Case study
Ground Investigation for Beauly to Peterhead 400kV Transmission Line Upgrade
Client:
SSEN
Consultant:
Card Geotechnics Ltd
Project length:
July 2024 – Summer 2026
Project Value:
£3.5 million
Project description:
Phoenix Drilling Limited was appointed by CGL Ltd — working on behalf of Balfour Beatty Power Distribution and ultimately SSE — to deliver a comprehensive ground investigation programme supporting the upgrade of a 400kV overhead transmission lines spanning from Beauly in the Scottish Highlands to Peterhead on the Aberdeenshire coast.
The ground investigation programme involved systematic geotechnical investigation at pylon locations and possible realignments across the full route corridor. Given the remote and often ecologically sensitive nature of the terrain – spanning Highland moorland, peatlands and forestry, Phoenix Drilling deployed specialist low ground pressure (LGP) drilling rigs and support vehicles throughout the project.
At every pylon position, Phoenix Drilling completed two boreholes to a depth of 20.00m below ground level, with each borehole achieving a minimum of 3–5 metres into competent rock in accordance with the designer’s requirements thus providing the foundation data necessary to inform pylon design and confirm adequate bearing conditions.
The works comprised of:
Low Ground Pressure Drilling Rigs and Site Support
Dual sampling drilling rigs to obtain soils and core samples for geotechnical testing
2No 20m boreholes at each pylon tower location
Working to stringent health and safety requirements
Provision of site compounds across the route corridor
Enabling/clearance works prior to rig mobilisation at each tower location
Traversing across multiple terrains – moorlands, peatlands, forestry
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