandy silty fine
to coarse GRAVEL of
Glacial Till
182.79 7.55 3.00 sandstone, siltstone and
(Granular)
quartz conglomerate with
cobbles
Glacial Till Stiff slightly silty CLAY with
179.79 10.55 1.50
(Cohesive) gravels of mudstone
Slightly to moderately
weathered, moderately weak
to moderately strong, thinly
Lower Coal bedded MUDSTONE with
178.29 12.05 > 7.95
Measures carbonised plant remains
underlain by slightly
weathered, moderately
strong SILTSTONE

Page 3 of 6
East Abutment:
(Ref: Interpreted from 3/BH152, SN/90NE/33A, SN90NE33B, SN90NE33C and Geological long
section)
Existing ground level: ≈ 190.0m AOD (track level beneath bridge is approximately 186.7m
AOD)
Ground Level Depth to top of

Stratum Elevation stratum Thickness (m) Description
(m AOD) (m bgl)
Firm to stiff slightly silty
Glacial Till
190.0 0.00 6.6 CLAY with gravels of
(Cohesive)
mudstone
Dense slightly sandy silty fine
to coarse GRAVEL of
Glacial Till
183.4 Absent to 6.6 1.4 sandstone, siltstone and
(Granular)
quartz conglomerate with
cobbles
Glacial Till Stiff slightly silty CLAY with
182.0 8.0 1.0
(Cohesive) gravels of mudstone
weathered, moderately weak
to moderately strong, thinly
Lower Coal bedded MUDSTONE with
181.0 9.0 > 8.0
Measures carbonised plant remains
underlain by slightly
strong SILTSTONE
Note: It is anticipated that the bedrock will be encountered at a slightly higher elevation at the
east abutment (approx. 9.0m bgl, 181m AOD) than the west abutment, following the shallow dip
of the rock from the east towards the west.
Groundwater:
At 3/BH152, groundwater was encountered in the form of seepage from the glacial till at 8.0mbgl
(182.3m AOD). Groundwater level assumed to be at approximately 8.0mbgl (182.3m AOD) for
design purposes. Artesian groundwater was encountered in nearby boreholes 3/BH151 as well as
3/BH154 and therefore further investigation is recommended to quantify the risks to the
construction works.

Page 4 of 6
Stratum Cohesion, Angle of cu mv E’
γb
3
(Mg/m )
cp’, Friction,
(kN/m2) φp’, ° (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
30

0 36 - -
(Granular) (z = metres
2.00 below
5.0m.bgl)
75 20
Glacial Till 75+ 10z 20 + 3z

2 32
(Cohesive) (z = meters 0.1 (z = metres
2.10 below below
2.0m.bgl) 5.0m.bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
(Mg/m ) (MPa)
Parameters
Lower Coal
2.50 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Measures -
Sandstone
Lower Coal
2.50 10 35 8 0.7 150
Measures -
Mudstone
Piled foundations are considered the most appropriate design option for the abutments.
 The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the structure foundation is 13406kN.
Assuming a pile group of No. 36 per abutment (18 by 2, as suggested by Drawing
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0900 the total load per pile is 373kN.
 As this bridge is an integral bridge, due to the expansion of the deck, it is feasible that
much of the load will be applied to one row of piles with the other row in tension. For
design, it is assumed that the full loading is carried by one row of piles.
West:
 Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the glacial till (cohesive and granular) and
the extent of the glacial till, it is proposed that this abutment is founded on piles socketed
at least 3.0m into the bedrock.
 Bedrock is encountered at approximately 178.3m AOD, corresponding with approximately
12.05m below existing ground level and 8.4m below the ground level of the underlying
railway lines).
 Assuming 0.6m diameter piles, a minimum rocket socket of 3.0m is required,
corresponding with pile length of 11.5m and with a toe elevation of 175.0m AOD.

Page 5 of 6
East:
 Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the glacial till (cohesive and granular) and
the extent of the glacial till, it is proposed that this abutment is founded on piles socketed
at least 3.0m into the bedrock.
 Bedrock is encountered at approximately 181.0m AOD, corresponding with approximately
9.0m below existing ground level and 5.7m below the ground level of the underlying
railway lines.
 Assuming 0.6m diameter piles, a minimum rocket socket of 3.0m is required,
corresponding with pile length of 9.0m and with a toe elevation of 178.0m AOD.
Buried Concrete:
No chemical testing for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures was
undertaken within 3/BH152 as part of the preliminary ground investigation. However chemical
testing was undertaken on three samples collected from exploratory hole 3/BH151 (located
approximately 40m east of the proposed structure): one from within the made ground and two
from within the glacial till.
The results suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in
Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on
samples collected across the whole route of section 6 and therefore the values are recommended
for design.
The existing traffic flow will have to be maintained during the construction works and the
foundations will have to be constructed in phase.
In addition, exposed cohesive glacial till is susceptible to ‘softening on wetting up and hence
could be an issue for earthworks.
proposed that the ground beneath the proposed foundations should be investigated thoroughly
for condition and the presence of possible mineworkings or voids. Any voids or mineworkings
encountered will be grouted.

Piled foundations founded in bedrock for both abutments are considered the most appropriate
design options.
Further investigation of the artesian groundwater is recommended to quantify the risks to the
construction works. Further ground investigations, such as additional exploratory holes and
probing, are also recommended at the proposed location of the abutments to confirm the location
and nature of the glacial till and bedrock. If any voids or mineworkings are encountered during the
probing investigations, they may require grouting.

Page 6 of 6
Design sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) have been estimated for
confirm these values.
Pile Design 3.0m rock socket

Structure Founding Toe level Pile diameter Pile length Pile working
Element Stratum load
(mAOD) (m) (m)
(kN per pile)
West Bedrock 175 0.6 11.5 746
abutment
East Bedrock 178 0.6 9.0 746
abutment

B.25 Vale of Neath Footbridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Page 1 of 6
Structure Name: Vale of Neath Footbridge Date: March 2017
Prepared: SN/LK Checked: CR Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 4470 m (About 100m north from the existing A465 carriageway)
i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to
North abutment: Historic BH 57, 58 and Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun to
59 (BGS Reference: SN90NE33; Grid Baverstock, Scheme Proposals and Exploratory
Reference : 297320,205500) Hole Location Drawings, Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/171.
South abutment: 3/BH153, 3/BH152 ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to
(Exploration Associates Ltd. 1997), Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative Report on
Historic BH 54 (BGS Reference: Preliminary Ground Investigation, Cardiff, Report
SN90NE33; Grid Reference : No. BTI.015586/D4/118.
297320,205500)
iii. John Laing and Son Limited (1957). Hirwaun-
Abergavenny Trunk Road – Exploratory holes.
Investigation no: SS/399. BGS Reference:
SN90NE33; Grid Reference: 297320,205500.
Note: Due to the limited available
recent exploratory holes at this iv. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465
location, relevant historic boreholes Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling Section 3.
have also been used for this structure. Volume Three of Nine, Factual Report on Ground
v. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2007)
Welsh Assembly Government, A465 Trunk Road,
Principal Inspection Report On: Vale Of Neath
Railway Bridge. Report No. A60150/02/01.
vi. BGS Boreholes
http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.ht
ml
Sections 5 and 6 Ground Investigation Report.
Report No. B2191100/D2/1/040.
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Sections 5 & 6 – Vale of
Neath Railway NMU Footbridge General
Arrangement, Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-
DE-SE-1600-0950
Proposed Structure
The current proposal is to build a new single span NMU (Non-Motorised User) bridge, which is
100 m north-west of the Vale of Neath bridge, over the existing railway tracks. The new footbridge
is proposed to be approximately 32.9 m long and 3.50 m wide with a 29.4m clear span. This
structure is to be designed for equestrian use and hence it requires a ramp on either side as well
as a minimum headroom of 3.7m. The height of the bridge over the railway tracks is a minimum
of 5.2m as shown on Drawing no. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0950.
North ≈ 193.2 to 193.9 m AOD, South ≈ 189.2 to 189.8 m AOD
The existing ground level for the underlying railway track is approximately 188 to 188.6 m AOD
Vale of Neath Footbridge

Page 2 of 6
The proposed (under) level of the bridge is 193.6 m AOD.

North Abutment Due to unavailable boreholes from the Exploration Associates Ground
Investigation, historic boreholes BH 57, 58 and 59 (BGS Reference: SN90NE33; Grid Reference:
297320, 205500) were consulted. These historic boreholes were drilled at the end of November
1957 and approximately 100m east of the NMU structure.
Existing ground level: ≈ 193.9 to 193.2 m AOD (Topographic Survey)
Top of stratum
Elevation Depth to top of
Stratum (m AOD) stratum Thickness (m) Description
(m bgl)
Min Max
Topsoil 186.8 0.00 0.15 to 0.91 Topsoil
Made
Driller’s description: Black
Ground 186.7 0.15 0.31
Crushed cinder
(Granular)(1)
Glacial Till Firm to stiff sandy grey CLAY
185.8 186.4 0.5 to 0.91 3.2
(Cohesive)(2) with ‘shale fragments’
Laminated weathered
SHALE. From 181.6 m AOD,
it is fine grained grey
Lower Coal Not proven
182.5 183.1 3.7 to 4.3(3) SANDSTONE with thin bands
Measures >6.1
of siltstone, underlain by
laminated grey SILTSTONE
with traces of coal
Notes:
Please note that the above ground information is from historic boreholes, due to unavailable
Exploration Associates borehole at the location, and these historic boreholes are located
approximately 100 m east of the NMU bridge.
(1) Only encountered in Historic Borehole BH 59
(2) Encountered soft to firm light grey clay in Historic Borehole BH 58
(3) The depth to the top of Lower Coal measures increases up to 11m from existing ground level
using the topographic survey results

Page 3 of 6
South Abutment
3/BH153, 3/BH152 (Exploration Associates Ltd. 1997), Historic boreholes BH 52, 54 (BGS
Reference: SN90NE33; Grid Reference: 297320, 205500)
Borehole 3/BH153 is the closest borehole to the South Abutment and is located 70 m south of the
structure. The historic boreholes and 3/BH152 are located approximately 120 m east of the
structure.
Existing ground level: ≈ 189.2 to 189.8 m AOD (from Topographic survey)
Depth to
Top of stratum
top of
Stratum Elevation Thickness (m) Description
stratum
(m AOD)
(m bgl)
Stiff slightly silty slightly
Made sandy (fine to coarse) CLAY
Ground with some fine to coarse
187.9 191.2 0 4.6 to 6.5
(Cohesive) angular to subangular gravel
(1)
of slag and clinker
Very stiff from 5.2 m bgl
Stiff to very stiff slightly silty
slightly sandy CLAY with
some medium to coarse
Glacial Till
subangular to subrounded
(Cohesive) 188 181.4 4.6 to 6.5 5.3
(2) gravel and cobbles of
sandstone, quartzite,
limestone with rare fine
angular gravel of coal
Dark grey thickly laminated to
thinly bedded slightly
weathered MUDSTONE
moderately weak to
Lower Coal moderately strong with
>8
Measures 178.3 183 4 to 12 occasional plant remains.
(3,4) Not proven
From 175 m AOD : grey
thickly laminated to medium
SILTSTONE moderately
strong.
Note:
Please note that the above ground information is from historic boreholes and Exploration
Associates boreholes that are located far away (approx. 70 to 125 m ) from the structure, due to
unavailable Exploration Associates borehole at the proposed structure location.
(1) From borehole 3/BH153 and historic borehole BH 52
(2) From borehole 3/BH153, historic boreholes BH 52 and BH 54
(3) From borehole 3/BH152, historic boreholes BH 52 and BH 54
(4) Flush returns within the bedrock were recorded as ‘good’ with values of 63% to 80% recorded
towards the top of the bedrock unit and with the majority of values between 92% and 100% at
deeper depths.

Page 4 of 6
Groundwater
Within 3/BH153, groundwater was encountered within the cohesive glacial till at 7.5 m bgl (180.4
m AOD), rising up to 5.7 m bgl (182.2 m AOD) within twenty minutes.
Within 3/BH152, groundwater was encountered in the form of seepage from a layer of granular
glacial till at 8.0mbgl (182.3m AOD). An overnight standing water level of 12.30m bgl (178.0m
AOD) was also recorded the following morning.
Groundwater level in both boreholes is at approximately 182.3m AOD which corresponds to
approximately 9.4 m bgl and 5 m bgl beneath the north and south abutments, respectively.
Therefore, for design purpose, groundwater level was assumed to be at 5 m bgl.
Groundwater information recorded from historic boreholes were not used due to the age of the
borehole and information (collected at the end of November/beginning of December 1957).
are applicable:
Cohesion Angle of cu mv E’
γb
Stratum cp’, Friction,
(Mg/m3)
(kN/m2) φp’, ° (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
Made
Ground 50 0.13 7.5
2.0 0 32
(Cohesive/
(1)
Granular)
75 20
Glacial Till 0.1

2.1 2 32 75+ 10z (where 20 + 3z
(Cohesive)
z is metres (where z is metres
below 2m bgl) below 5 m bgl)
30
Glacial Till
2.0 0 36 - - 30 + 17z
(Granular)
(where z is metres
below 5 m bgl)
γb UCS
Bedrock 3 GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
Lower Coal
2.50 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Measures -
Sandstone
Lower Coal
Measures – 2.50 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone
and Siltstone
(1) Please note that parameters of Made Ground Cohesive have been reduced from the global
parameters due to the uncertainty of the nature of Made Ground at this location.

Page 5 of 6
North abutment
It is estimated that the proposed foundation for the north abutment will be founded on cohesive
glacial till and the foundation level will be approximately 191.65 m AOD. The safe bearing
2
capacity of the cohesive glacial till is estimated at approximately 140 kN/m based on the
description of ‘firm to stiff CLAY’. The maximum estimated load to be applied to the north
abutment foundation is 360 kN. Based on the proposed foundation length of 5 m and width of 2.1
m (Drawing no. 2191100-JAC-DE-SE-1600-0950), the load per foundation area is 35 kN/m2. The
total settlement for the load applied is estimated to be of the order 10 to 15mm.
South abutment
The south abutment is estimated to be founded on either cohesive glacial till or cohesive made
ground and the estimated foundation level is approximately 187.4 m AOD. The safe bearing
capacity is estimated to be at 100 kN/m2. The maximum estimated load, is however slightly higher
than the north abutment, at 385 kN. Based on the same proposed foundation dimensions as the
2
north abutment, the load per foundation area is 40 kN/m . The total settlement for the load
applied is estimated to be of the order 15 to 20 mm.
Buried Concrete
investigation. Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance
with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1
were therefore assumed for buried structures at this location. These correspond with the
conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section
6 and therefore the values are recommended for design. Further chemical testing in the area is
recommended to confirm if these results are applicable.
Construction Issues
It should be noted that glacial till is susceptible to ‘wetting-up’ upon exposure and therefore, may
have lower undrained shear strength than anticipated.
proposed that the ground beneath the proposed foundations should be investigated for the
presence of possible mineworkings or voids. Any voids or mineworkings encountered should be
grouted.

Spread foundations within the cohesive glacial till for both abutments are considered the most
appropriate design options.
The current design is based on historic boreholes and Exploration Associates boreholes which
are located (50 to 125 metres away from the structure). Further ground investigations, such as
additional exploratory holes and probing are thus recommended at the proposed location of the
abutments to confirm the location and nature of the superficial deposits and bedrock. If any voids
or mineworkings are encountered during the probing investigations, they should be grouted.

Page 6 of 6
Design sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) have been estimated for
confirm these values.

B.26 Court Farm Underpass
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Court Farm Underpass Date: June 2017
Prepared: SN Checked: CR / LK Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: 4140m
3/BH154 i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny
to Hirwaun Dualling Section Exploratory
Hole Location Drawings, Drawing No.
BTI015586/11/172.

BTI.015586/D4/118.

iv. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy

(2004) Welsh Assembly Government,
A465 Trunk Road, Principal Inspection
Report On: Court Farm Cattle Creep.
Report No. A40150/12/02.
v. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6


Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.

Court Farm Underpass General
Arrangements, Drawing No.2191100-
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to demolish the existing underpass and build a new cast in situ concrete
box underpass with reinforced concrete wingwalls. The carriageway alignment is also moved
slightly south. The proposed width and length of the underpass is 5.5m and 24.5 m respectively.
The length of the reinforced concrete wingwalls are 9 m in the east and 8m in the west. The
minimum headroom inside the concrete box varies from 3.7 to 4.5 m and thickness of the base
and roof slab is 0.45m (Jacobs, 2016).
The existing structure consists of a reinforced concrete slab supported on propped cantilever
walls 4.57m apart, the internal height being 3.35m (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2004).
The invert is formed in mass concrete which is independent of the structure. Below the invert,
reinforced concrete struts provide restraint to the cantilever walls.
1-4

The current A465 carriageway level is approximately 179.5 m AOD and the new proposed
carriageway level is 179.9 m AOD. The current underpass foundation level is at 174.9 m AOD on
the northern side and 173.9 m AOD on the southern side.
Approximate ground level beneath the proposed underpass is 174.0 m AOD.

(3/BH154)
Existing ground level: ≈ 174m AOD

(m AOD) (m bgl)
Tarmac and hardcore fill
underlain by loose to medium
Made dense clayey silty sandy
Ground 174.0 0.00 2.00 GRAVEL with cobbles of
(Granular) sandstone, limestone, slag
and occasional lenses of
peat
Stiff to very stiff slightly
Glacial Till
172.0 2.00 1.70 sandy silty CLAY with gravel
(Cohesive)
of sandstone and quartzite
Medium dense to dense
slightly silty clayey sandy fine
Glacial Till
170.3 3.70 1.30 to medium COBBLES and
(Granular)
gravel of carbonaceous
sandstone
strong to strong, locally weak
to moderately weak thinly
Lower Coal bedded SANDSTONE
169.0 5.00 > 14.65
Measures underlain by slightly
strong, thickly laminated to
medium bedded, slightly
sandy SILTSTONE
Groundwater:
Groundwater was struck in 3/BH154 at 3.7mbgl (170.3m AOD) and rose to 2.4mbgl (171.6 m
AOD) after 20 minutes. Overnight seepages from the bedrock into this borehole are also noted,
and the highest recorded groundwater level was 0.6m above existing ground level (174.6m AOD)
(artesian conditions).
A piezometer was installed in this exploratory hole with a response zone between 3.0mbgl
(171.0m AOD) and 5.0mbgl (169.0m AOD) within the glacial till. The highest groundwater level
recorded was 0.24mbgl (173.75m AOD).
2-4

The ground conditions described above suggest that the global parameters from Jacobs GIR,
2016 (given below) are applicable.
Angle of cu mv E’
Bulk density, Cohesion,
(Mg/m ) cp’, (kN/m ) 2 2
φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
Made Ground
2.0 - 32 0.1 20
(Granular)
20
75
20 + 3z
75 + 10 z
Glacial Till
2.1 2 32 0.1 (z =
metres
below 2 m
below 5 m
bgl)
bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
2.0 - 36 - - (z =
(Granular)
metres
below 5 m
bgl)
Bedrock Bulk density,

3 UCS (MPa) GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
parameters (Mg/m )
Lower Coal
Measures –
2.5 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone &
Siltsone
Lower Coal
Measures – 2.5 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Sandstone
It is not proposed to found the new culvert on the Made Ground. The Made Ground contains
lenses of peat and as such, there would be a risk of adverse differential settlements across the
culvert if this was left in place beneath the culvert. It is suggested that the Made Ground is
excavated and replaced with compacted Class 6N/6P granular fill material. The estimated culvert
2
loading is off the order of 75 kN/m . The safe bearing capacity of the 6N/6P fill material is
estimated to be about 250kN/m . Estimated settlements, under the culvert load of 75 kN/m2 , are
2
of the order of 10 – 15mm.

The construction of the wingwalls either side of the underpass portal will also need to be
considered during design. It is anticipated that these will require their own foundations. It should
be noted that approximately half of the total settlements are expected to be completed soon after
construction.
3-4
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on one groundwater sample from within the glacial till as part of
the preliminary ground investigation. The results indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for
Concrete ACEC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed
from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section 6 and therefore the
values are recommended for design.
The existing structure will have to be supported during the construction phase to stop possible
undermining of the foundations.
Excavation may also encounter groundwater which will need to be controlled. It is not anticipated
that artesian groundwater will be encountered as excavation does not extend beneath the
cohesive Glacial Till deposits.
It is suggested that Made Ground beneath the proposed culvert is removed and replaced with
compacted granular fill (Class 6N/6P). The allowable bearing capacity of the compacted granular
fill is of the order of 250 kN/m2.
Further ground investigations are recommended along the proposed length of the structure to
confirm the type and condition of the existing foundation and the nature of the founding material.
Further investigation of the artesian groundwater is also recommended to quantify the risks to the
construction works.
Design sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) has been assumed for
4-4
B.27 Afon Cynon Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Afon Cynon Bridge Date: March 2017

i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
East Abutment: 3/BH156 Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun to Baverstock, Scheme
Proposals and Exploratory Hole Location Drawings,
Historic boreholes No. 36 – 40 Drawing No. BTI015586/11/172.
(SN90NE27A - SN90NE27E) from ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun
John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) Dualling, Interpretative Report on Preliminary Ground
ground investigation were also used Investigation, Cardiff, Report No. BTI.015586/D4/118.
for reference. iii. Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) A465 Abergavenny
to Hirwaun Dualling Section 3. Volume Three of Nine,
West Abutment: 3/BH157 166001-3.
iv. John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) Hirwaun –
Historic boreholes No. 41 – 46 Abergavenny Trunk Road – Exploratory holes.
(SN90NE27F - SN90NE27K) from Investigation No. SS/399.
John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) v. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy (2005) Welsh
ground investigation were also used Assembly Government, A465 Trunk Road, Principal
for reference. Inspection Report On: Afon Cynon Bridge. Report No.
A40150/11/02.
vi. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA Special
Publication 32: Construction over abandoned mine
workings.
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling -
Sections 5 and 6, Ground Investigation Report. Report
No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040
x. Jacobs (2016) Afon Cynon Bridge General
Arrangement. Drawing. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-
1600-0700.
Proposed Structure
The current proposal is to replace the existing bridge with a wider reinforced concrete slab
integral bridge. The existing bridge is a 3 span concrete beam and slab structure as detailed by
the Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy report (2007). The proposed replacement structure is a
reinforced concrete integral bridge, 26.1m wide with a 16.7m clear span (17.7m square span) as
shown in Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0700.

Maximum ≈ 173.0m AOD to 178.9m AOD (from relevant boreholes located either side of the
River Cynon, east to west). The existing carriageway level is approximately 173.9m AOD in the
centre of the span (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy, 2007). It is proposed that the new
carriageway level will be approximately 175.0m AOD.
1-7 Afon Cynon Bridge

Minimum ≈ 167.0m AOD (river banks of the River Cynon at approximate water level, estimated
from topographic survey)

East Abutment (3/BH156 and BHs 40 - 46)
Existing ground level: ≈ 167.00m AOD to 169.00m AOD (river bank and approximate abutment
locations respectively, from topographic survey). The proposed abutment is set back
approximately 5.0m from the river bank edge.
Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) boreholes and historic boreholes No. 41 – 46 (SN90NE27F -
SN90NE27K) from John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) ground investigation were used to estimate
the ground conditions at this structure location.
Borehole 3/BH156 is located approximately 10m northeast of the proposed abutment location and
at an elevation approximately 4.0m higher. The following ground profile description below the
abutment location has therefore been estimated from both the historic boreholes 40 – 46 and
borehole 3/BH156, starting from an elevation of 169m AOD (4.0m depth into borehole 3/BH156)
to reflect the ground level at the location of the abutment.

Top of Stratum
Elevation (m Depth to top
Thickness
Stratum AOD) of stratum Description
(m)
(m bgl)
Max Min
Sandy topsoil with fine to coarse gravel
Topsoil 169.0 167.4 0 0 – 1.2
and cobbles
‘Sand and gravel’ (compact, fine to
Glacial Till coarse sand with fine to coarse gravel,
169.0 167.0 0 – 1.2 1.2 - 5.6
(Granular) cobbles and boulders. Some areas are
clayey.)
Firm grey, mottled sandy clay with fine
to coarse gravel of rock fragments
Weathered
(siltstone, mudstone, shale). Also
Lower Coal 166.4 164.4 2.0 – 4.6 0 – 4.6
described as ‘grey shaly siltstone with
Measures
bands of weathering’ and ‘weathered
laminated mudstone’.
Interbedded slightly weathered,
moderately strong laminated
Lower Coal MUDSTONE, slightly weathered, strong
166.4 160.7 1.95 – 7.3 > 10.0
Measures SANDSTONE with some areas of
interbedded SANDSTONE and
SILTSTONE
Note: There are no records of mineworkings in the vicinity of this structure. However, highly
fractured rock strata, frequent zones of core loss, reduced flush returns and a 2.2m band of gravel
occurring from 12.5mbgl to 14.7mbgl (160.5m AOD to 158.3m AOD) were recorded. These could be
associated with drilling disturbance (from ODEX- open hole and rotary drilling methods) or past
unrecorded mining activities. Coal bands were encountered in historic boreholes 43, 44, 45 and 46.
It should also be noted that the ‘Sand and gravel’ driller description given in 3/BH156 may include
some of the weathered bedrock towards the base of the Glacial Till (Granular) stratum. It is also
possible that the ‘Sand and gravel’ recorded is totally fractured/destructed bedrock disturbed by the
drilling processes. Further investigations would be needed to confirm this.
The weathered bedrock level is noted to be just below the river level (167.0m AOD) at this abutment.

West Abutment (3/BH157 and BHs 36 – 40)

Existing ground level: ≈ 167.0m AOD to 170.0m AOD (river bank and abutment location
respectively). The proposed abutment is set back approximately 4.0m from the river bank edge.
Exploration Associates Ltd (1997) boreholes and historic boreholes No. 36 – 40 (SN90NE27A -
SN90NE27E) from John Laing and Son Ltd (1958) ground investigation were used to estimate
the ground conditions at this structure location.
Borehole 3/BH157 is located approximately 10m southwest of the proposed abutment location
and at an elevation approximately 10m higher. The following ground profile description below the
abutment locations has therefore been estimated from both borehole 3/BH157 and the historic
boreholes 36 – 40, starting from an elevation of 170m AOD (9.0m depth into borehole 3/BH157)
to reflect the ground level at the location of the abutment.
Top of Stratum
Elevation Depth to top
Stratum (m AOD) of stratum Thickness (m) Description
(m bgl)
Max Min
(1)
Peat 170.0 0 0 - 0.15 ‘Soft Peat’
Firm to stiff, brownish to blueish

Glacial Till clay with layers of brown and blue
170.0 169.85 0 – 0.15 0 – 1.65
(Cohesive) shale, becoming more granular
towards the base.
Non intact MUDSTONE
Weathered recovered as fine to coarse
Lower Coal 170.0 168.6 0.0 – 1.4 0 – 1.4 GRAVEL and firm to stiff clay,
Measures interbedded with weathered
mudstone.
Slightly to moderately weathered,
very weak to moderately strong
MUDSTONE underlain by slightly
weathered and moderately strong
Lower Coal
169.0 167.2 1.0 – 2.8 > 10.0 to very weak SILTSTONE
Measures
underlain by slightly weathered,
SANDSTONE. Interbeds of
ironstone and coal.
Note: (1) Encountered in historic borehole 38, 39 and 40
Interbeds of ironstone and coal are recorded within the mudstone and siltstone strata respectively;
however there are no records of mineworkings in the vicinity of this structure. These strata are
however highly fractured and zones of core loss are frequently recorded. These could be associated
with drilling disturbance (from ODEX-open hole and rotary drilling methods) or past mining activities
(e.g. unrecorded collapsed mineworkings). Coal bands were encountered in historic boreholes 38
and 40 and borehole 3/BH157.

Groundwater
Near to the east abutment location, an overnight standing water level of 10.1mbgl (163.0m AOD)
was noted in 3/BH156 on reaching 10.2m depth (162.9m AOD). A standpipe was installed in this
borehole with response zone within the glacial till between 1.5m (171.6m AOD) and 10.3mbgl
(162.7m AOD). The highest recorded groundwater level was 5.36mbgl (167.7m AOD).
To the west of the bridge, a slight seepage was noted in 3/BH157 at 7.0mbgl (171.9m AOD)
during the drilling operations within fractured mudstone.
River level is anticipated to be approximately 167.0m AOD.

These values have been taken from the Jacobs GIR (2016). They are similar to the site specific
values estimated from the limited available in-situ and laboratory tests carried out in 3/BH156 and
3/BH157. However, the GIR values are more conservative and therefore are suggested at this
location.
Angle of cu mv E’
Cohesion,
Stratum γb Friction,
cp’, (kN/m2) (kN/m ) 2 2
(m /MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3) φp’, °
75 20
75+ 10z 20 + 3z
Glacial Till
2 32 0.1
(Cohesive)
2.10 (z = metres (z = metres
below below
2.0m.bgl) 5.0m.bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
0 36 - - (z = metres
(Granular)
2.00 below
5.0m.bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.50 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Sandstone
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.50 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone
N/B cp’ and φp’ refer to peak cohesion and peak angle of friction respectively.

With bedrock at relatively shallow depth at each abutment, it is considered reasonable to found
the new bridge structure on pad footing bearing on the rock (i.e. similar to the existing bridge).
However, excavation into the hillside to form the foundations could require significant temporary
works to avoid extensive excavations up-the-slope and also to maintain traffic flow on the existing
bridge during the works. On this basis, it may be preferable to adopt piled foundations at each
abutment, with the pile caps formed at a higher elevation, to limit the amount of excavation
required. The piles would be socketed into bedrock.
East Abutment
The top of the weathered bedrock is anticipated to be at about 164m to 166m AOD at this
abutment location (corresponding with approximately 3.0m to 5.0m bgl). The estimated total
maximum load to be applied to the structure foundation is 16600kN. Assuming this total
maximum vertical load and a pad size of say 4m x 30m (estimated from Drawing 2191100-JAC-
SBR-DE-SE-1600-0700), the bearing pressure is estimated to be of the order of 150kN/m2. This
is well within the allowable bearing capacity of the weathered Lower Coal Measures. Settlement is
anticipated to be less than 10mm.
Alternatively, as indicated above, piled foundations socketed into the bedrock are suggested, with
the pile cap constructed at or near existing ground level. Competent bedrock is anticipated at
162.0m AOD (7.0m bgl) corresponding with the ‘moderately strong’ mudstone of the Lower Coal
Measures. Assuming the base of the pile cap is 0.5m bgl (where ground level is 169.0m AOD at
the abutment location), the cut off level (COL) for the pile corresponds with 168.5m AOD.
Assuming a pile group of 26 no. 0.75m diameter piles per abutment (13 by 2, as indicated in
Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0700), the total load per pile would be of the order of
640kN. However, as this bridge is an integral bridge, it is feasible that thermal expansion and
contraction of the deck could result in the entire load being applied to one row of piles, with the
other row being in tension. This therefore increases the potential load per pile to about 1280kN. A
minimum rock socket length of 3.0m is therefore suggested, corresponding to a pile length of
9.5m. However, due to the numerous sections of core loss and low RQD values recorded within
borehole 3/BH156, it is suggested that the pile rock socket is increased to 5.0m, corresponding
with a competent sandstone layer. This gives a pile length of 11.5m (pile toe level at 157.0m
AOD). Settlement of the piles is anticipated to be less than 10mm.
West Abutment
Weathered bedrock is anticipated at or very near ground level (170.0m AOD) to 167.2m AOD
(approximately 2.8m bgl) at this abutment location. On this basis, it would be feasible to support
the bridge on a shallow pad foundation. Based on the anticipated loading (16600 kN) and a 4m x
30m pad, the bearing pressure will be of the order of 150kN/m2 , which is well within the allowable
bearing capacity of the weathered Lower Coal Measures. Settlement is anticipated to be less than
10mm.
Alternatively, piled foundations could be adopted, with the pile cap constructed at or near existing
ground level (assume 0.5m bgl; 169.5m AOD). At the location of the proposed abutment,
competent bedrock is anticipated at about 167m AOD (3.0m bgl) corresponding with the ‘weak’
mudstone and siltstone of the Lower Coal Measures. Assuming a pile group of 26 no. 0.75m
diameter piles per abutment (13 by 2, as indicated in Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-
0700), the total load per pile would be of the order of 640kN. However, as indicate above, this
could increase to about 1280kN due to the bridge deck being cast integral with the abutments. A
minimum rock socket length of 3.0m is therefore suggested, corresponding with a pile length of
5.5m (pile toe at 164m AOD). At this depth however, the rock is described as very weak to weak,
with RQD values of zero. It is therefore suggested that the rock socket is extended to 161.5m

AOD (8.0m long pile), to found in the moderately strong sandstone beneath the fractured layers.
Settlement of the piles is anticipated to be less than 10mm.
Buried Concrete
Chemical testing was undertaken on one sample from 3/BH157 within the bedrock as part of the
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate Class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed
from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section 6 and therefore these
Construction Issues
Mineworkings or voids are potentially present. Prior to construction, it is proposed that the ground
beneath the abutments will be probed and any voids encountered will be grouted.
To the south of the west abutment, a small spring within the bedrock outcrop was observed
during a site visit. The control and disposal of groundwater will have to be addressed by the
Contractor.
The site of the structure is within a floodplain and therefore a number of environmental issues and
concerns surround further development of the site.

Pad foundations would be the simplest option for this structure due to the relatively shallow depth
to weathered bedrock. However, due to access constraints of the site and the need for extensive
temporary works to support the excavation, piled foundations socketed into the bedrock are
suggested for both abutments at this design stage.
Prior to construction, the area beneath the proposed foundations should be investigated to
identify the presence of possible mineworkings or voids and to confirm the bedrock level. If the
presence of mineworkings or voids are confirmed beneath the structure, they should be grouted
following guidance from the CIRIA special publications 32 (Healy and Head, 1989). The
engineering properties of the material in the footprint of the proposed structure should be
confirmed by additional investigation and testing.

B.28 Pentwyn Cynon (Tramway) Footbridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Pentwyn Cynon (Tramway) Footbridge Date: August 2016
Chainage: 3525m
3/BH159, 3/BH159A, 3/BH159B, 3/BH159BR, i. Babtie Group (2000) A465 Abergavenny
3/BH159C and 3/BH160 to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun

BTI.015586/D4/118.

iv. Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy

(2005) Welsh Assembly Government,
A465 Trunk Road, Principal Inspection
Report On: Pentwyn Cynon Bridge.
Report No. A40150/10/02.
v. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA

vi. Jacobs (2015) A465 Section 5 and 6


Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
viii. Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the

B2191100/D2/1/2/040
ix. Jacobs (2016) A465 Section 5 and 6,

Pentwyn Cynon General Arrangements,
Drawing No.2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-
1600-0600
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to demolish the existing structure and construct a new footbridge as
shown on Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0600. The proposed structure is a single
Pentwyn Cynon (Tramway) Footbridge

31m span warren truss, with steel ramps to the north and earth ramps to the south. The southern
side of the bridge will be resting on SWALEC Pylon secant retaining wall.
The existing structure comprises an in situ reinforced concrete continuous beam and slab bridge
deck comprising a single span with two end cantilevers (Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy,
2005). The deck cantilevers support running-on and running-off slabs. There are curtain walls
suspended from the outer ends of the cantilevers. The bridge deck is supported by stem and
column piers. The existing structure has a central skew span of 15.85m with end cantilevers of
6.1m and a carriageway width of 10.06m (three lanes).
Ground Level:
Existing Ground Level ≈ 183.66m AOD to 190.91m AOD (relevant exploratory holes located at
the locations of the proposed abutments, north and south abutments respectively)
The proposed carriageway level is 183.8 (northern side) to 183m AOD (southern side) and the
underside level of the footbridge is approximately 189 m AOD.


stratum
Topsoil (1) 183.66 185.02 0.00 0.00 0.20 Topsoil

Firm slightly silty, slightly
sandy CLAY with gravel of
Made Ground
190.91 0.00 1.50 mudstone and slag and
(Cohesive) (2)
cobbles of mudstone and
occasional slag
Dense to very dense
slightly clayey silty SAND
Made Ground 0.00 to with gravel and cobbles of
183.46 184.82 0.20
0.30 1.50
(Granular) sandstone, quartzite,
limestone, slag, clinker,
metal brick and plastic
Borehole log describes
this layer as “possible
made ground”.
Medium dense to very
0.45 dense slightly clayey, silty
Glacial Till 0.50 to
183.82 189.41 1.50
(Not 11.50 sandy GRAVEL with
(Granular)
proven) cobbles of sandstone,
quartzite and limestone.
Occasional up to 0.5m
thick layer of silty, very
sandy CLAY.
177.91 – 175.71 m AOD
Open Hole describes the
top few metres as “Soft”
Mudstone.
Interbedded slightly
Lower Coal 6.80 to
177.91 179.17 7.6 >13.20 weathered MUDSTONE
Measures (3) 11.50
weak to moderately weak
with occasional carbonised
plant remains,
SANDSTONE strong and
SILTSTONE moderately
strong to strong.
Note: (1) Encountered in 3/BH159, 3/BH159A and 3/BH159B
(2)
Encountered only in 3/BH160
(3)
Encountered in 3/BH159C and 3/BH160
(4)
Open hole techniques were used in 3/BH159BR and C through the superficial deposits and
through the weathered bedrock in 3/BH160. The ground description and strata boundaries are
therefore uncertain at this location.
All strata encountered are generally highly fractured and zones of core loss and/or loss of flush
returns are frequently recorded.

proposed that the ground beneath the foundations should be investigated for the presence of
possible mineworkings or voids. Any voids or mineworkings encountered should be grouted.
Groundwater:
Groundwater was encountered in 3/BH159 at 1.2 m bgl (182.5 m AOD) which rose to 1.15 m bgl
(182.5 m AOD) within twenty minutes. Groundwater is recorded standing at 185.0m AOD in
3/BH159B, which corresponds with ground level, following an overnight seepage from the made
ground/glacial till interface. Artesian water was also noted in 3/BH159C within the bedrock.
Summary of Soil Parameters :

Cohesion Angle of cu mv E’
γb,
Stratum , cp’, Friction,
(Mg/m3)
(kN/m )
2
φp’, ° (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
20 (between ground
Made Ground (1) level and 2 m bgl)
2.0 2 32 40 0.1
(Cohesive) (1)
30 (below 2 m bgl)
30
Made Ground (1) 30 + 17z

(1) 2.0 - 36 - -
(Granular)
(z = metres below
5 m bgl)
30

2.0 - 36 - -
(Granular)
(z = metres below
5 m bgl)
E’
Bedrock γb, UCS
GSI mi D
(MPa)
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.5 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone
Note : The parameters for Made Ground cohesive and Made Ground granular are modified from
the GIR values to reflect the borehole description at the bridge location.

Abutments
North
On the northern side, two piers from the footbridge are founded on a base with dimensions of 4.5
m length, 1.5 m width and 0.5 m deep. The maximum anticipated load is 125 kN/m2 based on the
previously mentioned foundation dimension. The existing ground level on the northern side is
185.5 m AOD and the proposed carriageway level is 183.8 m AOD. From the drawing 2191100-
JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0600, it is understood that the base is to be buried underneath the side
slope of the proposed carriageway cutting, at approximately 183.3 m AOD. If the base is founded
at 183.3 m AOD, it will be within either granular Made Ground or granular Glacial Till and the
bedrock is anticipated to be at 179.2 m AOD which is approximately 6.3 m below the existing
ground level and 4.6 m below the proposed carriageway level. Based on the previously
mentioned foundation dimensions, a safe bearing capacity of 190 kN/m2 is estimated for granular
glacial till. For an applied loading of 125 kN/m2, estimated settlements are anticipated to be of the
order 20-25mm.
South
The southern side of the bridge will be founded on SWALEC Pylon Retaining Wall which is a
secant piled wall. A minimum rock socket length of 1m is required to support the vertical loading
from the bridge. The piled walls were designed with a toe level of 171 m AOD. For design of the
bridge piles, it proposed that the bridge piles with an additional metre of embedment to allow for
the additional load from the structure (i.e toe level at 170m AOD, depending on the elevation at
which bedrock is encountered).
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on two samples from 3/BH160 as part of the preliminary ground
investigation: one within the made ground and one within the glacial till. The results indicate
Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These
correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the
The contractor will have to control and dispose of any groundwater encountered during the
course of construction. Artesian groundwater was encountered within the bedrock, during ground
investigation. Although it is unlikely to be encountered within the excavation; it needs to be
considered during construction.
The existing and new structure will have to be demolished and constructed in phases to maintain
the flow of traffic on the A465 carriageway.
Further investigations, such as additional exploratory holes, are recommended to identify the
presence of mineworkings or voids beneath the proposed structure and to quantify the problems

that might arise if artesian conditions are encountered. If the presences of mine workings are
confirmed beneath the structure the allowable bearing pressures should be reduced in
accordance with the CIRIA special publications 32 (Healy and Head, 1989).

B.29 Trewaun East Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Trewaun East Overbridge Date: December 2016
Chainage: 3240m
North Abutment: 3/BH164 and 3/BH164A to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun
South Abutment: 3/BH165 and 3/BH166 Exploratory Hole Location Drawings,
BTI.015586/D4/118.
iv. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
B2191100/D2/1/040
viii. Jacobs (2016) Vale of Neath Bridge –
B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0500.
ix. Jacobs (2016) Calculation 4, Secant
Piled Retaining Wall Design at Trewaun
nd
RW1 and RW2, Revision 3, 22 August
2016
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new single span integral structure made of precast
reinforced concrete beams and an in-situ reinforced concrete deck which connects Brecon Road
with the A4059 (Hirwaun Road). The structure is proposed to be approximately 40 m long and 18
m wide. The abutments are anticipated to be founded on 1500 mm diameter piles at 1.8m
spacing forming the Trewaun contiguous piled walls proposed either side of the A465
carriageway.
Trewaun East Bridge


≈ 194.3m AOD to 195.3m AOD (from relevant exploratory holes located near the proposed
abutments, north and south respectively). Proposed A465 carriageway (running beneath bridge)
is approximately 187.9 m AOD and the elevation of the road over the bridge is 195.5 m AOD.
North Abutment (3/BH164 and 3/BH164A)
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Soft to firm silty CLAY with
Made Ground gravel and cobbles of
0.00
(Cohesive) 195.03 1.00 sandstone, quartzite, slag and
limestone
Firm to stiff sandy silty CLAY
Glacial Till
194.03 194.25 0.00 to 1.00 2.00 17.20 with gravel and cobbles of
(Cohesive)
sandstone and quartzite
Medium dense to dense slightly
Glacial Till 2.05 (Not proven
(1) 192.03 3.00 silty sandy GRAVEL of
(Granular) in 3/BH164)
sandstone and quartzite
Interbedded slightly weathered
to fresh, weak MUDSTONE,
slightly weathered, sandy
Lower Coal > 3.85
(2) 177.05 17.20 moderately weak to moderately
Measures (Not proven)
strong SILTSTONE and slightly
weathered to fresh, moderately
strong SANDSTONE.
Note: (1) Granular glacial till encountered in 3/BH164
(2) Lower Coal Measures was only encountered in 3/BH164A
(3) Open hole drilling techniques were used in 3/BH164A between the depths of 0 m bgl to 17.5 m
bgl and therefore the ground profile in this range of depth is uncertain.
Trewaun East Bridge

South Abutment (3/BH165 and 3/BH166)

Existing ground level: ≈ 195.3m AOD to 199.9 m AOD

(m AOD) (m bgl)
Soft to firm slightly silty sandy

Made CLAY with gravel of
Ground 195.3 0.0 2.0 sandstone, siltstone, clinker,
(Cohesive) slag and plastic. Occasional
cobbles and boulders.
Stiff slightly silty, slightly
sandy CLAY with gravel
Glacial Till cobbles and boulders of
193.26 2.00 1.50
(Cohesive) sandstone and siltstone
Description says possible
made ground
Medium dense to very dense
slightly clayey very silty
Glacial Till SAND with gravel and
191.76 3.50 3.00
(Granular) cobbles of sandstone
Description says possible
made ground
Stiff to very stiff slightly
Glacial Till sandy, silty CLAY with gravel
188.76 6.50 10.6
(Cohesive) and cobbles of sandstone
and quartzitic sandstone
MUDSTONE underlain by
slightly weathered, fine
Lower Coal 178.16 to 180 m > 3.15
15.8 to 17.10 grained, very thinly to
Measures AOD (Not proven)
medium bedded, moderately
strong SANDSTONE
Note:
An intermittent layer of glacial till cohesive and granular was present in 3/BH166.
Open hole drilling techniques were used in 3/BH165 between the depths of 9 m bgl (186.3 m AOD)
to 17.1 m bgl (178.2 m AOD). Open hole techniques were also used in 3/BH166 between the
depths of 9.2 m bgl (190.7 m AOD) to 15.8 (180.05 m AOD). Therefore the ground profile in these
ranges of depth is uncertain.
Core loss recorded in borehole 3/BH165 between 17.45mbgl (177.81m AOD) to 18.00mbgl
(177.26m AOD). Core loss was also recorded in borehole 3/BH166 between 7.8 to 8.2 m bgl
(192.05 m AOD to 191.7 m AOD), 15.8 to 16.1 m bgl (184.05 to 183.75 m AOD) and 18.1 to 18.7
m bgl (181.8 to 181.2 m AOD).
Groundwater:
At the north abutment location, groundwater was not encountered in borehole 3/BH164A although
water was noted at ground level when drilling commenced in 3/BH164.
Babtie report (2000) states that in borehole 3/BH165 (south abutment), groundwater was
recorded at 5.9mbgl (189.36m AOD). Groundwater was recorded at 7.75mbgl (187.51m AOD)
Trewaun East Bridge

following overnight seepage, when the depth of the borehole was 19.5mbgl (175.76m AOD). A
standpipe was installed in 3/BH165 with a response zone between 1.50mbgl to 10.0mbgl
(193.76m AOD to 185.26m AOD). The highest recorded water level was 3.2 mbgl (192.1 m
AOD). Groundwater was also recorded in 3/BH166 at 2.5 m bgl (197.35 m AOD).
These values have been taken from the Jacobs GIR (2016).
Stratum γb Cohesion Angle of cu mv E’
, cp’, Friction,
(Mg/m )
3
(kN/m2) φp’, ° (kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(1)
Made Ground 2.0 0 32 50 0.1 20
20
75
20 + 3z
Glacial Till 75+ 10z
0.2 (z = metres
(Cohesive) 2.1 2 32 (z = metres
below
below 2 m bgl)
5.0m.bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
2.0 0 36 - - (z = metres
(Granular)
below
5.0m.bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.50 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone
Lower Coal
Measures - 2.50 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Sandstone
Note (1): The undrained shear strength of Made Ground Cohesive was reduced from GIR values
to reflect the description in site specific boreholes.
The bridge is to be founded on contiguous piled walls and acts as a prop to the wall. The
contiguous walls are 1500 mm in diameter, with 1800mm spacing. The estimated maximum load
from the bridge is 7000 kN. Assuming a pile group of 10 No per abutment (as suggested by
Drawing B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0500) the total load per pile is about 700 kN. A
minimum rock socket length of 1m is required to support the vertical loading from the bridge.
Either side of the bridge, initial consideration was given to adopting contiguous piled retaining
walls to form the road cutting. The contiguous piled walls were designed as a cantilever with a
toe level of 173.2 m AOD). For design of the bridge piles, it proposed that the cantilever design is
applied to the bridge piles with an additional metre of embedment to allow for the additional load
from the structure (i.e toe level at 172.2 m AOD, depending on the elevation at which bedrock is
encountered).
Buried Concrete:
A limited number of sulphate and pH (chemical) tests were carried out on samples taken from the
site specific exploratory holes as part of the preliminary ground investigation: one sample from
within the glacial till in 3/BH164 and one within the glacial till of 3/BH165. The results indicate
Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These
Trewaun East Bridge

correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the
The existing traffic flows from the A4059 Brecon Road will have to be temporarily diverted during
the construction of the bridge. Encroachment on the surrounding houses and buildings will also
need to be managed to prevent damage to structures. There is an existing culvert present
underneath the proposed bridge location, this is proposed to be demolished and relocated to the
east of the new structure. During piling, care should be taken to case the piling when it is drilled
through the existing culvert, so as to prevent the overflow of the concrete to the culvert.
Contiguous piled foundations are suggested for the foundations, socketed at least 4 m within the
bedrock.
Further investigations, such as additional exploratory holes, are also recommended to confirm the
nature and engineering properties of the made ground, glacial till and bedrock at the pile
locations.
Trewaun East Bridge

B.30 Trewaun West Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Trewaun West Overbridge Date: January 2017
Chainage: 3147m
South Abutment: 3/BH166 to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun
North Abutment: 3/BH167 Exploratory Hole Location Drawings,
BTI.015586/D4/118.
iv. Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
B2191100/D2/1/040
viii. Jacobs (2016) Vale of Neath Bridge –
B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0400.
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new single span structure with bearings connecting the
existing A465 road with the Trewaun Junction. The structure is proposed to be approximately 95
m long (including wing walls) and 16.3 m wide. The abutments are anticipated to be founded on
1500 mm diameter contiguous piles at 1.8m spacing.
≈ 197 m AOD(North) to 198.3 m AOD (South) (from the topographic survey)
Proposed A465 carriageway (running beneath bridge) is approximately 188.5 m AOD and the
elevation of the road over the bridge is approximately 197.3 m AOD.
Trewaun West Overbridge


South Abutment (3/BH166)
Existing ground level: ≈ 199.85m AOD

(m AOD) (m bgl)

Soft to stiff slightly sandy silty CLAY
Possible
with gravel, cobbles and boulders of
Solifluction 199.75 0.1 1.10
sandstone. Local lenses of clayey
Deposits
silty sand with gravel.
Medium dense slightly silty slightly
Glacial Till clayey SAND with gravel, cobbles
198.65 1.2 2.25
(Granular) and boulders of sandstone and
siltstone
Firm to stiff slightly silty, slightly
sandy CLAY with gravel, cobbles
Glacial Till
196.40 3.45 2.55 and boulders of sandstone.
(Cohesive)
Occasional lenses of clayey silty
sand and gravel.
Very dense slightly silty slightly
Glacial Till clayey COBBLES with gravel, and
193.85 6.0 3.40
(Granular) boulders of sandstone, siltstone
quartzite and mudstone.
Glacial Till
190.65 9.2 6.60 ‘Boulder clay and cobbles’
(Cohesive)
Slightly to moderately weathered
thinly laminated to very thinly
Lower Coal (2)
180.05 15.8 > 4.20 bedded moderately weak to
Measures (1)
moderately strong, silty MUDSTONE
with interbeds of ironstone
Note: (1) Lower Coal Measures is highly fractured with the rock recovered as gravel, and zones of
core loss are recorded from 15.8mbgl to 16.1mbgl and from 18.1mbgl to 18.7mbgl. Although there
are no records of mineworkings near the structure, as the underlying bedrock comprises the Lower
Coal Measures, there is a possibility for unrecorded mineworkings or voids being encountered.
(2) The borehole log suggests that the bedrock is 15.8 m bgl at an elevation of 180.05 m AOD,
however the ground level shown in the last two pages of the borehole log suggest that the bedrock
was encountered at an elevation of 184.05 m AOD. Due to the uncertainty in bedrock level, the
more conservative value of 180.05 m AOD was adopted for design purpose.

North Abutment (3/BH167)
Existing ground level: ≈ 197.29m AOD

(m AOD) (m bgl)
Possible Firm slightly sandy silty CLAY
Solifluction 197.29 0.00 1.50 with gravel and cobbles of
Deposits sandstone and quartzite.
Medium dense to dense
slightly clayey silty sandy
Glacial Till
195.79 1.50 4.30 GRAVEL of sandstone and
(Granular)
quartzite with cobbles of
sandstone
Very stiff, slightly silty, slightly
sandy CLAY with gravel and
cobbles of sandstone,
Glacial Till quartzite and occasionally
191.49 5.80 9.60
(Cohesive) mudstone and coal
Open hole techniques were
used from 13.2 m bgl to 15.4
m bgl
Thinly to medium bedded
slightly weathered weak to
very weak MUDSTONE with
frequent plant remains,
Lower Coal overlying thinly bedded,
181.89 15.40 > 5.10
Measures slightly to moderately
weathered, sandy moderately
strong locally moderately weak
SILTSTONE (recovered as
gravel at certain depths)
Note:
Open hole drilling techniques were used in 3/BH167 between the depths of 13.2 m bgl (184.09 m
AOD) to 15.4 m bgl (181.89 m AOD).
Core loss was recorded in bedrock between 16.05mbgl to 16.40mbgl (181.24m AOD to 180.89m
AOD), 17.35mbgl to 18.05mbgl (179.94m AOD to 179.24m AOD) and 20.25mbgl to 20.50mbgl
(177.04m AOD to 176.79m AOD).
Weak to very weak non-intact mudstone was recovered to a depth of 16.4mbgl (180.89m AOD)
which was underlain by slightly to moderately weathered, moderately strong, sandy non intact
siltstone recovered as gravel. Although there are no records of mineworkings near the structure, as
the underlying bedrock comprises the Lower Coal Measures, there is a possibility for unrecorded
mineworkings or voids being encountered.
Groundwater:
South of the A465, an overnight seepage was recorded from the granular glacial till into 3/BH166
and the groundwater was noted at 2.5mbgl (197.4m AOD). Groundwater was encountered at
4.0mbgl (193.3m AOD) within the granular glacial till rising to 3.1mbgl (194.2m AOD) during
drilling in 3/BH167.


Stratum Cohesion, Angle of cu mv E’
Unit Weight,
cp’, Friction,
γb, (Mg/m3) (kN/m2) (m2/MN)
(kN/m2) φp’, ° (MPa)
Possible
Solifluction 1.9 0 28 35 0.3 7
Deposits
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
2.0 0 36 - - (z =
(Granular)
metres
below 5 m
bgl)
75 20
75 + 10z 20 + 3z
Glacial Till
(z = 0.1 (z =
(Cohesive)
2.1 2 32 metres metres
below 2 m below 5 m
bgl) bgl)
Bedrock γb UCS
Lower Coal
Measures –
2.50 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone /
Siltstone
The proposed A465 mainline carriageway is anticipated to be within a cutting which will run
beneath the proposed overbridge. The bridge is to be founded on contiguous piled walls and acts
as a prop to the wall. The contiguous walls are 1500 mm in diameter, with 1800mm spacing. The
estimated maximum load from the bridge is 10400 kN. Assuming a pile group of 15 No per
abutment (as suggested by Drawing B2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0400) the total load per
pile is about 700 kN. A minimum rock socket length of 1m is required to support the vertical
loading from the bridge. Either side of the bridge, initial consideration was given to adopting
contiguous piled retaining walls to form the road cutting. The contiguous piled walls were
designed as a cantilever with a toe level of 177 m AOD and an assumed bedrock level at 180m
AOD. For design of the bridge piles, it is proposed that the cantilever design is applied to the
bridge piles, with an additional metre of embedment to allow for the additional load from the
structure (i.e toe level at 176 m AOD, depending on the elevation at which bedrock is
encountered). The toe level of the piles are dependent on the elevation at which bedrock is
encountered, a minimum of 4m rock socket is required for the current design.

Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on one groundwater sample from 3/BH166 collected from within
the glacial till as part of the preliminary ground investigation. The results indicate Aggressive
Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1:
Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with
the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of
section 6 and therefore the values are recommended for design.
The traffic from the existing A465 will have to be temporarily diverted during the construction of
the bridge.
proposed that the ground beneath the proposed foundations should be investigated thoroughly
for condition and the presence of possible mineworkings or voids. Any voids or mineworkings
encountered should be grouted.
Contiguous piled foundations are suggested for the foundations, socketed at least 4 m within the
bedrock.
Further investigation, is recommended to confirm or eliminate the presence of mineworkings or
voids beneath the proposed structure. If mine workings are confirmed, grouting to fill these
cavities may be required.

B.31 Wind Farm Access Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/0003/Rev 0
Page 1 of 7
Structure Name: Wind Farm Access Bridge Date: December 2016
Prepared: LK Checked: SN/SM Reviewed: AD Job No: B2191100
Chainage: Ch. 3013m

i) Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
North and South Abutments: to Hirwaun Dualling, Interpretative
3/BH168, 3/BH169, 3/TP70 (Exploration Report on Preliminary Ground
Associates Ltd, 1997) SN90NE9, and SN90NE8 Investigation, Section 7 – Nant Ffrwd to
(John Laing and Sons Ltd, 1957) Baverstock, Report No.
BTI.015586/D4/118.
Note: Due to the limited available Exploration ii) Exploration Associates Ltd (1997), A465
Associates Ltd exploratory holes, relevant Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
historic boreholes from BGS have also been Section 3. Volume Two of Nine, Factual
used for this structure. Report on Ground Investigation. Report
No. 166001-3.
iii) John Laing and Son Limited (1957)
Hirwaun – Abergavenny Trunk Road –
SS/399.
iv) Healy, P.R and Head, J.M. (1989) CIRIA
v) Jacobs (2015) A465 Heads of the
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
vi) BGS Boreholes,
http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbrita
in/home.html
vii) Jacobs (2016) A465 Heads of the
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
viii) Jacobs (2016) Wind Farm Access
Bridge General Arrangement. Drawing.
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0300.
Proposed Structure:
It is proposed to build a new access bridge at Chainage 3013 over the proposed A465 which
would lie within a cutting. The current proposal is a single lane single span integral structure, with
a 4.5m carriageway width, 1.2m hard verge and a 2 m footway (Drawing. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-
SE-1600-0300). The total length of the bridge is approximately 60m (76.5 m including the wing
walls).
≈ 201.9m AOD in the south to 204.8 m AOD in the north (from relevant boreholes and
topographic survey)
The proposed level of the A465 beneath the bridge structure is approximately 191.0m AOD.
Wind Farm Access Bridge

Page 2 of 7
Ground Conditions:
Existing ground level: ≈ 200.8m AOD to 204.0m AOD (from exploratory holes)
The relevant boreholes are as follows (see Figure 1: BGS Borehole location plan):
Approximate distance from Depth of the exploratory
Exploratory Hole ID
the structure hole (m)
3/BH168 (BGS Reference No.
50 m east 9.3
SN90NE151)
3/BH169 (BGS Reference No.
70 m west 12
SN90NE161)
3/TP70 (BGS Reference No.
At the structure 2.2
SN90NE151)
25 m north west of the
BGS Reference No. SN90NE9 3.7
structure
25 m north east of the
BGS Reference No. SN90NE8 2.4
structure

Page 3 of 7

Stratum Description
(m AOD) stratum
Top Soil 200.8 204.0 0 0.1 0.23 Topsoil
Soft to firm slightly clayey
slightly sandy SILT with fine
Made
to medium angular gravel
Ground 200.6 203.9 0.1– 0.23 0.9 2.2
and cobbles of sandstone
(Cohesive)
and mudstone and
occasional glass bottles.
Medium dense orange and
brown locally clayey silty very
Granular
203.0 1.0 1.5 sandy fine to coarse angular
Glacial Till (1)
to subangular SAND and
GRAVEL.
Soft to firm, mottled yellow
and grey, slightly clayey,
slightly sandy (fine to
Possible
medium) SILT with some fine
Solifluction 200.6 0.2 1.8
to medium angular to
Deposits (2)
subangular gravel and
siltstone.
Firm to very stiff silty sandy
CLAY with some fine to
Cohesive 2.3 (not 9.5 (not coarse angular to
198.8 201.5 1.37 – 2.5
Glacial Till proven) proven) subrounded gravel of
sandstone, siltstone and
mudstone.
Note:
(1)
Encountered in borehole 3/BH169 only.
(2)
Encountered in borehole 3/BH168 only.
(3)
Bedrock was not encountered in any of the boreholes.
1.0m Granular Glacial Till is ignored in the foundation design due to long distance of 3/BH169 from
structure compared to 3/BH168.
Bedrock was not encountered in any of the exploratory holes.

Page 4 of 7
Figure 1: BGS Borehole location plan (proposed bridge location shown as black lines)
The design ground condition for the proposed bridge foundation can be presented as below:
GL (m AOD) Thickness (m) Soil Strata
203.0 – 202.9 0.1 Top Soil
202.9 – 202.0 0.9 Made Ground
202.0 – 200.0 2.0 Possible Solifluction Deposits
200.0 – Borehole terminated at 192 m AOD Cohesive Glacial Till
Groundwater:
A groundwater level of 1.5m (200.2m AOD) and 1.2m (199.9m AOD) below ground level was
recorded in SN90NE8 and SN90NE9 respectively. A seepage water level of 0.8m bgl (201.7m
AOD) was noted in 3/TP70. An overnight standing water level of 2.3m bgl (198.5m AOD) was
recorded in exploratory hole 3/BH168. However, a groundwater level of ground level (0m bgl) is
suggested for design.

Page 5 of 7

Stratum Angle of cu mv E’
3 Cohesion,
γb, (Mg/m ) 2 Friction, 2 2
cp’, (kN/m ) (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
φp’, °
Made Ground (1) (1)
2.0 0 32 40 0.1 8
(Cohesive/Granular)
30

2.0 0 36 - -
below 5 m
bgl)
Possible
1.9 0 28 35 0.3 7
Solifluction
Deposits
75 20
Glacial Till 75+ 10z 0.1 20 + 3z

2.1 2 32
(Cohesive) (z = metres (z = metres
below 2 m below 5 m
bgl) bgl)
Bulk UCS E’
Bedrock density, γb, GSI mi D
parameters (Mg/m )
3 (MPa) (MPa)
Lower Coal
2.5 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Measures -
Sandstone
Lower Coal
2.5 10 35 8 0.7 150
Measures -
Mudstone
Note : (1) – Undrained shear strength for Made Ground Cohesive based on local SPT N value of 8 (c u =
SPT N x f1, f1 = 5) and material description. The stiffness E’ was estimated from SPT N value, based on
E≈N.
Abutments
It is recommended that topsoil, made ground and possible solifluction deposits are removed prior
to construction work. Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the near surface cohesive
glacial till and the extensive depths to bedrock (which were not confirmed in any nearby
boreholes), it is proposed that both abutments are founded on piles. Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-
DE-SE-1600-0300 suggests that the pile caps for each abutment will be embedded within the
cohesive glacial till with an estimated cut off level of 200 m AOD.
The estimated maximum load to be applied to the abutment foundations is of the order of
8400kN. Assuming a pile group of 4 No. per abutment (as suggested by Drawing 2191100-JAC-
SBR-DE-SE-1600-0300) the total load per pile is about 2100kN.

Page 6 of 7
The nearby bridges at Trewaun are supported on 1.5 m diameter contiguous piles at 1.8m
spacing. Given the proximity of the two structures, it is considered reasonable to adopt similar
piled foundations for the Wind Farm Access Bridge.
For preliminary design, it is assumed that the glacial till extends to significant depth and that the
pile will be fully within the glacial till deposits. Further investigation is required to confirm the
ground conditions to the full pile depth at the proposed pile locations. Assuming 1.5 m diameter
piles with 1.8m spacing and 200 m AOD as the pile cut off level, a minimum pile length of 18m is
suggested, corresponding with a toe elevation of 182 m AOD. Settlement on the piles is
anticipated to be less than 10mm.
Buried Concrete:
undertaken on samples collected from these exploratory holes. However, based on the chemical
tests on samples collected across the whole route along Section 6, Design Sulfate class DS-1
have been assumed for this site. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to confirm
if these results are applicable.
The existing traffic flows will have to be maintained during the construction works. The proposed
foundation levels are below the highest groundwater level and hence the contractor will have to
address the control and disposal of groundwater during the construction of the foundations such
as through dewatering. In addition, Glacial Till is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ upon exposure and
therefore may have decreased undrained shear strength than anticipated.
Several mine entries are recorded within this area (between chainages 2350 – 3360) towards the
south of the existing A465. It is possible that unrecorded mine entries and bell pits accessing the
Garw seam and ironstone veins may be encountered. Therefore, further investigation works, such
as additional exploratory holes and probing are recommended in order to find out the possibility of
mineworkings or voids beneath the proposed structure and to confirm the location and nature of
the soil. If the presence of mineworkings or voids is noted beneath the structure, these will require
grouting prior to construction.
Piled foundations embedded within the cohesive glacial till are considered the most appropriate
foundations for design. Limited ground information is available and several mine entries were
identified within this area. Therefore, additional ground investigation to the full pile depth is
recommended at the site of the proposed bridge.
The above recommendations are intended to give a general guidance for preliminary design
purposes only and may be revised depending on the outcome of further ground investigation.

Page 7 of 7
Foundation Design Summary

A brief summary of the proposed pile foundation design can be presented as below:
Pile area Pile Cut-off Level Pile Length Diameter Total No.
Abutments 200 m AOD 18 m 1500 mm with 1800 mm 4 per abutment
spacing

B.32 Nant y Bwlch Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Structure Name: Nant y Bwlch Bridge Date: March 2017
Chainage: 2320m
3/BH174 to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun
Note: There are no other exploratory holes Exploratory Hole Location Drawings,
(recent or historic) in close proximity to the Drawing No. BTI015586/11/173.
structure location. ii. Babtie Group (2000), A465 Abergavenny
BTI.015586/D4/118.
Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.
Valleys Dualling, Sections 6 Nant Ffrwd
to Hirwaun Chainage 1500 - 3000.
Drawing No. 7202216/RW/06.
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
viii. Jacobs (2016) Nant Bwlch Bridge
General Arrangement. Drawing.
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0200.
Construction Proposals:
The current proposal is that a new integral bridge will be built beneath the proposed carriageway
as show on Drawing No. 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0200. The structure is proposed to be
an integral reinforced concrete bridge with a 10.0m clear span and is 36.0m wide.

≈ 212.25mAOD (watercourse bank edge) to 217.1m AOD (to the east of the proposed bridge)
from the topographic survey. The proposed carriageway level is approximately 215m AOD. The
River beneath the bridge is at approximately 212.5m AOD.
1-4

The profile below is taken from 3/BH157, located west of the proposed structure location, where
ground level is 215.39m AOD.

(m AOD) (m bgl)

Soft to firm slightly sandy,
Glacial Till
215.1 0.3 1.4 silty CLAY with gravel of
(Cohesive)
mudstone and sandstone
Dense to very dense slightly
Glacial Till clayey silty sandy GRAVEL
213.7 1.7 10.3
(Granular) with cobbles and boulders of
sandstone
Stiff slightly silty sandy CLAY
Glacial Till with gravel, cobbles and
203.4 12.0 > 18.0
(Cohesive) boulders of sandstone and
siltstone
Note: Boulders were recorded within the granular glacial till from 2.1mbgl (213.3m AOD).
Occasional lenses of firm silty clay and gravel from 7.0mbgl (208.39m AOD).
Groundwater:
Groundwater was struck at 4.2mbgl (211.2m AOD) with a standing level recorded as 3.8mbgl
(211.6m AOD). Water was also struck at 19.0mbgl (196.4m AOD) and its level rose to 18.1mbgl
(197.3m AOD) after 20minutes although its standing level is uncertain. An overnight seepage is
recorded from the granular glacial till at 7.0mbgl (208.4m AOD) into the borehole and the
standing groundwater was noted at 2.3mbgl (213.1m AOD).

Cohesion, Angle of cu mv E’
Stratum cp’, Friction,
γb 2 2 2
3
(Mg/m ) (kN/m ) φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
75 20
Glacial Till 0.1
75+ 10z 20 + 3z
(Cohesive) 2 32
2.10 (z = meters (z = metres
below 2m.bgl) below 5.0m.bgl)
2-4
30
2.00 0 36 - -
below 5.0m.bgl)
3-4
Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and the extensive depths to
bedrock (which were not confirmed in any nearby boreholes), it is proposed that both abutments
will be founded on piles embedded within the granular glacial till. Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-
SE-1600-0200 suggest that the pile caps for each abutment will be embedded within the glacial
till, however the pile cap depth (therefore cut off level (COL)) is unknown. For preliminary design,
a pile COL of 212m AOD has been assumed; that being equivalent to 0.5m below the
approximately river level at the bridge site. The estimated total maximum load to be applied to the
structure foundation is 9570kN. Assuming a pile group of No. 26 per abutment (13 by 2, as
suggested by Drawing 2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0200) the total load per pile is
approximately 370kN. As this bridge is an integral bridge, due to the expansion and contraction of
the deck, it is feasible that more load will be applied to one row of piles with the other row in
tension. This therefore increases the load to 740kN per pile. Assuming 0.75m diameter piles, a
minimum pile length of 14m is required (assuming a pile COL of 212m AOD), corresponding with
a toe elevation of 198.0m AOD. Settlement on the piles is anticipated to be less than 10mm. If
soft material is present at the location of the foundations, it should be removed and replaced with
granular engineered fill.
Buried Concrete:
Chemical testing was undertaken on two samples collected from boreholes drilled at Nant Bwlch,
as part of the preliminary ground investigation: one soil sample and one groundwater sample,
both from within the glacial till. The results indicate Aggressive Chemical Environment for
Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed
from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section 6 and therefore the
Exposed glacial till formation is susceptible to ‘Wetting-up’ and therefore may have decreased

Pile foundations embedded within the glacial till are considered appropriate for design. It is
proposed that the pile toe will aim to reach an elevation of 198.0m AOD corresponding with pile
length of 14.0m assuming a pile COL of 212m AOD.
Design sulfate DS-1 and ACEC AC-2z (BRE Special Digest 1, 2005) have been assumed for
Further investigation, such as additional exploratory holes, should also be undertaken to confirm
the nature and engineering properties of the superficial deposits beneath the bridge.
4-4
B.33 Hirwaun Junction – East Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Section 5 & 6 Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/SP001B
Page 1 of 4
Structure Name: Hirwaun Junction Southeast Bridge Date: August 2016
Chainage: 1815 m
3/BH179, 3/BH180 and 3/BH180A to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun

BTI.015586/D4/118.



Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.

Valleys Dualling Section 5 and 6 Ground
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new single span integral deck overbridge comprising
precast beams. The proposed structure is approximately 27m long and 15.3m wide.

≈ 207.04 m AOD to 207.9 m AOD (from relevant exploratory holes located at the site of the
proposed structure and from topographic survey).
The proposed A465 carriageway level is approximately 216.7 m AOD and the underlying
carriageway beneath the bridge is anticipated to be 207.5m AOD.
1-4
Page 2 of 4

(3/BH179, 3/BH180 and 3/BH180A)
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Topsoil 207.5 0 0 0.6 Topsoil

Dense to very dense slightly
Made
clayey, sandy SILT with gravel
Ground 207.04 207.9 0.0 0.0 1.1
and cobbles of slag and
(Granular)
sandstone
0.6 – 1.2 m bgl (206.9 – 206.3
m AOD) Firm to stiff slightly
silty slightly sandy CLAY with
occasional lenses of fibrous
and spongy peat encountered
Glacial Till only in 3/BH179.
206.9 207 0.05 to 1.10 4 4.4
(Cohesive)
Stiff to very stiff slightly sandy
silty CLAY and SILT with
gravel and cobbles of
mudstone, siltstone and
sandstone.
Medium to very dense slightly
Glacial Till silty, slightly clayey, slightly
202.5 203.04 4.0 to 5.0 2.7
(Granular) sandy GRAVEL and
COBBLES of sandstone
Stiff to very stiff slightly sandy
silty CLAY and SILT with
Glacial Till gravel, cobbles and boulders
199.8 200.4 7 to 7.8 > 13
(Cohesive) of sandstone, siltstone,
mudstone and quartzitic
sandstone.
Note: Bedrock was not encountered in the boreholes closest to the structure location however in
3/BH181 (near proposed Hirwaun Junction North West Bridge), siltstone (Lower Coal Measures
Formation) was encountered at 29 m bgl (178.7 m AOD).
Open hole techniques were used in 3/BH179 between the depths of 5.95 to 6.25 m bgl (201.6 to
201.3 m AOD), 7.8 to 20 m bgl (199.8 to 187.5 m AOD). The ground conditions in these ranges of
depth are thus only indicative.
Groundwater
2-4
Page 3 of 4
A groundwater level of 3.15 m bgl (203.9 m AOD) was recorded following an overnight seepage
in borehole 3/BH180A within the Glacial Till. Groundwater was also recorded in 3/BH179 as a
seepage at a depth of 2 m bgl (205.5 m AOD), at 5 m bgl which rose to 4.8 m bgl (202.7 m AOD)
and also at 19 m bgl which rose to 15.4 m bgl (192.1 m AOD) after twenty minutes.

γb Angle of cu mv E’
Cohesion,
Stratum 2 Friction,
(Mg/m3) cp’ (kN/m ) 2 2
φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
20 (between
100 (between
ground level
ground level
Made Ground and 2 m bgl)
and 2 m bgl)
(Cohesive / 2 0 32 0.1
Granular)
150 (below 2
30 (below 2
m bgl)
m bgl)
75 20
75 + 10 z 20 + 3z
Glacial Till
2.1 2 32 0.2
(Cohesive) (z = metres (z = metres
below 2 m below 5 m
bgl) bgl)
30
30 + 17 z
Glacial Till
2 - 36 - -
below 5 m
bgl)
Note : (1) Please note that the parameters for glacial till cohesive and glacial till granular are
different to those submitted in the AIP (Approval in Principle). This is because the global
parameters were revised for the latest GIR submission (Revision W0, dated November 2016).
The values given above are more appropriate for the structure at this location and reflects the
nearby borehole description.
Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and the depth to bedrock, it
is proposed that both abutments will be founded on piles founded within the glacial till rather than
pad foundations. The maximum total load to be applied to the bridge abutment is estimated to be
18600 kN. Assuming a pile group of twenty piles (10 x 2) per abutment, as suggested by Drawing
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0102, the total load per pile is of the order 930 kN. As the
structure is an integral bridge, due to the expansion of the deck, it is feasible much of the load will
be applied to one row of piles with the other row in tension. It was therefore conservatively
3-4
Page 4 of 4
assumed that the full loading was applied to a single row of piles. This therefore increases the
load to 1860 kN per pile. Assuming 0.9m diameter piles, a minimum length of at least 20 m would
be required to achieve the required pile capacity. This corresponds with a toe level of at least
187 m AOD, founded in stiff to very stiff cohesive glacial till.
Buried Concrete:
Sulphate and pH tests for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures were
undertaken on groundwater samples from 3/BH179. These results and results from the nearby
borehole samples along the route suggest Aggressive Chemical Environment for Concrete
ACEC-AC2 conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in Aggressive Ground
(2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with the conditions assessed from
chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of section 6. Further chemical testing
in the area is recommended to confirm if these results are applicable.
It should be noted that glacial till is susceptible to softening on exposure or ‘wetting up’ and
therefore may have decreased undrained shear strength than anticipated.

Piled foundations to a depth of at least 20 m bgl within the glacial till are considered the most
appropriate design options for the abutments.
Chemical testing was not undertaken as part of the preliminary ground investigation however
concrete design for buried structures based on values obtained from nearby exploratory holes.
Further chemical testing in this area is recommended to confirm this assumption.
Further investigation, such as additional exploratory holes, is also recommended to confirm the
nature and engineering properties of the made ground and glacial till at the abutment locations.
4-4
B.34 Hirwaun Junction – West Bridge
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Project: A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling – Section 5 & 6 Rev: 0 Calc No: GAS/SP001A
Page 1 of 4
Structure Name: Hirwaun Junction Northwest Bridge Date: August 2016
Chainage: 1735m
3/BH181, 3/BH182 and 3/BH182A to Hirwaun Dualling Section 7 – Hirwaun

BTI.015586/D4/118.



Report No. B1855100/D4/2/017.

Valleys Dualling Section 5 and 6 Ground
B2191100/D2/1/2/040
Proposed Structure:
The current proposal is to construct a new single span integral deck overbridge comprising
precast beams. The proposed structure is approximately 27m long and 13.5m wide.
≈ 207.4 m AOD to 207.9 m AOD (from relevant boreholes located at the site and from
topographic survey)
Proposed carriageway level is approximately 216 m AOD and the underlying carriageway
beneath the bridge is anticipated to be 207.3 to 208 m AOD.
1-4
Page 2 of 4

Existing ground level: ≈ 207.4 m AOD to 207.9 m AOD
Ground Level
(m bgl)
Min Max Min Max
Topsoil 207.7 208.3 0.0 0.0 0.35 Topsoil

Glacial Till Medium dense to very dense
(Granular) – 207.1 207.9 0.0 to 0.6 0.6 22 silty, clayey, very sandy
Intermittent GRAVEL with cobbles of coal
A 0.55 m layer of soft to firm
slightly clayey, sandy silt was
encountered at the top of
Glacial Till 3/BH181 beneath topsoil.
(Cohesive) – 200 207.7 0.05 to 7.7 0.05 18.8
Intermittent Very stiff slightly silty sandy
CLAY with gravel, cobbles
and boulders of sandstone,
siltstone and mudstone
MUDSTONE, SANDSTONE
Lower Coal > 2.1
179.7 28.0
Not proven
and SILTSTONE (moderately
Measures
strong to strong)
Note: The boundaries between glacial till cohesive and granular seems discontinuous in the
relevant boreholes and thus intermittent layers of cohesive and granular is to be anticipated on
site.
Groundwater:
Within 3/BH181 and 3/BH182, the groundwater was encountered as confined aquifers within the
granular glacial till. Groundwater was encountered in 3/BH181 at a depth of 18.4 m bgl which
rose to 11.4 m bgl (196.3 m AOD) within twenty minutes. It was encountered in 3/BH182 at a
depth of 16 m bgl which rose to 14.2 m bgl (194.1 m AOD) within thirty minutes. The piezometer
and slotted standpipe installed within 3/BH182 recorded the highest groundwater level as 2.52 m
bgl (205.2 m AOD).

2-4
Page 3 of 4
Angle of cu mv E’
Bulk density, Cohesion,
(Mg/m ) cp’, (kN/m ) 2 2
φp’, ° (kN/m ) (m /MN) (MPa)
20
75
20 + 3z
75 + 10 z
Glacial Till
(1) 2.1 2 32 0.1 (z =
metres
below 2 m
below 5 m
bgl)
bgl)
30
30 + 17z
Glacial Till
(1) 2.0 - 36 - - (z =
(Granular)
metres
below 5 m
bgl)
Bedrock Bulk density,

3 UCS (MPa) GSI mi D E’
parameters (Mg/m )
Lower Coal
Measures – 2.5 10 35 8 0.7 150
Mudstone
Lower Coal
Measures – 2.5 35 50 15 0.7 1050
Sandstone
Note : (1) Please note that the parameters for glacial till cohesive and glacial till granular are
different to those submitted in the AIP (Approval in Principle). This is because the global
parameters were revised for the latest GIR submission (Revision W0, dated November 2016).
The values given above are more appropriate for the structure at this location and reflects the
nearby borehole description.
3-4
Page 4 of 4
Due to the generally lower bearing capacity of the cohesive glacial till and the depth to bedrock, it
is proposed that both abutments are founded on piles founded within the glacial till rather than
pad foundations. The maximum total load to be applied to the bridge abutment is estimated to be
17400 kN. Assuming a pile group of twenty (10 x 2) per abutment, as suggested by Drawing
2191100-JAC-SBR-DE-SE-1600-0101, the total load per pile is of the order 870 kN. As the
structure is an integral bridge, due to the expansion of the deck, it is feasible much of the load will
be applied to one row of piles with the other row in tension. It was therefore conservatively
assumed that the full loading was applied to a single row of piles. This therefore increases the
load to 1740 kN per pile. Assuming 0.9 m diameter piles, a minimum length of at least 20 m
would be required to achieve the required pile capacity. This corresponds with a toe level of at
least 188 m AOD, founded in granular glacial till.
Buried Concrete:
Sulphate and pH tests for aggressive ground conditions for buried concrete structures were
undertaken on two groundwater samples as part of the preliminary ground investigation: both
collected within the glacial till from 3/BH181 and 3/BH182. The results indicate Aggressive
Chemical Environment for Concrete AC-2z conditions in accordance with BRE Special Digest 1:
Concrete in Aggressive Ground (2005) and Design Sulfate class DS-1. These correspond with
the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the whole route of
section 6. Further chemical testing in the area is recommended to confirm if these results are
applicable.
It should be noted that glacial till is susceptible to softening on exposure or ‘wetting up’, which
could have implications on earthworks.

Piled foundations to a depth of at least 20 m bgl within granular glacial till are considered the
most appropriate design options for the abutments.
concrete design for buried structures based on limited testing. Further chemical testing in this
area is recommended to confirm this assumption.
Further investigation, such as additional exploratory holes, is also recommended to confirm the
nature and engineering properties of the glacial till at the abutment locations.
4-4
B.35 Retaining Wall – Geotechnical Summary

Information
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
B.35.1 Trewaun South East Retaining Wall

including wingwalls
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet - TREWAUN
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE Reference /
Trewaun Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining Westbound: ch. 3280m to 3390m Comments
walls Eastbound: ch. 3390m to 3460m
STRUCTURE TYPE AIP Ref No.
Embedded cantilever retaining walls B2191100/D2/1/2/145 GIR/PSSR
DESIGN LIFE 120 YEARS

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
GIR/PSSR/
SOILS / GEOLOGY 3/BH161, 3/BH162, 3/BH162A, Exploration
3/BH162B, 3/BH164, 3/BH164A, Associates Ltd (1999)
3/BH165
Typical depths to top of stratum Below existing ground
Strata
(mbgl) level
Based on borehole 3/BH165:
Made Ground 0.00m to 2.00m

Soft to firm Clay.
Glacial Till (cohesive) 2.00m to 3.50m

Stiff Clay
GIR/PSSR/
Glacial Till (granular) 3.50m to 6.50m Exploration
Medium dense, very dense Gravel and
Associates Ltd (1999)
Sands
Glacial Till (cohesive) 6.50m to 17.10m

Stiff to very stiff Clay / Boulder Clay
South Wales Lower Coal Measures

Below 17.10m (or 178.2mAOD)
Slightly weathered, moderately strong
Sandstone
PREVIOUS GROUND HISTORY Existing Highway (A465) PSSR
CONTAMINATION RISK ASSESSMENT Preliminary contamination
assessment risk is LOW.
Detailed assessment to be
PSSR
presented in the final Land Quality
Ground Investigation Report (Ref:.
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
GROUNDWATER GIR/PSSR/
Encountered at depths ranging
Exploration
from 0.0m bgl to 4.0m bgl.
GEOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS
Earth Pressure: These coefficients assume horizontal retained ground level.
Made Ground
Glacial Till (cohesive) Glacial Till (granular) LCM
(cohesive)
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 1.000 Ko = 0.412
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.260
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.852
1
Unit
Material c’ cu mv E’
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
Type (kN/m2) (kPa) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Made
100
Ground
(between
(cohesive)
ground
40 (between ground
level and
2.0 0 32 0.1 level and 2mbgl)
2mbgl)
60 (below 2mbgl)
150 (below
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
75
(cohesive)
40
75 + 10 z (z
2.1 2 32 0.1
= metres 40 + 6 z (z = metres
below below 5mbgl)
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
60
(granular)
2.0 0 36 - -
60 + 34 z (z = metres
below 5mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Weight GSI mi E’ (MPa) D
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
LCM
(Mudstone) 2.5 10 35 8 150 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY
Structure Founding Founding Level Footing Size Allowable Bearing Pressure

Element Stratum mAOD / (mbgl) (m x m) kN/m2
Not applicable.
RETAINING STRUCTURE DETAILS
Type Contiguous cantilever bored pile wall
Face Height
Face Angle 90⁰ 6.7m
(max)
Facing Type Stone wall
Bored pile 19.5m (North)

1.5m Pile Length (m)
diameter 20.2m (South)
Pile spacing c/c 1.8m
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Pile Width Pile Pile Working Load (kN)
Founding Toe Level
Structure Element (m) Length
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
Founding Level Time Settlement remaining
Structure Element Settlement Settlement
(mAOD) for 90% at completion
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SPECIES 2:1 EXTRACT SOIL WATER OTHER
SO4 (%) - 0.42 - -
CHLORIDE (%) <0.1 - - -
pH - 3.8 to 7.8 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
1480
sulfate (mg/l)
Buried Concrete Design Sulfate and Aggressive Chemical
DS1 AC-2z
Environment for Concrete Classes:
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from boreholes 3/BH162A, 3/BH164, 3/BH165 and
3/BH166. 3/BH162A differs the results compared to other boreholes; this is considered to be
anomaly. Therefore, further GI and testing is recommended for this site.
OTHER DESIGN FEATURES (e.g. foundation treatment/hazards)
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.2 Swalec Pylon RW including wingwalls
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – SWALEC PYLON
STRUCTURE NAME
Reference /
CHAINAGE
Swalec Pylon Contiguous Bored Pile Comments
Westbound: ch. 3460m to 3530m
Retaining wall

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
GIR/PSSR/
SOILS / GEOLOGY Exploration
3/BH159, 3/BH159A, 3/BH159C,
3/BH159BR, 3/BH160, 3/BH161
Strata
(mbgl) level
Based on borehole 3/BH160:
Made Ground (Cohesive) 0.00m to 1.50m
Firm Clay
Made Ground (Granular) 1.50m to 6.50m

Medium dense Gravel GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
Glacial Till (Granular) Associates Ltd (1999)
6.50m to 13.00m
Very dense Gravel / Sandy Boulder Clay
South Wales Lower Coal Measures Below 13.00m (or +177.91mAOD)

Soft Mudstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
GROUNDWATER Encountered at depths ranging
GIR/PSSR/
from 1.15 m bgl to 7.00m bgl.
Exploration
Artesian groundwater was
encountered in 3/BH159C.
Made Ground (Cohesive and
Glacial Till (Granular) LCM
Granular)
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 0.412
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.260
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.852
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made
100
Ground
(between
(cohesive
ground
and granular) 40 (between ground
level and
2.0 0 32 0.1 level and 2mbgl)
2mbgl)
60 (below 2mbgl)
150 (below
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
60
(granular)
2.0 0 36 - -
60 + 34 z (z = metres
below 5mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
LCM
(Mudstone) 2.5 10 35 8 150 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
1.5m Pile Length (m) 19.4m
diameter
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.06 - -
CHLORIDE (%) - - - -
pH - 6.9 and 8.1 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
-
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from borehole 3/BH160.
The presence of Pylon hazard.
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.3 Afon Cynon Pond RW
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – AFON CYNON POND
STRUCTURE NAME
Afon Cynon Pond Contiguous Bored Pile CHAINAGE Reference /
Retaining wall Westbound: ch. 3660m to 3760m Comments

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
GIR/PSSR/
3/BH157, 3/BH158, 3/BH159,
3/BH159A, 3/BH159C, 3/BH159BR
Strata
(mbgl) level
Based on borehole 3/BH157, 3/BH159
and 3/BH160:
Made Ground (granular) 0.00m to 1.00m
Dense to very dense Sand
Glacial Till (cohesive) 1.00m to 3.90m GIR/PSSR/

Sandy Boulder Clay, Gravel and Cobbles Exploration
Glacial Till (granular) 3.90m to 7.20m
Very dense Gravel / Sandy Boulder Clay
South Wales Lower Coal Measures Below 7.20m (or +173.3mAOD)

Very weak to moderately strong Mudstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
GROUNDWATER Encountered at depths ranging GIR/PSSR/
from 1.15 m bgl to 7.00m bgl. Exploration
Made Ground Glacial Till
(Granular) (Cohesive)
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 1.000 Ko = 0.412
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.260
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.852
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made 40
Ground (between ground
(Granular) 2.0 0 32 - - level and 2m.bgl)
60 (below 2m.bgl)
Glacial Till 75
40
(Cohesive) 75+ 10z
40 + 6z
(z = meters
2.1 2 32 0.1 (z = metres
below
below 5.0m.bgl)
5.0m.bgl)
Glacial Till
60
(Granular)
2.0 0 36 - - 60 + 34 z (z =
metres below
5mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
LCM
(Mudstone) 2.5 10 35 8 150 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Type Cantilever contiguous bored pile wall
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
0.75m Pile Length 12.0m
diameter
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.06 - -
pH - 5.4 to 8.1 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
-
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from borehole 3/BH157 and 3/BH160
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.4 Baverstock Eastbound Access Road
(Designed Out)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
B.35.5 Cefn Coed Retaining Wall - West
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – CEFN COED (west)
STRUCTURE NAME
Reference /
CHAINAGE
Cefn Coed Contiguous Bored Pile Comments
Westbound: ch. 11040m to 11140m
Retaining walls, West of High Street
Eastbound: ch. 11000m to 11140m
Bridge

GIR/PSSR/
RELEVANT BOREHOLES
Exploration
SOILS / GEOLOGY
Associates Ltd
3/BH97, 3/BH97A
(1999)
Typical depths to top of stratum Below existing
Strata
(mbgl) ground level
Based on borehole 3/BH97 and
3/BH97A:
Made Ground (Cohesive) 0.00m to 2.8m
Soft to firm Clay
GIR/PSSR/
Glacial Till (Granular) Exploration
2.8m to 14.3m
Medium dense to very dense Gravel Associates Ltd
(1999)
Twrch Sandstone Formation Below 14.3 (or +220mAOD)
Slightly weathered Sandstone, strong to
very strong
Detailed assessment to be presented
PSSR
in the final Land Quality Ground
Investigation Report (Ref:.
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Encountered at 8.35m bgl. Exploration
Associates Ltd
(1999)
Made Ground
Glacial Till (Granular) Sandstone
(Cohesive)
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 0.426
Ko = 1.5
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.271
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.690
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
Type (kN/m2) (MPa) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Made
50 (between 0.1 (between
Ground
ground level ground level
(Cohesive) 20 (between ground
and 4mbgl) and 2mbgl)
2.0 0 32 level and 4mbgl)
200 (below 0.05 (below 80 (below 4mbgl)
4mbgl) 2mbgl)
Glacial Till
(granular) 2.0 0 35 - - 70
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Twrch
Sandstone 2.6 50 50 17 1500 0.7
Formation
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile 14.2m (South)

1.5m Pile Length
diameter 16.6m (North)
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.14 - -
pH - 7.3 and 7.4 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
20
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from borehole 3/BH97A.
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.6 Cefn Coed Retaining Wall - East
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – CEFN COED (east)
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE
Cefn Coed Contiguous Bored Pile Reference /
Westbound: ch. 11160m to
Retaining wall, East of High Street Bridge Comments
11200m
Embedded cantilever retaining wall B2191100/D2/1/2/145 GIR/PSSR

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
SOILS / GEOLOGY 3/BH96 and borehole data shown
Associates Ltd (1999)/
on archive drawing HB/C19/6 for
Archive drawing
bridge No. 9, dated April 1961
Strata
(mbgl) level
Based on 3/BH96 an archive borehole
data:
Made Ground (Granular) 0.00m to 0.50m

GIR/PSSR/
Loose Gravel and Cobbles
Exploration
Glacial Till (Cohesive) 0.50m to 12.00 m
Firm to stiff Clay
Archive drawing
Limestone Below 12.00 (or +220.00mAOD)

Strong Limestone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Exploration
No records are available
Archive drawing
Limestone
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 1.000
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made
0.1
Ground
(between
(Granular)
ground 20 (between
level and ground level and
2.0 0 32 -
2mbgl) 4mbgl)
80 (below 4mbgl)
0.05 (below
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
0.1
(Cohesive)
85 (between
40
85 + 10z ground
40 + 12z
(z = metres level and
2.0 2 32 (z = metres
2mbgl)
below 2 m
below 5 m bgl)
bgl)
0.03 (below
2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Limestone
2.7 50 65 12 7500 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
1.5m Pile Length 14.9m (South)
diameter
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - - - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
-
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
No chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from nearby boreholes

Potential infill of a solution feature was found at 4.35m to 4.70m below the
ground level in 3/BH96.
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.7 Gurnos RW up to 4.5m High

(Prince Charles Hospital Junction Retaining Walls)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – GURNOS (h ≤ 4.5m)
CHAINAGE
Eastbound: ch. 12850m-12920 Reference /
STRUCTURE NAME
and 13270m-13340m Comments
Westbound (main line): ch.
Gurnos Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining
13290m-13360m
walls (h ≤ 4.5m)
Westbound (slip road): ch.
12790m-12975m

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
GIR/PSSR/
3/BH78, 3/BH79, 3/BH79A,
3/BH80, 3/BH81, 3/BH82

Strata
(mbgl) level
Based on 3/BH81 and all other relevant

boreholes:
Possible Solifluction Deposits 0 to 6.00

Soft to firm Clay GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
Glacial Till (Cohesive) 6.00 to 10.80 Associates Ltd (1999)
Stiff to very stiff Clay
Bishopston Mudstone Formation Below 10.80 or +286.4mAOD

Very weak, moderately weathered
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Exploration
from 1.8 bgl to 4.2m bgl.
Possible Solifuction
Glacial Till (Cohesive) LCM
Deposits
Ko = 0.530 Ko = 1.000
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.361 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 2.770 Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Possible
Solifuction 1.9 - 28 35 0.5 14
Deposits
Glacial Till 0.1
(Cohesive) (between
85
ground
level and 40
85 + 10 z (z
2.0 2 32 2mbgl)
= metres 40+ 12z (z = metres
below below 5mbgl)
0.03
2mbgl)
(below
2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
BMF
(Mudstone) 2.6 13 35 8 200 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
Face Angle 90⁰ 4.5
(max)
Bored pile
0.75m Pile Length Varies 10.0m – 13.6m
diameter
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.06 - -
pH - 5.9 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
- -
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from borehole 3/BH80
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.8 Gurnos RW more than 4.5m High

(Prince Charles Hospital Junction Retaining Walls)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – GURNOS (h ≥ 4.5m)
CHAINAGE
Eastbound: ch. 12920m-13120m Reference /
STRUCTURE NAME
and 13220m-13270m Comments
Westbound (main line): ch.
Gurnos Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining
13060m-13290m
walls (h ≥ 4.5m)
Westbound (slip road): ch.
12995m-13060m
RELEVANT BOREHOLES GIR/PSSR/

3/BH79, 3/BH79A, 3/BH80, 3/BH81 Associates Ltd (1999)

Strata
(mbgl) level
Based on all relevant boreholes:
Made Ground 0 to 1.20

Dense sandy Clay
Glacial Till (Granular) 1.20 to 2.70 GIR/PSSR/

Dense to very dense Gravel
Exploration
Glacial Till (Cohesive) 2.70 to 19.70
Soft to very stiff Clay

Very weak, moderately weathered
Mudstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Exploration
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 0.426 Ko = 0.470
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.271 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.690 Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made 0.1
Ground (between
(Granular) ground
level and
20 (between ground
2mbgl)
2.0 - 32 - level and 4mbgl)
80(below 4mbgl)
0.05
(below
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
(Granular) 2.0 - 35 - - 70
Glacial Till 0.1
(Cohesive) (between
85
ground
level and 40
85 + 10 z (z
2.0 2 32 2mbgl)
= metres 40+ 12z (z = metres
below below 5mbgl)
0.03
2mbgl)
(below
2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
BMF
(Mudstone) 2.6 13 35 8 200 0.7
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
1.5m Pile Length Varies 15.0m – 24.1m
diameter
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.06 - -
pH - 5.9 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
- -
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.9 Gurnos Roundabout Retaining Wall (North)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – GURNOS (at roundabout)
STRUCTURE NAME CHAINAGE

Westbound: ch. 13120m-13220m Reference /
Gurnos Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining Eastbound: ch. 13120m-13220m Comments
wall at Roundabout

GIR/PSSR/
RELEVANT BOREHOLES Exploration
Associates Ltd (1999),
SOILS / GEOLOGY
3/BH79, 3/BH79A, historical BGS
borehole BH 221 (SS/399) data/Investigation
SS/399

Strata
(mbgl) level

Dense sandy Clay
GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
Glacial Till (Cohesive) 1.0 to 3.0 Associates Ltd (1999)
Firm to very stiff Clay
Lower Coal Measures Below 3.0

Moderately weathered, weak Mudstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Exploration
Made Ground Glacial Till (Cohesive) LCM
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 1.000
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made 0.1 (between
Ground ground level
20 (between
and 2mbgl)
ground level and
2.0 - 32 -
4mbgl)
0.05 (below
80(below 4mbgl
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
85 0.1 (between
(Cohesive)
ground level 40
85 + 10 z (z and 2mbgl)
2.0 2 32 40+ 12z (z =
= metres
metres below
below 0.03 (below
5mbgl)
2mbgl) 2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
LCM
(Mudstone) 2.5 25 45 14 750 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
diameter
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - - - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
- -
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
-

The bridge will sit on top of the contiguous bored pile wall in this area.
The design of the piles supporting the bridge takes into consideration the
additional vertical load from the structure.
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.10 Gurnos Road/Galon Uchaf South Retaining Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – GURNOS/ GALON UCHAF

Eastbound: ch. 13680m-14000m Reference /
Gurnos/ Galon Uchaf Contiguous Bored Westbound: ch. 13830m–13950m Comments
Pile Retaining walls

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
GIR/PSSR/
3/BH71, 3/BH72, 3/BH72A,
3/BH72B, 3/BH74, 3/BH75, 3/BH76

Strata
(mbgl) level

Medium dense to very dense Sand
GIR/PSSR/
Glacial Till (Cohesive) 3.45 to 12.20 Exploration
Firm to Stiff Clay Associates Ltd (1999)

Moderately strong Mudstone, very stiff
Siltstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Exploration
Made Ground Glacial Till (Cohesive) BMF
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 1.000
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made 0.1 (between
Ground ground level
20 (between
and 2mbgl)
ground level and
2.0 - 32 -
4mbgl)
0.05 (below
80(below 4mbgl
2mbgl)
Glacial Till
85 0.1 (between
(Cohesive)
ground level 40
85 + 10 z (z and 2mbgl)
2.0 2 32 40+ 12z (z =
= metres
metres below
below 0.03 (below
5mbgl)
2mbgl) 2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
BMF
(Mudstone) 2.6 13 35 8 200 0.7
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile 16.7m (North)

1.5m Pile Length
diameter 19.5m (South)
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.1 - -
pH - 7.9, 8.5 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
- -
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from boreholes 3/BH72, 3/BH74, 3/BH75
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.11 Bryniau Road Overbridge Retaining Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – GURNOS/BRYNIAU RD
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE
Reference /
Eastbound: ch. 13,880m
Bryniau Road Contiguous Bored Pile Comments
Retaining walls

Exploration
SOILS / GEOLOGY
3/BH74, 3/BH75, 3/BH75A, Associates Ltd (1999)
historical 3/TP38 BGS data

Strata
(mbgl) level

Soft to firm Clay
0.40 to 13.70 GIR/PSSR/
Glacial Till (Cohesive) Exploration
Stiff to very stiff Clay Associates Ltd (1999)
Below 13.70 or +317.10mAOD
Twrch Sandstone Formation
Moderately weak to moderately strong
Siltstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Exploration
Made Ground Glacial Till (Cohesive) Sandstone
Ko = 0.470 Ko = 1.000
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made
50
Ground 0.1 (between
(between
ground level
ground 20 (between
and 2mbgl)
level &4m ground level and
2.0 - 32
bgl) 4mbgl)
0.05 (below
80(below 4mbgl)
200 (below 2mbgl)
4m bgl)
Glacial Till
85 0.1 (between
(Cohesive)
ground level 40
85 + 10 z (z and 2mbgl)
2.0 2 32 40+ 12z (z =
= metres
metres below
below 0.03 (below
5mbgl)
2mbgl) 2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Sandstone
2.6 50 50 17 1500 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
diameter
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.06 - -
pH - 7.9 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
- -
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
Chemical analyses were undertaken on samples from boreholes 3/BH74 and 3/BH75
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.12 Galon Uchaf Industrial Estate

North Retaining Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – GALON UCHAF
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE
Reference /
Westbound: ch. 14080m-14320m
Galon Uchaf Industrial Estate Contiguous Comments
Bored Pile Retaining wall

3/BH70, 3/BH71 Associates Ltd (1999)

Strata
(mbgl) level
Made Ground
Loose to very loose Sand 0 to 10.00 GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
Moderately strong Mudstone, very stiff
Siltstone
PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
No records available at the wall
Exploration
location
Made Ground BMF
Ko = 0.470
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255
1
Unit
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(Mg/m3)
Made 0.1 (between
Ground ground level
20 (between
and 2mbgl)
ground level and
2.0 - 32 -
4mbgl)
0.05 (below
80(below 4mbgl
2mbgl)
Unit
Material UCS
Type (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
BMF
2.6 13 35 8 200 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
diameter
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - - - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
- -
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.13 Nant Moel NMU Retaining Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – Nant Moel
STRUCTURE NAME
Nant Moel Contiguous Bored Pile CHAINAGE Reference /
Retaining wall ch. 6350m Comments


3/BH136,3/BH137 Associates Ltd (1999)
Typical depths below existing

Strata
ground level (mbgl)
Glacial Till (cohesive)

Stiff to very stiff brown slightly sandy clay 0.00m to 9.70m
GIR/PSSR/
Bishopstone Mudstone Formation Exploration
(BMF) 9.70m to 20m (penetrated depth) Associates Ltd (1999)
Grey fine to medium grained weathered
sandstone and siltstone

PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
Encountered at depth of 5m bgl.
Exploration
Glacial Till (Cohesive) BMF
Ko = 1.0
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307
Kp = 3.255
Unit
Material cp’ cu mv E’
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
Type (kN/m2) ( kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Glacial Till 75
40
(Cohesive) 75+ 10z
40 + 6z
(z = meters
2.1 2 32 0.1 (z = metres
below
below 5.0m.bgl)
5.0m.bgl)
1
BMF
(Mudstone) 2.0 20 42 - - 200
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
(max)
Bored pile
diameter
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - 7.1 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
170
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.14 A470 Junction Eastbound Slip Retaining Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet –A470 Junction
STRUCTURE NAME
A470 Contiguous Bored Pile Retaining CHAINAGE Reference /
wall ch. 10350m to 10660m Comments
AIP Ref No.

STRUCTURE TYPE

3/BH105,105A - 3/BH106,106A Associates Ltd (1999)
Typical depths below existing

Strata
ground level (mbgl)
Glacial Till (cohesive)

Stiff brown slightly sandy silty clay
Glacial Till (granular) 0.00m to 5.0m

Very dense fine to coarse angular to
subangular Gravel, cobbles and boulders GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
5.0m to 9.0m
BMF Associates Ltd (1999)
Grey fine grained very thinly medium bedded
slightly weathered Sandstone moderately
strong mixed with mudstone and siltstone 9.0m to 22m (penetrated depth)

PSSR
B2191100/D2/1/2/045).
GROUNDWATER Encountered at depths ranging
GIR/PSSR/
Exploration
Glacial Till (Cohesive) Glacial Till (Granular) BMF
Ko = 1.0 Ko = 0.412
Ko = 1.500
Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.260
Kp = 3.255 Kp = 3.852
1
Unit
Material cp’ cu mv E’
Weight Φp’ (⁰)
Type (kN/m2) ( kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Glacial Till
60
(Granular)
2.0 0 36 - - 60 + 34z
(z = metres below
5mbgl)
Glacial Till 75
(Cohesive) 75+ 10z 40
(z = meters 40 + 6z
2.1 2 32 0.1
(z = metres below
below
5.0m.bgl)
5.0m.bgl)
BMF
(Mudstone) 2.0 20 42 - - 200
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Height
Face Angle 90⁰ 4m
(max)
Bored pile
diameter
2
PILE DESIGN N/A
Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.1 - -
pH - 8.9 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
-
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.35.15 Cemetery (A470 Junction) Retaining Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet – A470 CEMETERY
RETAINING WALL
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE
Reference /
Southbound Ch. 300m – 510m;
A470 Cemetery Retaining Wall Comments
on A470
Concrete piled retaining wall B2191100/D2/1/2/145
RELEVANT BOREHOLES
SOILS / GEOLOGY BGS
SO00NW/276 and SO00NW/278
Typical depths below existing Below existing ground

Strata
ground level (mbgl) level
Top soil 0.00m to 0.3m
Glacial Till (Cohesive)

Soft to firm silty very sandy CLAY 0.3m to 2.0m
Glacial Till (Granular) 2.0m to 8.50m

Slighty clayey to clayey fine to medium BGS
SAND
Weathered South Wales Lower Coal 8.50m to 21.7m (Maximum depth

Measures (LCM) penetrated)
Slightly weathered, moderately strong
Sandstone, Mudstone and Siltstone
PREVIOUS GROUND HISTORY Existing Highway (A470) Google Earth Map

CONTAMINATION RISK ASSESSMENT No ground contamination records
are available. Assessment to be Land Quality Report-
presented in the final Land Quality B2191100/D2/1/2/045
Ground Investigation Report.
GROUNDWATER
Encountered at depths 5.0m below
BGS
ground level
Glacial Till (Cohesive) Glacial Till (Granular) LCM
K0 = 0.47 K0 = 0.47
Ka = 0.31 Ka = 0.31
Kp = 3.3 Kp = 3.3
1
Unit
C p’ mv E’
Material Type Weight Φp’ (⁰)
(kN/m2) (m2/MN) (MPa)
(Mg/m3)
Glacial Till
20
(Cohesive) 2.0 2 32 0.1
Glacial Till
2.0 0 32 - 35
(Granular)
Weathered Lower
2.5 20 42 - 500
Coal Measures
BEARING CAPACITY

Not applicable.
Face Angle 90⁰ Face Height (max) 6.5m
Facing Type Concrete piles
Bored pile
0.9m Pile Length (m) 14.0m
diameter
PILE DESIGN N/A

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
2
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - - - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
Water soluble
-
sulfate (mg/l)
DS1 AC-2z
Environment for Concrete Classes.
Note: These correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across
the whole route of section 6 of A465.
N/A
NOTES
None.
3
B.36 Reinforced Soil Walls
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
B.36.1 Gurnos Farm Cottages

Reinforced Soil Wall
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Approval in Principle: Reinforced Earth Retaining Walls
Geotechnical Summary Information Sheet
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE Reference /
Gurnos Farm cottages Ch. 12530m to 12620m Comments
Reinforced Earth Retaining wall B2191100/D2/1/2/043 GIR/PSSR

3/BH82 Associates Ltd (1999)
Below existing ground

Strata Typical depths to base (m bgl)
level
Possible solifluction deposits
Soft to firm brown mottled orange slightly
silty sandy clay with a little fine to coarse 5.7m bgl
subrounded gravel and cobbles of GIR/PSSR/
sandstone with occasional peat lenses. Exploration
Very dense sandy fine to coarse angular to
subangular gravel of quartzite weathered > 6.2 m bgl
bedrock. Not proven
assessment risk is LOW. PSSR/Land Quality
Detailed assessment is presented Ground Investigation
in the final Land Quality Ground Report (2016)
Investigation Report.
Groundwater was not encountered
Exploration
in the relevant borehole.
Reinforced Fill 6I / 6J Embankment Fill Glacial Till (Granular)
Ko = 0.412 Ko = 0.470 Ko = 0.412
Ka = 0.259 Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.259
Kp = 3.852 Kp = 3.254 Kp = 3.852
cu
Unit
Cohesion mv E’
Material Weight Angle of
(MPa)
Type 2 Friction, φp’, ° 2
3 (kN/m ) (cp’) (m /MN) (MPa)
(kN/m )
6I/6J
Reinforced - -
20 0 36 -
Fill
0.1 20
(between
ground 20 +6 z
Embankment
85 level and 2 (where z
Fill 20 2 32
m bgl) = metres
below 5
0.03 (below m bgl)
2 m bgl)
Glacial Till
- 35
(Granular) 20 - 36 -
Unit
Bedrock Weight mi E’ (MPa)
Parameters UCS (MPa) GSI D
3
(kN/m )
Twrch
Sandstone 17 1500
26 50 50 0.7
Formation
BEARING CAPACITY
Founding
Footing Allowable Bearing
Structure Founding Level
Size Pressure
Element Stratum mAOD / 2
(m x m) kN/m
(mbgl)
Notes: Bearing capacities are to be confirmed once the retaining wall option has been chosen.
Re Type Reinforced Earth Wall
Face Height
Face Angle 90 ˚ 6.45 m
(max)
Layer
Facing Type Concrete Panels 0.5m
Spacing
Foundation
Granular Glacial Till (replaced)
Conditions
Soft spots (material with an undrained shear strength less

Foundation 2
than 40kN/m ) encountered at founding level shall be dug
Prep
out and replaced with acceptable granular fill material
Notes: The retaining wall option is as follows:

Reinforced earth – a proprietary system with concrete facing panels and steel reinforcing strips in a
structural fill
PILE DESIGN

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (m AOD)
(m)
N/A
SETTLEMENT N/A
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
N/A
Note : The reinforced soil retaining wall structure will be designed to accommodate differential settlement
of up to 1 in 100 (Table 17, p.87, BS 8006-1:2010),corresponding with maximum differential settlements of
100mm along a 10m length of wall.
During detailed design stage, a full assessment of the settlement will be required.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - - - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
1) No chemical analysis was carried out in this borehole.
2) These correspond with the conditions assessed from chemical tests on samples collected across the
whole route of section 5.
N/A
NOTES
2
1) Soft spots (material with an undrained shear strength less than 40kN/m ) encountered at founding
level shall be dug out and replaced with acceptable granular fill material
2) Ground Conditions at the formations to be confirmed by the Designer’s Geotechnical Site
Representative (DGSR) to confirm that the ground conditions are in accordance with the design
assumptions.
3) Exposed cohesive glacial till is susceptible to softening on wetting up upon exposure and hence
could be an issue for earthworks and formations.
B.36.2 Gurnos Ring Road – South

B2191100/D2/1/2/059
STRUCTURE NAME
CHAINAGE
Reference /
Ch. 12390m to 12510m
Gurnos Ring Road South Comments
Ch. 12560m to 12660m
Reinforced Earth Retaining wall B2191100/D2/1/2/043 GIR/PSSR

3/BH82 Associates Ltd (1999)

level
Possible solifluction deposits
Soft to firm brown mottled orange slightly 5.7m bgl

silty sandy clay with a little fine to coarse
subrounded gravel and cobbles of GIR/PSSR/
sandstone with occasional peat lenses. Exploration
Very dense sandy fine to coarse angular to > 6.2 m bgl
subangular gravel of quartzite weathered
bedrock. Not proven
Groundwater was not encountered
Exploration
in the relevant borehole.
Reinforced Fill 6I / 6J Embankment Fill Glacial Till (Granular)
Ko = 0.412 Ko = 0.470 Ko = 0.412
Ka = 0.259 Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.259
Kp = 3.852 Kp = 3.254 Kp = 3.852
cu
Unit
Cohesion mv E’
Material Weight Angle of
(MPa)
Type 2 Friction, φp’, ° 2
3 (kN/m ) (cp’) (m /MN) (MPa)
(kN/m )
6I/6J
Reinforced - -
20 0 36 -
Fill
0.1 20
(between
ground 20 +6 z
Embankment
85 level and 2 (where z
Fill 20 2 32
m bgl) = metres
below 5
0.03 (below m bgl)
2 m bgl)
Glacial Till
- 35
(Granular) 20 - 36 -
Unit
Bedrock Weight mi E’ (MPa)
Parameters UCS (MPa) GSI D
3
(kN/m )
Twrch
Sandstone 17 1500
26 50 50 0.7
Formation
BEARING CAPACITY
Founding
Size Pressure
(m x m) kN/m
(mbgl)
Face Height 6.15m (including

Face Angle 90 ˚
(max) embedment)
Layer
Spacing
Foundation
Granular Glacial Till (replaced)
Conditions
Soft spots (material with an undrained shear strength less

Foundation 2
than 40kN/m ) encountered at founding level shall be dug
Prep
out and replaced with acceptable granular fill material

Reinforced earth – a proprietary system with concrete facing panels and steel reinforcing strips in a
structural fill
PILE DESIGN

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
N/A
SETTLEMENT
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
N/A
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - - - -
pH - - - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
N/A
NOTES
2
assumptions.
3) Exposed cohesive glacial till is susceptible to softening on wetting up and hence could be an issue
for earthworks and formations.
B.36.3 Pant Viaduct

B2191100/D2/1/2/059

Reference /
Pant Viaduct Road Ch. 14780m to 14840m Comments
Reinforced Soil Abutment B2191100/D2/1/2/043 GIR/PSSR

RELEVANT BOREHOLES
3/BH64 (Ch ≈14835, Ground level – GIR/PSSR/
SOILS / GEOLOGY 337.8 m AOD) Exploration
and 3/BH 66 (Ch ≈14750, Ground Associates Ltd (1999)
level – 327.85 m AOD)
level
From 3/BH64 GIR/PSSR/
(1)
Made Ground (Cohesive) Exploration
Stiff to very stiff brown and black slightly 11.7 m bgl Associates Ltd (1999)
sandy clay with some fine to coarse gravel
and occasional cobbles of limestone.
(2)
Lower Coal Measures >25 m bgl
Grey and dark red brown fine grained Not proven
moderately weathered SANDSTONE and
sandy SILTSTONE (weak to extremely
weak) with extremely closely spaced
randomly orientated fractures
Note: (1) The historic borehole data shows

larger depth of made ground present
between both the abutments. There is also
a historic swimming pool between both the
abutments which may be filled with made
ground. Although this is not located
immediately below the abutment, there is a
possibility that larger depth of made
ground is encountered during the
construction.
(2) A coal seam was noted in an outcrop

located just south of borehole 3/BH64.
This corresponds with the Sun seam which
has an estimated thickness of 0.3m.
Marine bands comprising mudstones and
siltstones and occasional layers of
sandstone, underlie the coal seam. The
mudstone and siltstone are generally
weaker than the sandstones of the Lower
Coal Measures. Due to the shallow dip of
the strata to the south east, this coal seam
is not anticipated beneath the proposed
structure however the marine bands are
anticipated to extend across the span of
the structure.
From 3/BH66
(3)
Made Ground (Granular)
Loose to medium dense dark grey and 6.3 m bgl
brown slightly clayey silty very sandy (fine
to coarse) angular to subangular GRAVEL
of clinker, slag, brick, sandstone and
occasional subangular to angular cobbles
Glacial Till (Granular) 23 m bgl

Medium dense brown and orange slightly
clayey slightly sandy (medium to coarse)
silty fine to coarse angular to subangular
GRAVEL
(4,5)
Bishopston Mudstone Formation 26.3 m bgl
Grey very thinly to thinly bedded slightly
weathered silty MUDSTONE (moderately
weak to moderately strong).
(3) The historic borehole data shows larger
depth of made ground present between
both the abutments. There is also a
historic swimming pool between both the
abutments which may be filled with made
ground. Although this not located
immediately below the abutment, there is a
possibility that larger depth of made
ground is encountered during the
construction.
(4) As exploratory hole 3/BH66 was open
holed from 13.5m to 23.0m bgl, where
mudstone was subsequently cored, it is
conjectured that bedrock is at some depth
(304m.AOD). Reduced flush returns were
recorded in the exploratory hole, indicating
highly fractured rock. There are no
recorded mineworkings near to the
structure.
(5) Bedrock levels across the site are

uncertain as exploratory hole 3/BH66 was
open holed. Based on the assumption that
rockhead occurred where coring
commenced at the end of the open hole
section of the borehole, rockhead depth
increases steeply from east to west from
325.9m.AOD to 304.9m.AOD (11.90mbgl
to 23.00mbgl). There was no evidence of
coal bands within the bedrock

GROUNDWATER Groundwater was encountered in GIR/PSSR/

3/BH64 at 5.10m bgl (332.7m AOD) Exploration
within the made ground rising to Associates Ltd (1999)
5.00m bgl (332.8m AOD) during
drilling.

Reinforced Fill 6I / 6J Embankment Fill Made Ground (Cohesive /
Granular)
Ko = 0.357 Ko = 0.470 Ko = 0.470

Ka = 0.217 Ka = 0.307 Ka = 0.307
Kp = 4.6 Kp = 3.254 Kp = 3.254
Unit
Material Cohesion Angle of cu (MPa) mv E’
Weight 2 2
Type 3 (kN/m ) (cp’) Friction, φp’, ° (m /MN) (MPa)
(kN/m )
6I/6J
Reinforced - -
20 0 40 -
Fill
20
0.1
20 +6 z
Embankment (between
- (where z
Fill 20 2 32 ground
= metres
level and 2
below 5
m bgl)
m bgl)
10
0.1 (between
(between ground
Made
ground level and
Ground 75
level and 2 4 m bgl)
(Cohesive / 19.6 0 32 ˚
Granular) m bgl)
40
0.05 (below (below 4
2 m bgl) m bgl)
Unit
Bedrock Unit
UCS (MPa) GSI mi D E’ (MPa)
Parameters Weight
3
(kN/m )
Bishopston
Mudstone
8 200
Formation – 26 13 35 0.7
Mudstone
Lower coal
14 750
Measures 25 25 45 0.7
BEARING CAPACITY
Founding
Size Pressure
(m x m) kN/m
(mbgl)
Face Height 9.5m (including

Face Angle 90 ˚
(max) embedment)
Layer
Spacing
Foundation
Cohesive Made Ground
Conditions
A metre of Made Ground should be replaced underneath

the Reinforced Earth block to aid bearing capacity.
Foundation
Considering frost embedment of 0.45m, it is estimated that
Prep
excavation is down to 2 m which is approximately 325.5 m
AOD.

Reinforced soil abutment – a proprietary system with concrete facing panels and steel reinforcing strips in
a structural fill
PILE DESIGN

Founding Toe Level
Stratum (mAOD)
(m)
N/A
SETTLEMENT
Immediate Total
(mm) (mm)
N/A
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SO4 (%) - 0.03-0.11 - -
pH - 4.3-7.6 - -
Mg - - - -
REDOX - - - -
DS1 AC-2z
Notes:
N/A
NOTES
2
assumptions.
6) Exposed cohesive glacial till (or embankment fill) is susceptible to softening on wetting up upon
exposure and hence could be an issue for earthworks and formations.
Appendix C. Specifications
Appendix 1/5
It is anticipated that Specification Appendix Table 1/5 as per the Notes for Guidance, Volume 2 of the Manual of
Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) shall be adopted and amended as appropriate by the detailed
designer and other organisations employed to complete follow-on work by the Client.
600 Series Appendices
Included in GDR Volume 1
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
Appendix D. Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form (SEAF)
B2191100/D2/1/2/059
A465 – Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5 & 6
Welsh Government
Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form - Outline SEAF
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 | W0
6 June 2017
B2191100
Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form

Welsh Government
Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form – Outline SEAF
Project No: B2191100

Document Title: Strengthened Earthworks Appraisal Form – Outline SEAF
Document No.: B2191100-D2-1-2-174
Revision: W0
Date: 6 June 2017
Client Name: Welsh Government
Client No: B2191100
Project Manager: D Sallis
Author: L Khan
Jacobs U.K. Limited
1180 Eskdale Road

Winnersh, Wokingham
Reading RG41 5TU
United Kingdom
T +44 (0)118 946 7000
F +44 (0)118 946 7001
www.jacobs.com
© Copyright 2017 Jacobs U.K. Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs. Use or copying of
this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright.
Limitation: This document has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of Jacobs’ client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the
provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the client. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance
upon, this document by any third party.
Document history and status
Revision Date Description By Review Approved
Rev D0 07/06/2017 DRAFT L Khan A Dishington D Sallis
W0 20/9/17 Working Copy L Khan A Dishington D Sallis
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 i
Contents
1. Scheme Details .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Name of Scheme ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Type of Highway .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Permitted Traffic Speed ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Nature of scheme/scheme elements ........................................................................................................... 1
2. Strengthened Earthwork Type, Purpose and Location ......................................................................... 1
2.1 Generic Type of Strengthened Earthwork ................................................................................................... 1
2.2 Purpose of Strengthened Earthwork ........................................................................................................... 1
2.3 Intended Location(s) for Use ....................................................................................................................... 1
3. Outline of Existing Ground and Groundwater Conditions .................................................................... 3
3.1 Ground Investigation Data........................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Existing Ground Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Existing Groundwater Conditions ................................................................................................................ 3
3.4 Soil and Groundwater Chemistry ................................................................................................................ 3
3.5 Existing Geotechnical Problems.................................................................................................................. 3
4. Proposed Strengthened Earthworks ....................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Description of Strengthened Earthwork....................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Foundation Preparation, including any Measures to deal with Geotechnical Problems ............................. 4
4.3 Materials to be used in Construction ........................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Drainage Measures ..................................................................................................................................... 4
4.5 Arrangements for Highway Furniture and Buried Services and Landscaping ............................................ 4
4.6 Inspection and Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 4
4.7 Interface with Other Structures.................................................................................................................... 5
5. Design Methods ......................................................................................................................................... 5
5.1 Internal Stability ........................................................................................................................................... 5
5.2 External/Global Stability .............................................................................................................................. 5
6. Design/Assessment Criteria..................................................................................................................... 5
6.1 List of Relevant Documents ........................................................................................................................ 5
6.2 Limit State Design Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 5
6.3 Serviceability Design Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 5
6.4 Design Parameters for Soils and Materials ................................................................................................. 6
6.5 Design Groundwater Conditions ................................................................................................................. 6
6.6 Live Loadings .............................................................................................................................................. 6
6.7 Description/Diagram of Idealised Structure Model to be used in Analysis.................................................. 6
6.8 Precautions against Chemical Attack to Materials ...................................................................................... 7
6.9 Proposed Departures from Design Standards ............................................................................................ 7
7. Checking .................................................................................................................................................... 7
8. Drawings and Documents ........................................................................................................................ 7
8.1 List of drawings and documents accompanying submission ...................................................................... 7
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 ii
Appendix A. Soils Information

Appendix B. Relevant Correspondence and Documents from Consultation with Relevant
Authorities.
Appendix C. Schedule of drawings and documents.
Appendix D. Additional Information
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 iii
1. Scheme Details
1.1 Name of Scheme
1.2 Type of Highway
Widening the current A465 from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway.
1.3 Permitted Traffic Speed
National Speed Limit
1.4 Nature of scheme/scheme elements
The Welsh Government has proposed to undertake improvement works to the existing ‘A465 Heads of
the Valleys Road’ which involves widening the current A465 from a single to a dual carriageway.
Jacobs have been commissioned to continue these improvements along Section 5 and 6, comprising
the western end of the route.
Within the Baverstock area, the alignment of the mainline carriageway requires the construction of a
new embankment. In order to limit land-take, it is proposed to construct parts of the new embankment
using reinforced soil. The reinforced soil embankments are to be permanent structures with a design
life of 60 years.
2. Strengthened Earthwork Type, Purpose and Location

2.1 Generic Type of Strengthened Earthwork
Strengthened (reinforced) soil slopes, up to 50°, constructed using granular Class 6I/6J material and
founded on Cohesive Glacial Till.
2.2 Purpose of Strengthened Earthwork
To allow a new highway embankment to be constructed in areas where there is insufficient space for a
conventional embankment.
2.3 Intended Location(s) for Use
The locations of the proposed earthworks are indicated in Table 2-1 and are shown in Figure 2.1.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 1
Figure 2.1 Reinforced Soil Embankments locations
Maximum
Maximum
reinforced
Section Chainages (m) Location slope
slope height
angle (o)
(m)
Northern side of Baverstock mainline

1 7690 - 7720 8.7 50
embankment
Northern side of Baverstock mainline
2 8040 - 8145 6.2 30
embankment
3 8000 - 8250 Northern side of westbound diverge Slip Road 12.0 45
4 8100 - 8200 Northern side of Swansea Road 5.7 35
Table 2-1 : Location of Reinforced Soil Embankments
Cross sections illustrating the critical slopes within each section are provided in Appendix D.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 2
3. Outline of Existing Ground and Groundwater Conditions

3.1 Ground Investigation Data
The associated Ground Investigation Report (GIR) is presented within:
 Jacobs, A465 – Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5 & 6,

Report No. B2191100/D2/1/2/040, Revision W0, November 2016.
Relevant exploratory holes within this zone are 3/BH119 to 3/BH128. The Geological long section is
shown in Appendix A.
3.2 Existing Ground Conditions
The ground conditions in the area comprise:

 Cohesive Glacial Till
 Lower Coal Measures Bedrock (Weathered)
Cohesive Glacial Till
Stiff to very stiff mottled grey and brown fine to medium sandy silty CLAY with little fine to coarse sub-
angular to sub-rounded gravel and cobbles of sandstone and siltstone was recorded up to 5.5m before
encountering weathered bedrock (Lower Coal Measures).
Lower Coal Measures
Grey thickly laminated to very thinly bedded slightly to moderately weathered SANDSTONE,
SILTSTONE and MUDSTONE, moderately weak to moderately strong, generally recovered as
angular, tabular, coarse gravel and cobbles.
3.3 Existing Groundwater Conditions
The groundwater in the area has been recorded very close to the existing ground level within 3/BH119
- 3/BH121, 3/BH125 and 3/BH127. The highest ground water level of 0.7m below ground level was
recorded in borehole 3/BH121. An overnight standing water level of 1.4m, 2.3m, 0.9m and 1.95m
below the ground levels were observed in boreholes 3/BH119, 3/BH120, 3/BH125 and 3/BH127
respectively.
3.4 Soil and Groundwater Chemistry
The reinforcement geogrids will be placed in Class 6I/6J fill derived from site won granular glacial
till deposits. Chemical testing of the Glacial Till indicates a Design Sulfate class of DS-1.
3.5 Existing Geotechnical Problems
The underlying Glacial Till is stiff to very stiff and not susceptible to significant settlements under
embankment loadings.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 3
4. Proposed Strengthened Earthworks

4.1 Description of Strengthened Earthwork
The strengthened earthworks comprise reinforced embankments with slopes up to 50° constructed
using Class 6I/6J material. The reinforced soil will be founded on cohesive Glacial Till. Details of the
reinforced embankment locations, slope angles and maximum heights are given in Table 2-1. Cross
sections of the critical slopes within each section are provided in Appendix D.
4.2 Foundation Preparation, including any Measures to deal with Geotechnical

Problems
Following excavation to the foundation level, the formation shall be inspected. The formation is
expected to comprise stiff to very stiff cohesive Glacial Till. Any deleterious material at formation level
shall be removed and replaced with suitable fill.
4.3 Materials to be used in Construction
Soil reinforcement will be polymer geogrid reinforcement, Tensar 40 RE or similar, constructed with
steel reinforcement facing units. Material partial factors used in the design shall be those stated in
the BBA certificate.
Main body fill material: Class 6I/6J complying with the Specification for Highway Works is proposed as
backfilling materials in construction in accordance with MCHW Series 600 Table 6/1.
Face topsoil: Class 5A or 5B (locally derived or imported topsoil), in accordance with MCHW Series
600 Table 6/1.
4.4 Drainage Measures
No specific drainage measures are proposed for the reinforced soil slope. The reinforced soil slope
will be constructed of relatively free draining Class 6I/6J granular fill.
4.5 Arrangements for Highway Furniture and Buried Services and Landscaping
A safety barrier is to be accommodated in the road verge and may have a localised effect on the
upper reinforcement layers of the reinforced soil slope.
Details of topsoiling, seed mix and maintenance will be determined during final design.
4.6 Inspection and Maintenance
Routine inspection of the finished structure shall be in accordance with HD41/15. The face of the
slope will be seeded with a low-growing seed mix, precluding the need for ongoing
maintenance.
A RRS (Road Restraint System) is to be provided between the slope and the carriageway.
The front facing units will comprise steel reinforcement units and as such, would be unaffected
by fire. In the short-term, there may be some damage to the erosion matting, but this can be
replaced by attaching replacement matting over the top of the reinforcement in the damaged
area. In the long-term, the face will be covered by vegetation.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 4
4.7 Interface with Other Structures
N/A
5. Design Methods
5.1 Internal Stability
The design of the reinforced soil slope shall be carried out in accordance with BS 8006-1:2016, as BS
EN 1997-1 does not currently cover the detailed design of reinforced soil slopes.
The internal stability of the reinforced soil slope will therefore be designed in accordance with BS8006-
1:2016 Code of Practice for Strengthened Reinforced Soils and other fills (Section 7). The design and
analysis will use Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) approaches where the
soil weight and live loading will be increased by appropriate partial load factors and the soil properties
and reinforcement strength will be reduced by appropriate partial material factors.
Internal stability calculations will be undertaken in accordance with BS8006-1:2016 Code of practice
for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills.
5.2 External/Global Stability
The external stability assessment will be in accordance with BS8006-1:2016. Circular failure surfaces
will be analysed, passing beneath and beyond the reinforced zone to provide moment equilibrium.
6. Design/Assessment Criteria
6.1 List of Relevant Documents
 BS8006-1:2016: Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills.
 BS 8002:2015: Code of practice for earth retaining structures
6.2 Limit State Design Criteria
Partial factors for ultimate limit state shall be in accordance with BS8006-1:2016 Code of practice for
strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills.
6.3 Serviceability Design Criteria
Partial factors for serviceability limit state shall be in accordance with BS8006-1:2016 Code of practice
for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 5
6.4 Design Parameters for Soils and Materials

Bulk Unit Undrained
Weight Shear Drained Shear Strength
Stratum Strength
ᵞ b (kN/m³) cu (kN/m²) c’ (kN/m²) ɸ’p (°)
Existing Embankment Fill 20 75 2 32
Cohesive Glacial Till 20 75 2 32
Class 6I/6J Fill 20 - 0 35
UCS (MPa) GSI mi D
Lower Coal Measures 25 10 35 8 0.7
Table 6.1 : Summary of characteristic design parameters for soils and rock
The shear strength parameters for the Lower Coal Measures will be derived using the Generalised
Hoek-Brown strength criterion for a fractured rock mass.
6.5 Design Groundwater Conditions
The highest overnight standing ground water level is recorded at 0.7m below ground level in 3/BH121.
The design groundwater level has therefore been considered at existing ground level as a worst case
scenario.
6.6 Live Loadings
Eurocodes are generally ambiguous on the issue of surcharge loadings on embankments, with BS EN
1991-1 (Eurocode 1) only referring to ‘Actions on Structures’. The recommendations given in
BS8002:2015 shall therefore be adopted for design of the reinforced soil slope. In this regard, a live
load surcharge of 20 kN/m2 shall be applied at the top of the embankment.
6.7 Description/Diagram of Idealised Structure Model to be used in Analysis
Varies 30 - 50
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 6
6.8 Precautions against Chemical Attack to Materials
None required. Also refer to 3.4.
6.9 Proposed Departures from Design Standards
None required.
7. Checking
The design will be subject to a Category 1 check.
8. Drawings and Documents

8.1 List of drawings and documents accompanying submission
Appendix A Soils Information
Appendix B Relevant Correspondence and Documents from Consultation with Relevant Authorities.
Appendix C Schedule of drawings and documents.
The above Design and Construction Proposals are Submitted for Review.
Signed: ................ ............. ............. ............. ..................

Team Leader, Design Team
Name: ...........Allan Dishington.....
Engineering Qualifications: .......BSc CEng MICE.....
Date: .....20/9/17.....
Design Certificate (Geotechnical) Ref No.014
The above SEAF is:

i. received*
ii. received with comments as follows*
iii. return marked "comments" as follows*
* delete as appropriate.
Signed: .....................................................................................
Employer's Agent
Name: ........................................................................................
Date: .........................................................................................
B2191100-D2-1-2-174 7
Appendix A. Soils Information
Exploratory hole locations and Geological Long Section: Drawing 2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0006
Borehole logs: 3/BH119 to 3/BH128
B2191100-D2-1-2-174
Crown copyright and database rights 2017 NOTES
Ordnance Survey 0100031673
1. Do not scale from this drawing.
2. Proposed layouts are shown indicatively and subject to
0-0005
further development and approval.
3. The Geological Long Section has been interpreted based on
-GE-060
the Exploration Associates LTD (1997) borehole information.
PLAN
R
C-HGT-D Existing Borehole (Exploration Associates Ltd, 1997)
FOR CONTINUATION SEE 2191100-JAC

7100
Existing Trial Pits (Exploration Associates Ltd, 1997)
A
7150
191100-J
7200
Historic Investigations (BGS)
7 250
2
730
ION SEE
LQW Jacobs 2016 GI Boreholes
735
S206
5
740
LQW Jacobs 2016 GI Trial Pits
S206
8500
NTINUAT
8450
0
745
8400
LQW
8350
750
S207
7 Proposed LQ Exploratory Holes
8300
FOR CO
7550
LQW
S206
8250
7600
7
LEGEND
8200
7650
LQW
-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0007
LQCP
8150
S207
7700
2014 LQW 4
S207 LQWS20
8100
7750
Ground Profile
2 73
8050
7800
LQW LQW
8000
TP11
7850
LQCP S207
7950
7900
2013 S206 4 0 Proposed Design Profile
9
TP11
5(WS
N:\HIG\B2191100 - A465 Section 5&6 Technical Advisor\D2 Deliverables\D2-2 Drawings\01 DRAWINGS\01 WIP\01 DRAWINGS\0600 Earthworks\2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0006.dwg - 06/03/2017 11:50:50 - 2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0006 - LoveysC
)
LQW Topsoil
S206 LQW
8 S20LQW
75 S2076 LQW
S207LQW Made Ground - Granular (MGG)
8 S20
79
LQW LQCP Made Ground - Cohesive (MGC)
S207
1
Peat
Glacial Till - Cohesive (GTC)
Glacial Till - Granular (GTG)
Lower Coal Measures (LCM)
Bishopston Mudstone Formation (BMF)

LAYOUT Twrch Sandstone Formation (TSF)
SCALE 1:2500
Oxwich Head Limestone Formation (OHLF)
3/BH119
365
Open Hole Section
0.10 T
GTC
360 Void
3/BH120
LONG SECTION ?
?
?
2.90
3.80
4.25
GTG
GTG
LCM ?
?
?
Horizontal Scale = 1:2500,Vertical Scale= 1:1000 5.75 LCM Standing Water/Standpipe Water Level
355 GTC
? 7.10 LCM
?
Datum=240.000 1.50 LCM
Seepage level
3/BH121
2.30 LCM
? s
4.30 LCM
350 ?
3/BH123A
T
3/BH123
3/BH125
0.30 GTC
14.75 LCM
14.95 LCM
15.20 LCM
15.35 LCM
3/BH124B
3/BH124A
345
3/BH124
16.50 LCM
10.20 LCM 16.75 LCM
? 11.30 LCM
17.10
17.35
LCM
LCM
11.80 LCM
0.10 Peat
GTC 5.40 LCM
13.20 LCM
20.00
2.00 GTG
?
340
14.80 LCM
MGC
MGC 15.27 LCM
3.00 GTG T
0.25 GTC 8.40 LCM
3.40 LCM
? ? 16.15 LCM
4.50 LCM
2.06
2.25 GTC
?
2.60
2.55 LCM
3/BH127
? ? GTC
GTC 19.10 LCM
335 ? 20.20
? 1.90
2.55
? 15.05
GTC
? 8.00 Void
0.25 GTG
?
?
Level
330
Possible Solifluction deposits
9.60 LCM
?
2.60
?
?
325
(up to 3m depth). ?
?
?
?
?
13.18 LCM
? 19.60 LCM
17.00 LCM
? ? 20.90 LCM 18.15 Void
? 19.20 LCM
320 ? ?
3/BH128
? 23.60
24.00
LCM
LCM
? ? 24.50 LCM
? ? ? 25.40
?
315 Peat
?
? ?
24.60
?
0.70 GTC
? ?
?
3/BH129
? 2.45 GTC
?
?
? ? ?
310 ?
? ?
? ? 5.90 GTG
? 0 75 150
? ?
? 7.10 LCM
? ? 0.15
Peat
GTC ?
? ? ?
? Metres
Level
? ? ? ? 8.90 LCM
305 2.00
3.00
GTC
GTC ? 10.40 LCM

3/BH130
? 11.35 LCM
- - - - - - -
?
?
300
14.20
6.90 GTC
0.15
Peat
GTC ? - - - - - - -
9.70 GTC
1.70 GTC 10.10 ? LCM
- - - - - - -
Twyn Ddisgwylfa Fault
295 ?
P03 22/02/17 FOR INFORMATION SP - - -

5.00 GTG
?
15.00
P02 03/11/16 GIR APPENDIX ISSUE MD SN AD AD

?
290
P01 06/05/16 - AG SN JL AD
285 Rev Rev. Date Purpose of revision Drawn Checkd Rev'd Apprv'd
R
280
?
275 8th Floor, Churchill House, 17 Churchill Way,

Cardiff, CF10 2HH
270 Client
ult
?
?
Werfa Fa
265
260
Project
?
255
A465 SECTIONS 5 & 6
250
?
Drawing title
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ?
?
245 ? ? ? ? ?
GEOLOGICAL LONG
240
SECTION
329.281
334.411
296.560
339.722
360.762
300.688
303.968
307.436
309.534
309.890
311.429
310.963
313.625
316.077
316.817
320.078
324.680
326.969
331.830
337.024
341.978
341.368
343.598
346.396
349.127
352.075
354.284
357.557
361.084
362.130
362.136
EXISTING GL 6 OF 16
Drawing status
WORK IN PROGRESS
296.947
299.947
302.947
305.947
308.947
311.947
314.947
317.947
320.947
323.947
326.947
329.947
332.947
335.947
338.947
341.806
344.415
346.774
348.884
350.743
352.352
353.712
354.821
355.680
356.289
356.649
356.758
356.617
356.227
355.586
354.695
PROPOSED GL Scale 1:2500 @ A1
Jacobs No. 2191100
DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING
Drawing number Rev
2191100-JAC-HGT-DR-GE-0600-0006 P03
7050.000
7100.000
7150.000
7200.000
7250.000
7300.000
7350.000
7400.000
7450.000
7500.000
7550.000
7600.000
7650.000
7700.000
7750.000
7800.000
7850.000
7900.000
7950.000
8000.000
8050.000
8100.000
8150.000
8200.000
8250.000
8300.000
8350.000
8400.000
8450.000
8500.000
8547.215
CHAINAGE Copyright 2017 Jacobs U.K. Limited. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs.
AD
G
AW I N
T OC
R
AU
D
TOPSOIL ** (Possible made ground).
Very dense brown to grey slightly clayey

silty sandy (fine to medium) fine to coarse
subangular to subrounded GRAVEL of sandstone
and quartzite with subrounded cobblEes)of
sandstone and quartzite. (Boulders .
MUDSTONE **
From 4.25m to 4.40m; recovered non-intact

as angular gravel sized fragments
lorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)

200 to 3.80m 200 to 3.80m
S to 20.00m 220 to 4.20m
Remarks Chiselled from 1.30m to 1.60m (55 mins), 1.80m to 2.lOm (30 mins), 2.70m to 2.90m (30 mins), 3.20m to
3.40m (60 mins), 3.40m to 3.80m (60 mins)
Overnight standlng water level of 1.40m noted on the 18/5/97.
ke key sheir
lnd appendices
br explanations. Form l/O
Project Contract 166001-3

Borehole Record A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
Ground Investigation, Section 3
Welsh Office Highways Directorate Borehole
Exploration Associates 3/BH119(1 of 4)
ered non-intact
Dark grey to black thinly laminated to very

thinly bedded slightly weathered silty
MUDSTONE weak to moderately weak.

200 to 3.80m 200 to 3.80m
S to 20.00m 220 to 4.20m
Remarks
:ee key sheet

nd appendices
or explanations. Form 110
From 11.15m to 11.20m: recovered non-intact
.A:ei;.15m: 65" fracture planar smooth and
From 13.25m to 13.35m: AZCL
Black slightty weathered slightly sandy

SILTSTONE moderately strong.
Bloreholr Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)

200 to 3.80m 200 to 3.80m
S to 20.00m 220 to 4.20m
1Remarks
Sice key sheet

a nd appendices
fi 3r explanations. Form 110
Project Contract
166001-3
Welsh Office Hlghways Directorate Borehole
;amnlinP I Strata
Drill Run TCR Casing Date/ SF’T N Depth
Description (Thickness) Leve’ Legend
(SCR) (RQD) Water FI
22/05
a25 Black thinly laminated to very thinly bedded
slightly weathered carbonaceous MUDSTONE
moderately weak.
>25 Prominent discontinuities:
97%
(63%) (48%)
.25 Grey fine and medium grained slightly

weathered SANDSTONE strong with very closely
spaced gravel. sized ironstone nodules.
Prominent discontinuities:
1) Subvertical fractures 85” to 90” closely
16.25 s aced and intersecting planar rough and
c f ean.
Grey thinly to medium bedded slightly 16.50 345.28

weathered slightly sandy SILTSTONE moderately
20 weak to moderately strong with occasional
carbonised plant remains.
a25
99%
(51%) (31%)
8
; 17.35
1) Bedding fractures subhorizontal 0” to IO”
planar smooth clean sometimes polished. t-
Black vitreous thinly to thickly laminated

COAL weak.
4
Dark gre slightly weathered MUDSTONE
moderate Yy weak with some carbonised plant
remains and with very closely spaced randomly -
orientated irregular incipient
discontinuities.
Grey fine grained thinly to medium bedded

slightly weathered SANDSTONE moderately
100% strong to strong with occasional carbonised
(91%) (87%)
!Z~~Fn~ZY~‘i~continuities:
1) Bedding fractures subhorizontal Do to IO”
pianar rough infilled (up to 211un) with clayey -
sl lty fine sand.
6 2) Subvertical fractures 70” to 90” irregular 1
rough infilled (<Iran) with silt and fine sand -
occasionally intersecting.
At 17.69m: 25” fracture irregular rough and -
infilled (clmm) with silt and fine sand
19.25
100%
(95%) (83%) 6
4.20 5.40 _, . . . . . . . . . . . ..*._......._...................--- - 20.00

End of Borehole.
.oaiPmcat: Cable Tool Percussion Groundwater Ground Level 361.78 m 00
Rotary Coring-Mist Flush No. Struck Behaviour Sealed Coordinates
3o0572-50
207284.20 2
orehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)
200 to 3.80m 200 to 3.80m Drilled by SG MN
S to 20.00m 220 to 4.20m Logged b CO JMB
Checked gy AJ AJ
Remarks
ee kev sheer
nd appendices
1r explanations. Form l/O
Borehole Record A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun-Dualling
1 Sampling Strata
TYPO 1 :asing Date/ ;PT N Depth
lescription .evel Legend
CmSCR ROD1 Nater :ul /FI (Thickness)
8 o/o5 55.22
997 Stiff to very stiff grey and brown slightly
RY silt sandy (fine to medium) CLAY with a
litt Y e fine
- to coarse angular to subangular
gravel of sandstone and siltstone (possible
made ground).
7%
1.20-1.30
;m;.;g
. . ::/
1.50-1.71 1.50 53.72

E’
RY Grey thickly laminated -to very thinly bedded
- slightly to moderately weathered sand
13/06 SILTSTONE moderately weak to moderate Yy
RY strong,generally recovered as angular,tabular,
coarse gravel and cobbles.
I%) ~25 1) Bedding fractures 5” to IO” planar and (0.90)
undulating smooth open brown slightly sandy
clay smeared and often iron stained.
2) Subvertical fractures 70” to 90” very
closely to closely s aced planar smooth open
2.30 occasionally closed Flrown clayey sandy fine
to medium angular gravel of siltstone,
infilled (1 to 5mm) and local1 iron stained. 2.40 52.82
3) Inclined fractures 30” to 5 80 medium to
widely spaced planar smooth open brown sandy
(fine to medium) clay smeared.
Grey thinly laminated to very thinly bedded

moderately to highly weathered SILTSTONE weak
to moderate1 weak,generally recovered as
angular,fabu Y ar,gravel with occasional
100% cobbles In a matrix of a little sandy (fine)
(0%) 1%) >25 silt,slightly clayey-in places.
~ Prominent discontlnuities:
1) Beddin fractures 0” to IO” planar
occasiona a Ly undulating smooth open
occasionally closed grey clay smeared and
sandy silt dusted,often iron stained.
2) Subvertical fractures 65” to 90” extremely
to very closely spaced planar locally
undulating occasionally irregular smooth open
often clean and occasionally sandy silt
dusted.rare arev sandv clav smeared and iron
1 3.80
I-
1.20
NI
stained in prac&s.
From 2.40m to 2.60m:
From 2.40m to 3.05m:
’
sandy
.
discontinuities often
open and infilled by claye silty sandy
fine an ular gravel (1 to ismm)
>25 From 2. B Om to 3.05m: highly weathered very
weak to weak with extremely closely spaced
discontinuities
From 3.80m to 4.00m: moderately to highly 50.92
weathered,recovered non-intact as fine to
coarse angular gravel
7
100%
(19%) 7%) Grey thickly laminated to very thinly bedded
slightly weathered SILTSTONE weak to
moderately weak.
1) Bedding fractures 5” to IO” planar locally
undulating smooth often closed some open and
>25 grey sandy (fine) clay smeared,rarely open
TOOL Percussion Aoundwater Ground Level 355.22 m OD

207202.80
3o0487-40 %
F;;;;a”,“y PO PD
SK MJC
Checked gy RML AJ
Remarks Overni ht standing water level of 2.30m noted on the 4/6/97.

Boreho 9 e surveyed using C.C.T.V.
Water added to assist drillin between GL and 1.50m.
See key sheet Flush returns 100% except: l.!O-11.80m (60%), 11.80-20.20m (80%).
and adpendicrs
for explanations. Form l/O
Project Contract 166001~-3

Sampling Strata
Drill Run TCR Casing Date/- SPT N Depth
(SCR) (RQD) Water FI Description (Thickness) Leve’ Legend
03/06 rxxxxx
2) Subvertical fractures 70" to 90" 2 xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
1.20 FOAM xxxxx
xxxxx
5.30 -04/06 NI xxxxx
1.20 2.30 xxxxx
xxxxx
:xxxxx
:XXXXX
:XxXxX
:xxxxx
:XxXxX
cxxxxx
cxxxxx
to 3Omm thick) cxxxxx
:xxxxx
cxxxxx
cxxxxx
96% cxxxxx
:XxXxX
(9%) (0%) >25 :xxxxx
- (3.50) :xxxxx
:xxxxx
:XxXxX
:XXXXX ,
:xxxxx
(XxXxX
:XxXxX
:X*XxX
:XXXXX
:xxxxx
:XxXxX
6.45 4.60 :XxXxX
From 6.53m to 7.05m: generally recovered as - :XxXxX
:XxXxX
angular and tabular gravel and cobbles in a - :XxXxX /
matrix of a little grey sandy clay :xxxxx
cxxxxx
:XxXxX
NI :xxxxx
:XXX*X
cxxxxx
:xxxxx
LXXXXX
cxxxxx
100% cxxxxx
(15%) (0%) LXXXXX
cxxxxx
cxxxxx
:xxxxx
cxxxxx
cxxxxx
:XxXxX
cxxxxx
r25 cxxxxx
<xXxXx
cxxxxx
LXXXXX
7.60 LXXXXX
:xxxxx
100% cxxxxx
(80%) (0%) rxxxxx
7.80 7.80 347.42 ::"::"
cxxxxx
cxxxxx
Gre possibly slightly weathered SILTSTONE cxxxxx
wea ): to moderately weak,recovered non-intact cxxxxx
cxxxxx
NI as fine,predominantly medium and coarse ixxxxx
angular to subangular,tabular gravel with I (0.55) cxxxxx
cobbles in a matrix of a LittIe grey slightly _ cxxxxx
IXXXXX
sandy (fine) clay. <xXxXx
100% >25 /
(13%) (0%)
cxxxxx
Grey very thinly to thinly bedded slightly cxxxxx
cxxxxx
weathered SILTSTONE moderately weak to cxxxxx
NI occasionally moderately strong. xxxxx
xxxxx
Prominent discontinuitles: xxxxx
1) Bedding fractures 0" to IO" planar locally _ xxxxx
xxxxx
undulating smooth open grey and brown sandy xxxxx
>25 clay smeared and iron stained. xxxxx
xxxxx
2) Subvertical fractures 75" to 90" lanar xxxxx
smooth closed and open brown sandy c v ay xxxxx
smeared and iron stained. xxxxx /
9.20 _ xxxxx
NI 3) Inclined fractures 20" to 40" closely - (1.85) xxxxx
spaced undulating irregular smooth open brown 1 xxxxx
xxxxx
sandy clay smeared-and iron stained. xxxxx
xxxxx
From 8.35m to 8.90m: with two intersecting xxxxx
sets of subvertical very closely to closely 1 xxxxx
-xXxXx
spaced cxxxxx
From 8.7Om to 8.90m: locally recovered non- - :xxxxx
100% 24 intact as fine to coarse angular gravel in - :XxXxX
:xxxxx
(50%) (12%) a matrix of a little sandy clay ~XXXXX
From 9.20m to 9.35m: recovered non-intact :xxxxx
:XxXxX
as grey clayey sandy fine to coarse angular - :xxxxx
gravel rxxxxx
iocIP]i~c~it: Cable Tool Percussion Groundwater Ground Level 355.22 m OD

3o0487-40
207202.80 2
200 to 1.50m S to 5.60m ;;;;A;dbby PO PD
S to 11.80m P to 11.80m SK MJC
P to 20.20m Checked gy RML AJ
Remarks
#ee key sheer

nd appendices
arexplanations. Form 110
Project Contract
1660013
Grey weathered SILTSTONE moderately weak to
moderately strong,recovered non-intact as
grey clayey sandy (fine to medium) fine to
coarse angular gravel with cobbles.
rey very thinly to thinly bedded slightly

eathered SILTSTONE moderately weak to
Borehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)

200 to 1.20m S to 11.80m
S to 11.80m
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices

Grey and dark grey very thinly to thinly
bedded slightly to moderately weathered
MUDSTONE weak to moderately weak general1
recovered as fine to coarse angular grave
and cobble sized fragments.
(weathered mudstone)
: black vitreous
with intersectin
irregular rough
discontinuities
No. Struck Behaviour

200 to 1.20m S to 11.80m
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices
Project Contract
166001~3
Exploration Associates 3/J3H120(4 of 5)
sampling I Strata
Drib Run TCR Casing Date/ SE’&! Depth
Description Level Legend
(SCR) (RQD) Water (Thickness)
04/06 raaapn
15 :xxxxx
Grey very thinly to thinly bedded slightly :XXXXX
cxxxxx
weathered sandy SILTSTONE moderately weak to xxxxx
20.20 11.80 5.20 moderately strong with occasional carbonised 20.20 335.02
lant remains.
r rominent discontinuities:
1)‘Bedding fractures 0” to 15” planar and
undulating locally irregular smooth often
open occasionally closed and clayey slit
dusted.
2) Inclined fractures IO” to 20” closely to
medium s aced irregular occasionally lanar
smooth c if osed occasionally open and c ! ayey
silt dusted.
From 17.23m to 17.66m: 75” fracture
1 rregular Smooth open frey sand and fine
gravel lnfllled (1 to nmn) In places
From 17.90m to 17.93m: recovered non-intact I
as slightly silty sandy fine,occasionally
medium an ular
From lf.9jm to !L%x with numerous
incipient fractures
Grey possibly thinly to medium bedded fresh

to slight1 weathered sandy SILTSTONE
occasional Yy moderately weak to moderately
strong with occasional lenses of siltstone.
1) Bedding fractures IO” to 20” planar and
undulating occasionally irregular smooth
closed (possible drill induced fractures).

weathered SILTSTONE moderately strong.
l).Bedding fractures IO” to 20” planar often
undulating closed and open and infilled (I to _
4mm) with cla ey sandy silt.
2) Subvertica Y fractures 70” to 90” planar
and undulating occasionally irregular smooth
o en clayey sandy silt dusted.
37 Inclined fractures 30” to 50” medium
spaced planar smooth clayey sandy silt dusted. -
From 19.72m to 19.75m: recovered non-intact I
as grey slightly clayey slightly silty
sandy angular gravel
Below 19.90m: bedding steepens to 20” to 30” -
. . . . . . . . . . .._...............-..........-.....
End of Borehole.
%uiPmeot: Cable Tool Percussion Groundwater Ground Level 355.22 m OD

Rotary Coring-Mist .Flush No. Struck Behaviour Sealed Coordinates
3o0487-40
207202 -80 %i
3orehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)
200 to 1.50m s to 5.60m D,;;;;;dbby PO PD
s to 11.80m P to 11.80m
P to 20.20m Checked g, SRIL”;(?
Remarks
See key sheet

md appendices
ror explanations. Form l/O
Project Contract
166001-3
.
. 1.20-1.65
. 2.00-2.45 Below 2.00m: locally with much fine to

coarse subangular to subrounded gravel of
sandstone and siltstone
. 2.70-2.70
- 4.00-4.45
Rotary Coring-Mist Flush

1.20 Rose to 0.70m during CPT test
Borehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia(mm)
200 to 5.40m
S to 15.05m
Remarks Chiselled from 1.70m to 1.85m (45 mins), 2.70m to 2.90m (60 mins), 2.90m to 3.OOm (60 mins), 3.00m to
3.15m (45 mins), 5.20m to 5.30m (60 mins), 5.30m to 5.40m (60 mins)
Water added to assist boring from 2.70m to 5.20m
See key sheet Flush returns 80%.
andappendices
for explanations. Form110

.
7
iampling , Strata
T
zpth / Drill Run rwe I Zasing late/ NPT N Depth
)escription -eve1 Legend
XSCR ROD) Water :u) IFI (Thickness)
E
5.00-5.31 C 3.90 I
3
3.90 2.90
5.20- 2/06 /
3.90
/
Light grey fine and medium grained thinly to /

2.40 medium bedded slightly weathered SANDSTONE
very strong. /
5.30 ;$06 Prominent discontinuities:
1) Beddin fractures IO” to 20” irregular
occasiona 9 ly stylolitic rough clean and /
occasionally iron stained and sand coated
9 /
$;‘Ei;ertical fractures 65” to 90” irregular
and undulating occasionally planar rough
/
clean and iron stained,2 intersecting sets.
100% From 5.30m to 5.49m: recovered non-intact
(49%) :16X) as coarse angular gravel and cobble sized
fragments
/
/
IO
,
6.90 /
Light grey fine grained very thinly to thinly /

bedded slightly weathered SANDSTONE strong
20 with some to many thin to thick
interlaminations - . siltstone.moderatelv
of arev /
strong.
Prominent discontinuities: /
1) Bedding iractures 0 to 15” planar
occaslona 1 irregular smooth c ean and iron
I
stained wit occasional silt dusting (<lmm).
21 Subvertical fractures 70” to 90” Dlanar
and irregular smooth clean and iron itained. i
(0%) 3) Subhorizontal fractures 25” widely s aced
fracture irregular rough open and infil 9 ed
C’
with orange sandy (fine) silt (<3nm).
I’
.I
From 8.30m to 8.45m: grey slightly ;

weathered siltstone moderately strong
8.40
4 8.45
,
Grey thinly laminated to very thinly bedded /

extremely closely to very closely fractured
slightly to moderately weathered locally i
silty MUDSTONE weak to moderately weak with
occasional medium to widely spaced medium and
32: coarse aravel sized iron stone concretionarv /
nodulesT
Prominent discontinuities: /
1) Bedding fractures 0” to IO” irregular
smooth frequently cla smeared occasionally
i
open (<lOmm) and infl -7 led with fine and
medium subangular gravel rarely o en and
infilled (<2Onun) with very soft c F ay and fine /
angular gravel of mudstone.
2) Subvertical fractures 70” to 90” randomly i
orientated irregular and planar smooth and
generally clean with occasional partial light
grey clay smearing (<lmm). /’
9.90 >2!
L
I-
:qoiPmeot: Cable Tool Percussion
d-ounawarer Ground Level 347.98 m 00
3o0355
207177.90 -70 24
200 to 5.40m EO$tcg :$Om “,;;r+-;;“,“y PO PD
S to 15.05m SK see
Checked gy AJ AJ
Remarks
ee key sheet
nd appendices
3r explanations. Form l/O

Borehole
43Exploration Associates
Welsh Office Highways Directorate
3/BH121(2 of 4)
3
..
From 11.49m to Il.&m: recovered non-intact
as fine to coarse angular to subrounded
gravel sized fragments
Coordinates
3orehole Dia (mm)

200 to 5.40m
S to 15.05m
Remarks
See key sheet

md appendices
‘or explanations. Form l/C

Ground Investigation, SectIon 3
Exploration Associates 3/BH121(3 of 4:
.
Sampling ’ Strata
Drill Run TCR Casing Date! SPT N Depth
(SCR) (RQD) Water FI (Thickness)
03/06
5.30 2.90 .............................................. - 15.05 332.93 /
15.05
End of Borehole.
%uiPment: Cable Tool Percussion Groundwater Ground Level 347.98 m 0D

3o0355-70
207177.90 %
3orehoIe Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)
200 to 5.30m gO;,t,o $;Om y;;;;;dbb PO PD
S to 15.05m SK SCC
Checked gy AJ AJ
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices

Sampling Itrata
late/
Depth he 'ater x .evel
0.00-1.00 B $7$T 32.09
tY
Firm to stiff mottled grey and yellow clayey

SILT (with cobbles and boulders **).
; .g-;.;5 Stiff to very stiff grey and brown slightly

. -. silt sandy (fine to medium) CLAY with a
litt Y e fine to coarse subangular to
subrounded gravel and subangular cobbles of
sandstone and siltstone.
(Boulders **).
2.00-2.45 4MP
2.00-3.00
RY
. 3.00- l/O5
1.90
3.00-3.01
3.30-3.40
3.60-3.65 3.6(
3.90-4.35 Between 3.9Om to 4.35m: very soft
a - y$.cl; At 4.00m: with much gravel (boulders **)

. .
Equipment: Cable Tool Percussion

dounawater Ground Level 332.09 m OD
No. Struck Behaviour Sealed Coordinates 300245.84 mE
206994.29 mN
1 3.90 Rose to 3.40m during drilling
200 to 5.70m 200 to 5.00m Drilled by
Loaaed bv
Remarks Chiselled from 1.60m to 1.70m (30 mins), 3.OOm to 3.1Om (45 mins), 3.3Om to 3.3Om (15 mins), 3.3Om to
3.60m (60 mins), 3.60m to 3.90m (60 mins), 5.50m to 5.7Om (60 mlns)
Mater added to assist boring from 3.90m to 5.70m
See key sheet Overnight standing water level of 1.90m noted on the 31/5/97.
andappendices

‘i Ground Investigation, Section 3
1
I _ ._- __, . ..-_-..---.-
. . . . . . . . ..-.............................*.....
End of Borehole.
ercussion
Jorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)

200 to 5.70m 200 to 5.00m
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices
For explanations. Form l/l

Exploration Associates 3/BH122(2 of 2
End of Borehole.

207040.50 mN
No groundwater encountered
250 to 1.90m 250 to 1.50m
Remarks Chiselled from .70m to .90m (15 mins), 1.50m to 1.90m (45 mins)
Borehole terminated at 1.90m on engineers instruction, unable to advance casing past large boulder.
Borehole repositioned to 3/BH123A.
lee key sheet
nd appendices
or explanations. Form I/O

Welsh Office HIghways Directorate Borehole
Firm to very stiff brown stightly sandy (fine
to medium) silty CLAY with a little fine to
coarse subangular to subrounded gravel and
occasional cobbles of sandstone and siltstone -
(boulders **).
. . . .._..............*.....................m...
End of Borehole.
No. Stmck Behaviour

207039.65 mN
200 to 2.55m 200 to 2.50m Drilled by PO
Remarks Chiselled from 2.25m to 2.50m (60 mins), 2.50m to 2.50m (30 mins), 2.50m to 2.55m (30 mins)
See key sheet

and appendices
for explanations. Form 110

Exploration Associates 3/BH123A(l of I
End of Borehole.
200 to 2.06m 200 to 1.20m
Remarks Chiselled from 1.90m to 2.06m (60 mins)

Borehole terminated at 2.06m under engineers instruction, casing knocked badly off line. Borehole
repositioned to 3/BH124A.
Seekey sheet
andappendices

End of Borehole.
200 to 2.55m 200 to 2.55m
Remarks Chiselled from .90m to .90m (45 mins), .90m to 1.20m (60 mins), 2.50m to 2.50m (60 mins), 2.50m to
2.50m (60 mins), 2.50m to 2.55m (30 mans)
Borehole terminated at 2.55m on clients instruction; large obstruction (boulder **). Borehole
Seekey sheet repositioned to 3/BH124B.
and appendices

Exploration Associates 3/BH124A(l of
as coarse angular gravel and cobble sized
sand coated fragments
Casing Dia (mm)

220 to 2.25m
Remarks Flush returns: 2.25-5.50m (60%), 5.50-8.00m (20%), 8.00-ll.ZOm (30%), 11.20-12.95m (60%), 12.95-20.9Om
(40%), 20.90-24.60m (60%).
Water level of 6.20m noted at end of shift (5/6/97).
lee key sheet
nd appendices
or explanations. Form 110

Exploration Associates 3/BH124B(l of:
From 6.20m to 6.90m: strong to very strong
iorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia(mm)

220 to 2.25m
S to 11.20m
Remarks
;ee key sheet

Ind appendices
Project Contract 1660013

Exploration Associates 3/BH124B(2 of!
Sampling
_ - Strata
lepth I Drill Rur -YPe 1
:R(SCF
asing
ROD) :u) IFI
Iescription
Depth
Thickness) T;
.evel
I
r
Legend
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
16
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
92% .............
.............
(55%) 3%) :::::::::::::
.............
(1.40) .............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
84% 12 .............
.............
(32%) I%) :::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
0.50 IAM ~8_6g :::::::::::::
11.20
0.50 :/kit
NR From 11.20m to 11.45m: AZCL
~
11.45
55%
(0%) I%) NI
11.75
NR
64%
(0%) I%) NI
(1.27)
100%
(47%) 3%) 17
12.95
13.18
23
Light grey fine grained slightly weathered
100% SANDSTONE moderately stron thin1 to thickly
(54%) I%) interlaminated with slight 9 y weat x ered (0.42)
NI ;;s;;;one moderately weak to moderately
Prominent discontinuities: 13.60

1) Bedding fractures ver closely spaced 0’
13.75 to 5” irregular and undu Y-atlng smooth and
silt dusted (<lmm).
From 13.40m to 13.60m: recovered non-intact
as fine to coarse angular gravel sized
fragments
17
Light gre and grey fine and medium grained
very thin Y y to medium bedded slightly
weathered SANDSTONE moderately strong to
!%%%nt discontinuities:
1) Bedding fractures 0’ to IO” irregular
rough and clean occasionatly sand or silty
fine to medium sand coated (<lmm) frequent
iron staining.
2) Subvertical fractures 70” to 90” irregular
I( partially curved rough sand coated (<lmm) and -(2.30)
96% iron stalned,occasionally clean.
(72%: 24%)
EquiPmeat: Odex Open Holed

Groundwater
No. Struck Behaviour Sealed

220 to 2.25m 2S2fot; zif5m
S to 11.2Om
P to 24.60m P to li.50m
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices
for explanations.

Exploration Associates 3/BH124B(3 of 5)
trata
TvPe
X(SCR
1 sinE
QDI
-
late/
water I)/FI
-
:scription T- Le ve1 ! Legged
9/06 .............
.............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
~;iiiiiiiiiii
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
Ii .............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
3.99
6.00 NF
i
I 16.10
90%
(31%) 1%) 1 (1.00)
-
I 17.10
Grey fine to coarse grained very thinly to

medium bedded fresh to slightly weathered
1 SANDSTONE strong to very strong IocatIy
moderately strong. I (0.60)
61% 1) Bedding fractures 0" to IO" irregular and
:23%: 4%: planar smooth and silt dusted (<IITUTI).
From 17.64m to 17.70m and 19.05m to 19.11m:
rounded coarse gravel sized fragments - 17.70
(probable drill disturbed/induced)
-
18.15
h
z (1.35
I%)
-
18.70
30% - - 19.05
(12% I%)
19.20
91%
(91% 55%
-(I.851
20.00
Groundwater Ground Level 339.89 m 00
:oaiPIaeat: Odex Open Holed No. Struck Behaviour Sealed Coordinates 300155.30 I
Rotary Coring-Mist Flush 207085.41 I
Iorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)

Drilled by PD
220 to 2.25m 2S2;otg 2$5m Logged b
S to 11.20m Checked xy %E
P to 24.60m P to 12.50m
Remarks
;ee key sheet

Ind appendices Form 1
or explanations.
Project Contract 166001~3
3/BH124B(4 o
Exploration Associates
.
.I
Sampling Strata
Depth I Drill Run Type / Casing Date/ Depth
Description (Thickness) Level Legend
TCR(SCR) (RQD) Water KullFI
09/06 ..............
..............
.:::::::::::::
.............
.............
............. ,
.............
... .........
... . .........
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
96% 9 .............
.............
.............
.............
(96%) (73%) :::::::::::::
.............
From 20.56m to 20.64m: 35" fracture .............
:::::::::::::
.............
irregular rough and clean- .............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
20.90 I 20.90 318.99

NR
1 (0.43)
I 21.33
57%
(28%) (0%)
>25
21.90 : (1.17) ,'
12 /;
/
86%
(81%) (44%)
,
J-K - 22.50 317.39 ::::::::::::::
6
22.60 From 22.50m to 22.60m: AZCL I 22.60 317.29 .w
... ...... .: ...
..............
..............
:::::::::::::
............. /,
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
.............
............. /'
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
............. i ,/"
.............
.............
9 .............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
............. :'
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
............. I
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
- (1.81) .............
.............
.............
91% :::::::::::::
.............
.............
............. /
(88%) (81%) .............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
4 .............
.............
.............
.............
.............
:::::::::::::
............. ./
.............
.............
From 24.14m to 24.19m: with some fine to .............
.............
.............
.............
coarse subanguiar to rounded gravel sized .............
.............
clasts of dark grey sittstone :::::::::::::
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
315.48 .............
- 24.41
NR 4 /
From 24.41m to 24.60m: AZCL //
24.60 12.50 11.00 ......................................... ..- ..- 1 24.60 315.29
End of Borehole.
Equipment: Odex Open Holed Groundwater Ground Level 339.89 m OD

3o0155
207085.41 -30 %i
220 to 2.25m :2;,t; ziz5rn y-;t+;;dbby
S to 11.20m EC
P to 24.60m P to 12.50m Checked gy RML
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices

Borehole Record A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Duatling
Exploration Associates 3/BH124B(5 of 5
Sampling I
sXrata
Depth I Drill Run 7'YPa 1 using late/ PTN Depth
u)/FI D lescription (Thickness)
TC:R(SCR IQD)
- dater
i/o6 _ G.L.
a97 PEAT **
1Y
Very stiff Li ht brown mottled-grey and
orange slight 7 y silty
- sandy (fine to medium)
CLAY with a little fine to coarse subangular
to subrounded ravel and cobbles of sandstone,
B quartzite and Limestone.
From 0.50m to l.OOm: boulders **
1.00-1.18 C
l-30-1.75
1.00-2.00 ii
F (2.90)
Below 2.00m: with much fine to coarse

k subangular gravel and cobbles of sandstone
Very dense grey brown sandy (fine to coarse)

medium to coarse subangular GRAVEL and
subangular cobbles of sandstone and - (0.40)
quartzite.(Possible weathered bedrock).
I-
-#
77% 1) Bedding fractures IO" to 20" planar often
(54%: undulating rough open brown silt fine to
coarse sand coated or occasional Y y infilled
(~3~0 often iron stained,cross bedding in
15
5 kagigiorizontal fractures 25" to 40" widely
spaced planar occasionally undulating rough
open brown silty fine to medium sand coated
4.50 and iron stained.
3) Subvertical fractures 70" to 90" planar:
occasionally irregular rough open brown silty
fine to coarse sand coated or occasionally
infilled (<Smm) by silty fine to coarse sand
with some fine angular to subangular gravel
of sandstone.
i¶uiPmcnt: Cable Tool Percussion

tirounciwater Ground Level 342.74 m OD
No. Struck Behaviour Sealed Coordinates
I 3o0133*20
207120.50 1:
1 0.90 Rose to .85m in 20 mins
iorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm) .85/.85/.85 in 5/10/15 mins
200 to 3.40m gOtot; ziI1prn 2 1.70 Rose to 1.57m in 20 mins ",;;;~~","y PO PD
S to 19.60m 1.65/1.60/1.60 in 5/10/15 mins & CO MJC
P to 25.40m P to 26.OOm Checked RML AJ
Remarks Chiselled from 1.20m to 1.30m (30 mins), 2.35m to 2.50m (45 mins), 3.10m to 3.25m (60 mins), 3.25m to
3.35m (60 mins)
Flush returns: 3.40-25.40m (80%).
;eekey sheet Standpipe and piezometer installed: grout from 25.40 to 9.00m, bentonite seal from 9.00 to 8.00m,
Ind appendices slotted ipe and pea gravel filter from 8.00 to 4.25m, bentonlte seal from 4.25 to 3.75m, sand filter
br explanations. from 3.7 F to 1.5Om, plezometer tip at 3.50m, bentonlte seal from 1.50 to l.OOm, concrete and cover&WI,0
Ill-l to Cl
Project Contract 166001~3
Borehole Record A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun.Dualling
Welsh Office Highways DIrectorate Borehole
Sampling - Strata
Drill Run TCR Casing Date/ SPT N Depth
Description Legend
(SCR) (RQD) Water FI (Thickness) Leve*
1 O/O6
100% From 3.55m to 3.75m: moderately weathered,
(88%) (46%) recovered non-intact as fine to coarse
15 angular ravel and cobble sized fragments
From 3.5 ? m to 4.10m 4.20m to 4.50m, 4.63m
to 4.70m, 4.80m to $.02m and 5.27m to
5.43m: moderately weak to moderately strong, I
often with brown discolouration
5.80
100%
(85%) (65%)
5
7.10
100% From 7.45m.to 8.00m: moderately weathered

(89%) (63%) moderately weak with heavy orange brown
discolouration
I (8.25)
4.00 FOAM 15
7.85 -II/O6
4.00 2.70
80%
(43%) (0%) From 8.08m to 8.15m: 60" fracture planar
a.15 rough open silty fine sand coated iron
stained
97%
(97%) (63%)
.. ...... .. ... ... .. .....
..... . . ....
... ... ..... ... . ... ... .... ... .. ...
. . . . . . . . . . . ..
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ...
... ... .. ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
.. .. .. .. .. .... .. .... .. . ..
:::::::::::::
. . . . . .. . . . . . .
... ... ...... ... ...... ... ...... ... .....
.. .. .... .. . .. .. ... .. . ..
:::::::::::::
.. .. ... .. .... .. .. .. .. ....
11 :::::::::::::
. . .. .. .
.. .. .. .. .... .. .... ... .....
9.55 ...... ......... ... ...... ...,... ..
:::::::::::::
.. .. ... .. .... . .... .. ..
:::::::::::::
.. .. ......
.. .. ... .. .. .. .. .... .. ..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.. . . . . . . . . . . .
...... ... ...... ... ..... ... ..... ... .
. . . .. . . . . .
:::::::::::::
... .. .... .. .... .. .. .. ..
From lO.OOm to 12.50m: moderately weak and ..,. .. .. .. ... .. .. ..
,.../, I.
!YiPment: Cable Toot Percussion Groundwater Ground Level 342.74 m OD
3o0133m20
207120.50 %
200 to 3.40m gOy,t; ziiOrn Drilled by PO PD
S to 19.60m
P to 25.40m P to 2b.OOm ::::;:db gy ELM;::
Remarks
iee key sheet

md appendices

Ground investigation, Section 3
Sampling
Drill Run TCR
t6CR)
:asing
RQD)
late/
rater
l/O6
F-l-N
FI
iStrata
1Description
moderately strong
Depth
.c:nickness) -eve1 Legend
3
99%
(99%) (39%)
13
10.90
87%
(69%) (49%)
11.80
NR
;;(;7,22.OOm to 12.05m: brown sandy silt - 12.00
NI -.
12.50
(1.75)
17
From 13.10m to 15.25m: locally moderately
89% weak (zones 20-1001~1 thick)
(68%) (93%) From 13.10m to 16.85m: subvertical
fractures,2 intersecting sets present,
closely spaced in places
- 13.75
NR
13.90 13.90
97%
(97%) (28%)
@iPment: Cable Tool Percussion GroundwriteI: Ground Level 342.74 m OD

300133m20
207120.50 %
iorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)
200 to 3.40m gOtot; iiiOrn ",;;;;;dbb PO PD
S to 19.60m CO MJC
P to 25.40m P to 2li.OOm L Checked i& RML AJ
Remarks
;ee key sheet

.nd appendices
br explanations.
Project Contract
166001-3

Sampling L Strata
Drill Run TCR Casing Date/ SFIN Depth
(SCR) (RQD) Water (Thickness)
II/O6
13
15.40 I (2.95)
From 16.00m to 17.50m: weak to moderately

weak locally moderately strong
>25
91%
(47%) (21%)
1 16.85
NR
From 16.85m to 17.00m: AZCL - 17.00
98%
(94%) (20%)
18.30
From 18.70m to 18.90m: moderately weak to

moderately strong
100%
(77%) (41%)
19.60 ‘-19.60.
6 From 19.87m to 20.10m: conglomeratic with

some fine to coarse subangular to rounded
gravel of mudstone
Equipment: Cable ~001 Percussion

Groundwater Ground Level 342.74 m OD
207120.50
3o0133-20 2
200 to 3.40m 200 to 3.00m ;;;;;db"' PO PD
S to 19.60m S to 19.60m CO MJC
P to 25.40m P to 20.00m Checked Zy AJ AJ
Remarks
See key sheet I

and appendices
for explanations. Form 1/C
Project Contract 1660013

Exploration Associates 3/BH125(4 of 6:
; a
!.
13,z....__I
E No. Struck Behaviour
207120.50 mN
I3
] Remarks
i ee key sheet
nd appendices
I Jr explanations. Form l/O

! Welsh Office Highways Dlrectorate Borehole
3/BH125(5 of 6)
Exploration Associates
iI i
Sampling Strata
Drill Run TCR ‘Casing Date/ SF’T N Description Depth
(SCR) (RQD) Water FI (Thickness) Leve1 Legend
1 Z/O6 . . .. .. . .. .. .
(72%) (53%) .... .. ... ... ...,., ... .... ... ...... ...
.:::::::::::::
Light grey fine to medium grained very thinly 1 3, 7. 59 ... ........ ..... ... ......... ......... ...
to medium bedded slightly weathered SANDSTONE _ 25.15
- moderately strong to strong.
NR Prominent discontinuities:
1) Bedding fractures 0” to 15” planar Locally I
I 25.40 20.00 undulating-smooth open and sandy silt dusted. _ 25.40 317.34
2) SubvertIcal fractures 80” to 90” planar
rough open clean and iron stained.
- From 25.15m to 25.4Om: AZCL

.... ..........................................
End of Borehole.
Equipment: Cable ~001 Percussion Grdundivater Ground Level 342.74 m OD

Rotary Coring-Mist Flush No. Sttuck Behaviour Sealed Coordinates 300133.20 mE
207120.50 mN
200 to 3.40m $Ot,t,o ii;Orn Drilled by PO PD
S to 19.60m Logged b CO MJC
P to 25.40m P to 2i.OOm Checked gy RML AJ
Remarks
See key sheet

and appendices
Project Contract
166001-3
Esploration Associates 3/BH125(6 of 6)
. . ..*....................------...............
End of Borehole.
ercussion
2.40 Rose to 2.30m in 20 mins

lorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm) 2.35/2.35/2.30 in 5/10/15 mins
200 to 3.30m 200 to 3.OOm
Remarks Chiselled from 1.60m to 1.80m (45 mins), 2.40m to 2.65m (60 mins), 3.00m to 3.20m (60 mins), 3.20m to
3.30m (60 mins)
'ee key sheet

nd appendices
3rexplanations. Form 110
Project Contract
166001-3
Welsl-t Office Highways Directorate Borehole
sampling 1Strata
.._...........................................
.End of Borehole.
01 Percussion No. Struck Behaviour

207058.00 mN
2.00 Rose to 1.95m in 20 mins
orehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia(mm) l-95/1.95/1.95 in 5/10/15 mins
200 to 2.60m 200 to 2.30m Drilled by PO
kernarks Chiselled from 1.80m to 1.90m (45 mins), 2.30m to 2.50m (60 mins), 2.5Om to 2.60m (60 mins)
Inspection pit to 1.20m.
:ekey shrrt
Id appendices
r explanations. Form l/O
Project Contract
3orehole Record A465 Abergavenny to Hirwaun Dualling
166001-3
GamDline
- -----x- -~ D
I Strata
C . Date/ SPT N . .._ Depth
Depth Type Description Legend
D?$if Water (Cu) (Thickness) Leve'
_ G.L. 314.69 .
. .,\I,,d
:
w Soft brown slightly clayey sandy (fine to
DRY medium) PEAT (fibrous and spongy). .\I/; : .'A\1
. 'Tic
.\lL.'. . : .A
I (0.70) -h\ll,. :
.\w.'~\\l\I.
0.50 D . . . &\I/,..
JL'. . : Ai
0.70 D - 0.70 313.99
Firm to sti.ff mottleb'gre and brown slightly I

sand (fine to medium) ~1-Y ty CLAY with a
litt Y e fine
- to medium subangular to
1.05-l-45 U(79) DRY subrounded gravel of sandstone and quartzite
and lenses of dark brown fibrous peat (up to
3Om-n long)
1.45-1.50 D -(I.551
2.00-2.45 U(49) 2.00 DRY
- 2.25 312.44
Firm grey and brown silty CLAY with some fine I

to medium angular gravel of moderately to
2.45-2.50 D highly weathered sIltstone and silty
sandstone.
3.00-3.45 U(67) 3.00 DRY
3.45-3.50 D
pgl3~.3$ UC;) DRY

_ .
I (3.65)
*-.
D * x
.
4.00 DRY 85
4-50-4-95 ? x m *
4.50-5.00
.- *
D 7.
.
x a -
D
x-e
D - x
a , ,
+iPment: Cable Tool Percussion Groufidwvater Ground Level 314.69 m OD

299707-96
207082.59 Ii:
iorehole Dia (mm) Casing Dia (mm)
200 to 7.10m ;Ov,tc+ $.iOrn Drilled by PM RM
S to 14.20m Logged b co co
Checked gy AJ AJ
Remarks Chiselled from 4.80m to 5.00m (30 mins1 5.70m to 6.00m (40 minsl, 6.65m to 7.00m (60 mins)
Water level of 5.26m noted on evening shift 14/6/97.
ee key sheet
nd appendices
zrexplanations. Form l/O

Welsh Office tilghways Directorate Borehole
Exploration Associates .’ 3/BH128( 1 of 3)
weathered SILTSTONE moderately strong.
:quiPment: Cable Toot Percussion

Remarks
iee key sheet

md appendices
'or explanations. Form l/O
Project Cyntract 166001-3

_-__._._-_. ._. -. __.,_ ...7’_... _^ ._..

.
hmolin9 I Strata
m to 10.40m: highly fissured weak

ak with a white dusting (<Inn-a)
o 10.60m: closely fractured,
intact as fine to,coarse
Grey very thinly to medium bedded slightly

weathered SILTSTONE moderately strong to
locally moderately weak.
Prominent discontlnuities:
1) Bedding fractures 5" to 15" planar smooth
white mineralisation dusted (<lmm).
Grey medium grained crystalline thinly-to

medium beded slightly weathered quartzitic
SANDSTONE strong.
End of Borehole.
;YiPment: Cable Tool Percussion Ground Level

Remarks
lee key sheet

nd appendices
or explanations. Form l/O
Roj ect Contract 166001~3

Appendix B. Relevant Correspondence and Documents from

Consultation with Relevant Authorities.
None
B2191100-D2-1-2-174
Appendix C. Schedule of drawings and documents.
None
B2191100-D2-1-2-174
Appendix D. Additional Information
Cross sections through critical slopes:
1. Ch. 7720m, Northern side of Baverstock mainline embankment, 8.7m high, 50°
2. Ch. 8090m, Northern side of Baverstock mainline embankment, 6.2m high, 30°
3. Ch. 8030m, Northern side of westbound diverge Slip Road, 12.0m high, 45°
4. Ch. 8170m, Northern side of Swansea Road, 5.7m high, 35°
B2191100-D2-1-2-174
Proposed Road / Embankment Level
8.7m
50°
1. Ch. 7720m, Northern side of Baverstock mainline embankment, 8.7m high, 50°.
6.2m
30°
2. Ch. 8090m, Northern side of Baverstock mainline embankment, 6.2m high, 30°.
12.0m
45°
3. Ch. 8030m, Northern side of westbound diverge Slip Road, 12.0m high, 45°.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174
5.7m
35°
4. Ch. 8170m, Northern side of Swansea Road, 5.7m high, 35°.
B2191100-D2-1-2-174

6.2.3b AP - GDR Vol 2 Structures

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6.2.3b AP - GDR Vol 2 Structures

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A465 Blaenau’r Cymoedd A465 Heads of the Valleys

Adrannau 5 + 6: Dowlais Top - Hirwaun Sections 5 + 6: Dowlais Top - Hirwaun

A465 Heads of the Valleys Sections 5 and 6: Dowlais Top to Hirwaun

Geotechnical Design Report Volume 2: Structures

Appendix A. Cuttings and Embankment Assessment Sheets ........................................................................ 30

In addition, specific design information is included in individual appendices as follows:

This report should be read in conjunction with the following:

2.1 Bridge foundations

2.1.1 Type of structure

The types of highway structures include:

2.1.2 Design assumptions

2.1.2.1 Ground Conditions

2.1.2.2 Groundwater Conditions

2.1.2.3 Soil Parameters

Table 2.1 Summary of preliminary geotechnical parameters for Section 5 - Foundations

South Wales Lower Coal

Table 2.2 Summary of preliminary geotechnical parameters for Section 6 - Foundations

Lower Coal Sandstone 2.50 15 50 35 1050 0.7

2.1.2.4 Design loads

2.1.3 Design approach

2.1.4 Design methodology

Pile design was carried out using an in-house verified spreadsheet.

2.1.4.1 Design of spread foundations

2.1.4.2 Pile Design

2.1.4.3 Rock socket design

2.1.5 Design outcome

2.2 Reinforced Concrete Retaining Walls

2.2.1 Choice of Structure

2.2.2 Type of structure

Two types of walls are proposed:

2.2.3 Design assumptions

2.2.3.1 Design retained heights

2.2.3.2 Design ground conditions

2.2.3.3 Design ground water conditions

2.2.3.4 Design geotechnical parameters

• the strength parameters of bedrock are assessed separately as discussed below

• ϕ’ from 39̊ to 42̊; and

2.2.3.5 Design loads

2.2.3.6 Design materials parameters

• Short term stiffness - 0.7EoI/s;

• Long term stiffness - 0.5EoI/s;

Eo – uncracked short term Young’s modulus of concrete, assumed as 30MPa;

I – second moment of the area; m4

2.2.4 Design approach

2.2.4.1 Serviceability limit state (SLS)

2.2.4.2 Ultimate limit state (ULS)

Table 2.3: Partial factors used in BS EN 1997-1: 2004 Design approach 1

Tan φ c’ cu Permanent Variable

1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.35 1.5

2 1.25 1.4 1.4 1.0 1.3

2.2.5 Design methodology

2.2.6 Design results

Reinforced soil slopes are required at:

o South of mainline carriageway (Ch 8000m – Ch 8250m)

o North of Swansea Road, south of westbound diverge (Ch 8100m – Ch 8200m)

Reinforced soil walls are required at:

o Eastbound: from ch. 12530m to 12620m (Appendix B36.1)

o Westbound: from ch. 12390m to 12660m (Appendix B36.2)

• Pant Road (Appendix B36.3):

3.2 Load transfer platform

Four embankment design sections have been assessed:

1. Ch 12570 - Reinforced soil wall - max height 6m

2. Ch 12510 - Reinforced soil wall - min height 2m

3. Ch 12620 - 1:2 Embankment Slope – max height 5.3m