Ground Freezing

Ground Freezing

Download - Ground Freezing Information Sheet

Artificial Ground Freezing (AGF)

Artificial Ground Freezing (AGF) is a ground improvement process that changes liquid soil porewater to ice. AGF fuses the soil particles together, greatly increasing soil shear strength, creating a bearing wall of frozen ground. It can be used as an effective non-pumping method of groundwater control with the creation of a groundwater cut-off.

A closed looped AGF operation involves the use of refrigeration plant (chillers) and cooled brine solution that is pumped through a series of freeze pipes. Temperature monitoring points are installed as part of the AGF system.

Stuart Wells Limited offers a one-stop service for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of Ground Freezing Systems. Our services include:

• Initial consultancy and review for AGF feasibility with projects and initial design.
• Full design of AGF systems and AGF monitoring systems.
• Installation and commissioning of AGF systems.
• Hire of all equipment required to undertake AGF; and
• The ongoing management and monitoring of the freezing process.

Ground Freezing simply turns groundwater to ice that in turn increases soil stability by creating a frozen soil wall around an excavation or soil zone. It is a versatile method for temporary ground improvement or to provide a groundwater cut-off.

Stuart Wells offers a closed looped ground freezing involves the use of refrigeration plant (chillers) and the use of a cooled brine solution that is pumped through a series of freezing pipes installed in the ground to return to the chiller to continue the circulation.

Under normal conditions ground freezing can be achieved within 4-6 weeks. In addition to freeze pipe temperature monitoring points are installed to monitor the system operation and performance.

The design of a ground freezing system will depend upon a number of parameters such as soil conditions, groundwater temperature, site constraints and configuration. Stuart Wells can undertake feasibility studies together with any required site investigation.