Client – COWI AS / IHI Infrastructure Systems
Geo-Design’s engineering geologists undertook a review of ground conditions and the geotechnical basis for the design of the north anchor block of the 1.7km long Osman Gazi suspension bridge. The anchor block is located in Palaeozoic limestones and is adjacent to the North Anatolian tectonic plate boundary and there were concerns over variable and faulted adverse ground conditions.
The team reviewed existing project data and reports and, following development of preliminary geological models, designed a scope of further investigation, including long trial trenches, rotary cored boreholes and in-situ geophysical testing, to address the issues. Our team were on site to supervise the investigation and update the geological basis for design as data became available.
Our expert geological evaluation meant that the design was completed and passed by the design checker without interruption to the project programme. Site mapping during excavation of the north anchor block verified the geological model and we are pleased that construction was completed successfully.