Historical Mine Workings in Field Road
Reading, Berkshire, UK
Specialist investigation and interpretation
When a large subsidence crater appeared in Reading, causing the collapse of the front of two houses, we carried out emergency infilling works and propping of buildings. Subsequent ground investigations located historical chalk mine workings below the collapse.
English Partnerships (EP) funding was used to carry out more extensive ground investigations and stabilisation of the affected area. During 2000 and 2001 investigations mapped out an underlying network of chalk mine tunnels at shallow depth more than 250m across. The mine workings as well as numerous properties, gardens and the road above were stabilised by a combination of bulk infill, pressure and compaction grouting.
Historical research, combined with specialist geomorphological mapping techniques, indicated that the mine workings were associated with the Castle Kiln Brickworks, dating from the early to mid 1800s. The entire area of Coley had been worked by man from at least the 1700s onwards. The surface was pockmarked with old quarries and pits associated with the former extraction of clay, sand and chalk which was used for bleaching, whiting, lime burning and the making of bricks, tiles and pottery.
A second successful grant application to EP funded the Phase 2 investigations of 2005 that confirmed the presence of additional chalk mine workings in the wider area of Coley surrounding the previously stabilised area. We continue to assist Reading Borough Council with further grant application submissions, monitoring work, prioritising future investigations and stabilisation works.
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Did you know?
Specialist investigation and interpretation techniques facilitated accurate design of remedial works and further investigations, saving cost, time and limiting the disruption to the residents of the area.
Services provided
- Geotechnical engineering
- Structural engineering
- CDM coordinator services
Project highlights
- Assisted three successful grant applications to English Partnerships
- Phase 2 investigations included 3000 probes, 170 boreholes and 100 hours of CCTV surveys