Project background
Data Centre project was of a 12-month duration consisting of a 7500m cable route with 33kV dual circuit cable installation with dual fibre pilot cables. The route was fed from a Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) Grid Site into an MOD base. We excavated a trench of approximate dimensions 600mm width x 1175mm depth, laid ducts, backfilled and reinstated the road surface to HAUC specification, removing in the process 5288m³ of inert waste to a locally approved recycling centre.
There were 14no Joint Bays on the route with cable installation taking place approximately every 570m for the 33kV cable and 1200m for the 2no fibre pilot cables. 45000m of HV cable and 15000m of pilot cable were installed without error or cable sheath damage.
Services delivered by MD Groundworks
MD Groundworks delivered Project Management, Site Management, Supervision, Site welfare, offices, storage and compound. Additionally we carried out and managed Highways Liaison, HV cable installation teams, HV Cable Jointing teams, fibre splicing teams, ground workers, plant operators, (covering Grab Lorry, HIAB Crane Operator, excavators, dumpers, and cable winch operators).
Project benefits and outcomes
The project was completed on time and on budget to the satisfaction of all duty holders including the ultimate client, the local DNO – SSE and the Local Authority Wiltshire Council.
The operations team were housed for the project duration in local rented accommodation ensuring the team were embedded in the local community and contributing to the local economy. Other benefits were in relation to the management of fatigue, reduction of the project carbon footprint and impact upon the environment.
Formal MD Groundworks work-related Toolbox Talks were completed weekly as well as client issued Toolbox Talks and Safety Bulletins. A formal presentation was delivered to the project team, client and other interested parties at the projects halfway point giving details relating to SHEQ performance, program and progress of the project.
To summarise:
- Project complied with NRSWA and organised Traffic Management with Section 50 Street Works Licences arranged with the Local Authority Wiltshire Council
- MD Groundworks were highly commended for the quality of their work by Wiltshire Council
- Project works completed on 60mph roads and within local villages and towns
- Supplied qualified and competent staff
- Supplied and operated all plant inclusive of appropriate excavators, dumpers, floor saw, cable winches, HIAB and Grab Lorry
- Procured and managed the required project related materials and resources
- Processed, managed surplus and waste material
- Excavated 600mm trenches on roads and verges and 900mm trench on road crossings
- Laid 200mm and 89mm Emtelle ducts
- Conducted multicore and fibre cable installation utilising cable frames secured to the rear of a flatbed HIAB lorry, with 600m cable drums lifted and secured to each frame allowing for the draw of 3 cables into each single duct saving time and money
- 570m cable pulls for 33kV cable and 1200m cable pulls for 50mm fibre pilot cable
- Laid IDNO plastic marker
- Surrounded cable ducts with sand
- Reinstated to Department of Transport Specification for Reinstatement of Openings in Highways Fourth Edition May 2020
- Cable jointing and cable testing to DNO requirements
