Ground Freezing

Ground Freezing

Download - Ground Freezing Information Sheet

Ground Freezing can be used as an effective groundwater control method, as a cost effective alternative to conventional dewatering methods. This is particually prudent when environmental constraints restrict groundwater abstraction, timing to obtain permission and consents is not conducive to programme, or where high permeability ground conditions are encounutered and result in high flow rates of groundwater abstraction and discharge.

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

• Design of Ground Freezing Systems
• Installation and Commissioning
• Hire of Ground Freezing System
• Ongoing Management and Monitoring

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 are experienced in the provision of the two principal Ground Freezing Systems.

• Open Loop using Liquid Nitrogen
• Closed Loop using Cooled Brine

Stuart Wells offers a rapid ground freeze service using an open loop liquid nitrogen (LNG) system. Liquid nitrogen is stored on site, where it flows via a series of freezing pipes installed in the ground to be exhausted to atmosphere as nitrogen gas.

Under normal conditions ground freezing can be achieved within 1-2 weeks. In addition to freeze pipe temperature monitoring points are installed to manage the use manage liquid nitrogen during the system operation.

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 3-4 weeks. In addition to freeze pipe temperature monitoring points are installed to monitor the system operation and performance.

The choice of which ground freezing method is best to be implemented 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.