Ground engineering

The world under our feet

Site worker in ZUEBLIN PPE on a construction site

Our ground engineering expertise ensures safe, efficient, and reliable solutions across a wide range of disciplines, combining advanced geotechnical capabilities with our local knowledge and expertise.

Ground engineering capabilities in the UK

Find out more about our range of ground engineering services at STRABAG UK, covering a range of requirements and projects.

Ground freezing elements in the ground in Silvertown Tunnel

Ground freezing in the UK

Ground freezing is increasingly recognised as a sustainable and cost-efficient technique across a wide range of geotechnical applications.

Our ZÜBLIN Ground Engineering teams harness the power of artificial ground freezing to deliver unmatched precision, safety, and environmental performance in complex ground conditions. This advanced method creates a temporary yet highly stable barrier, allowing work to proceed with minimal disruption and a low carbon footprint.

Using a chilled saline solution at -35°C circulated through steel pipes, we freeze groundwater to solidify and stabilise the soil. This enables construction in waterlogged or unstable areas where conventional methods struggle.

Diaphragm walls in the UK

Diaphragm walls are robust, multi-functional structures built to bear heavy loads while forming reliable barriers against groundwater ingress.

Ideal for deep excavations in urban environments, these walls can be constructed safely near existing assets and offer exceptional water resistance, even in high groundwater zones. We deliver tailored solutions for challenging ground conditions by utilising advanced bentonite and polymer mixtures alongside cutting-edge recycling and treatment technologies. This approach maximizes performance while substantially minimising environmental impact.

From urban developments to secure containment for landfill sites and major infrastructure projects, our team brings world-class expertise and innovation to every challenge, ensuring stability, durability, and performance across a wide range of demanding geotechnical applications.

Soil mixing in the UK

Soil mixing is a sophisticated ground improvement technique. By blending in-situ soil with cement or chemical binders, we create a strengthened 'soil-mix'. This stabilised layer features improved strength, reduced permeability, and lower compressibility—ideal for both structural support and environmental remediation, where reactive agents can neutralise contaminants.

In situ mixing is carried out using wet or dry methods, with either a slurry-based binder or a dry binder blend. This flexible process allows ZÜBLIN Ground Engineering to offer bespoke solutions for each project’s unique requirements.

Piling in the UK

Bored piles deliver deep-load transfer into stable ground layers, forming the backbone of strong and lasting foundations.

At ZÜBLIN Ground Engineering, we offer a full spectrum of piling solutions—from large-diameter bored piles to micro piles—tailored precisely to each project. We construct watertight pile walls with low deformation—ideal for deep excavations. Our teams excel in restricted-access work and strengthening foundations beneath existing structures. With advanced testing tools, we refine foundation design for both performance and cost efficiency.

Two employees on site with a jet grouting machine in the background

Grouting & jet grouting in the UK

Jet grouting is a powerful technique for soil stabilisation and sealing, especially in restricted or sensitive project environments. Existing soil is broken up by injecting a high-pressure binder suspension, blending it into a solid, durable soil-cement matrix. This precision method enhances ground strength, reduces permeability, and controls settlement, making it a reliable solution for complex geotechnical challenges.

Grouting is employed to enhance the strength and impermeability of in situ ground. It involves injecting fluid materials, such as cement-based or chemical grouts, into the ground through small-diameter boreholes to fill existing cavities, fissures, or pores, or to create and subsequently fill fractures within the soil or rock. We deliver permeation grouting, compaction grouting, and compensation grouting.

Our in-house expertise offers advanced testing capabilities, enabling us to design and verify custom grout mixes (cement, fine cement, and polyamide) and treatment strategies. Our contributions to European standardisation, alongside proprietary systems like SOFIA® for real-time compensation control, ensure reliable performance and transparent reporting.

Ground engineering projects

Find out more about our ground engineering projects around the UK.

Aerial view of the Coire Glas site with the forest and the bank of the loch

Coire Glas Exploratory Works

Client:
SSE Renewables
Location:
Loch Lochy, Scotland
Build time:
2023 - 2024

Find out more

The alternative text describes what can be seen in the picture.

Silvertown Tunnel

Client:
Riverlinks Construction Joint Venture for TfL
Location:
London, UK
Build time:
2023 - 2024

Find out more

A63 Castle Street Improvement Scheme

Client:
Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd for National Highways
Location:
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK
Build time:
July 2020 - December 2024

Find out more

Ed. ZÜBLIN AG

With over 125 years of experience, Ed. ZÜBLIN AG is a leader in building construction and civil engineering in Germany, with capabilities in turnkey construction, civil engineering, ground engineering, and tunnelling.

Find out more about ZÜBLIN Ground Engineering around the world