As GEO-Instruments heads into a busy 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the successes of last year and look ahead to some of the major projects in the year to come.
Looking back on 2024
While 2024 was a challenging year for the industry as a whole, GEO-instruments UK remained plenty busy with many on-going and newly starting projects.
Below are just a few of the highlights from the last 12 months.
Continuing from previous years, a significant section of the GEO-Instruments UK team were helping to deliver HS2 as part of the GEO-Socotec joint venture.
The automated and manual monitoring systems implemented by GSJV helped pave the way for Tunnel Boring Machines to complete key sections of the Northolt tunnels underneath London. It was one of the busiest and most productive years on the project so far, with 4 TBMs running concurrently. One drive was completed and three others are nearing completion this year.
GSJV carried out more instrument installations and manual surveys than ever, and were a big part of implementing innovative monitoring solutions to challenges that arose throughout the year.
The scheme continues to be one of the biggest I&M projects in Europe.
Elsewhere across the UK, other teams from GEO-Instruments worked on bespoke monitoring systems tailored to meet the specific needs of a variety of projects. In Manchester, for example, we designed a comprehensive Vibration, Noise, and Dust monitoring system to support the redevelopment of a long-standing commercial building into a mixed-use development.
In County Durham, the GEO-Instruments UK survey team provided a composite monitoring scheme for Network Rail mainline tracks influenced by an active landslip.
As ground reinforcement works were underway by colleagues in Keller UK, five hundred metres of dual track required thorough monitoring for potential movement. The scheme included networks of prisms and automated total stations as well as regular track trolley surveys.
Our I&M teams implemented a monitoring system for an extensive road improvement project in Scotland, incorporating multiple types of geotechnical instrumentation including ShapeArray, Piezometers and Inclinometers. GEO-Instruments also played a key role in the construction of a major new electronic scrap (E-Scrap) recycling facility in Kent, where we installed a robust ground settlement monitoring system designed to endure challenging site conditions.
In contrast, over in the historic centre of Oxford, we commissioned a monitoring system for a much more delicate application. As works got underway for the redevelopment of Hertford College, our team set up a detailed 3D movement and vibration monitoring scheme for the revered university buildings.
Additionally, GEO-Instruments UK is proud to be supporting the construction of a new berth at the DP World London Gateway port. Work began in 2024 with the installation of a large number of in-ground sensors, including extensometers and piezometers.
Engineers will return in 2025 to continue with the next phase of installations.
Looking ahead to 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s shaping up to be another exciting year for travel and project opportunities, with a wide range of projects scattered across the UK.
We’re particularly excited about the potential to engage with new technologies and innovations, such as Distributed Fibre Optic Sensors (DFOS)
We will be putting the finishing touches on some on longstanding projects like the ORIEL eye health centre in London, where we provided a multi-faceted monitoring scheme including automated and manual instrumentation as well as site control and as-built services.
The GEO-Instruments team will also have plenty of chances to take in the scenery with work on some picturesque sites in the Peak District and Eryri (Snowdonia).
In northern Scotland, works are underway to install automated Inclinometers for an extensive Port construction project.
Back in the capital, preparations are already underway for an automated 24-hour tunnel monitoring scheme for a central London building development. The survey team will also be carrying out regular manual surveys alongside the automated system.
The site engineering team is also gearing up for a busy year ahead, providing setting out services and supporting our clients and colleagues in Keller UK on projects across the country, everywhere from Newcastle to Portsmouth.
One such project involves setting out the guide wall and foundation piles for a new apartment development in southwest London.
With even more projects and opportunities on the way, we are excited about all that 2025 has in store for us.
Get in touch to learn how GEO-Instruments can support your project!