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Foundation engineering specialist Roger Bullivant Limited (RBL) is making significant progress on the Balderton Rise residential development in Newark, working in partnership with housing provider Lovell.
The current phase of the project includes 102 new homes and highlights RBL’s commitment to sustainable construction through its in-house developed precast foundation systems.
RBL is deploying over 1,200 Driven Precast Concrete Piles—measuring 200mm and 250mm in diameter, driven to an average depth of 10 metres. These are being complemented by the installation of more than 4,200 metres of RBeam, the company's proprietary precast ground beam solution. The system was selected for its cost-effectiveness and environmentally conscious design.
Manufactured with low-carbon concrete incorporating 50% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), the foundation system significantly reduces embodied carbon. The use of segmental pile lengths also minimises on-site waste, aligning with modern construction methods and enhancing sustainability and logistical efficiency.
The site's varied ground conditions, comprising Made Ground, Sand and Gravels, underlain by shallow Mudstone strata, make driven precast piles the most practical and environmentally sound option. The approach reduces spoil generation and removes the need for in-situ concrete pours.
Construction is proceeding in line with Lovell's phased delivery schedule. Piling operations are achieving strong daily outputs using a single rig, while rapid installation of the RBeam system is helping to maintain momentum across the build programme.
Nathan Sale, Pre-Construction Manager at RBL, said: "Our work for Lovell highlights the benefits of our precast foundation systems, offering speed, cost-efficiency, and sustainability in one package. We’ve delivered a solution that meets ground conditions, supports programme requirements, and adds real value to our client. This is exactly the kind of project that demonstrates why developers choose Roger Bullivant Limited."
