29 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Geotechnical Investigations for Next-Generation Collider Adapted from Information by RSK Group In Haute-Savoie, France, an international collaboration has undertaken a geotechnical study for the site of a new future circular collider, testing the viability of the area for its possible construction. This proposed nextgeneration collider is expected to be around three times the size of the existing Hadron Collider. The alliance led by Structural Soils includes French geophysics specialist Smart Seismic Solutions and Italian deep drilling specialist Geotec SPA. The company has carried out site investigations for the European Laboratory of Particle Physics (CERN) in the area. These investigations examined critical areas, reducing any uncertainty surrounding the geological conditions, focusing on reviewing and measuring possible construction risks. This included identifying suitable, consistent tunnelling strata, investigating potential high water pressures within the strata, and ascertaining the levels of natural gas in the ground. Working alongside the company, CAN Geotechnical Ltd. assisted with the supply of equipment, RSK Acoustics carried out noise and vibration monitoring, Central Alliance was tasked with mobilization planning, Irish Drilling supported with provisioned drilling equipment, Drilling Supplies provided consumables, and RSK France gave health and safety support. The opportunity for the project arose from the need for an experienced business to manage a contract of this size and supply background resources. Structural Soils was selected due to its record in managing contracts, lab testing, and reporting with additional support from sister companies in the RSK Group. During the work, new geologies were encountered which had not been seen before and were unique to the area. The surface geology comprised of high water-bearing quaternary/glacial deposits underlain by the typically alpine geology of molasse (thinly interbedded mudstone and sandstone). In some areas, the molasse was underlain by karstic limestones which were significantly stronger and have greater water-bearing potential. The limestones present heightened issues for construction because of their greater strength, which makes tunnelling harder and increases the possibility for water to leak into the tunnels. The underlying geological composition of the area has an increased chance of having natural hydrocarbons at depth. Mitigation measures therefore are needed to manage the risk of ground gas. This includes ongoing monitoring for gases, the use of personal gas alarms, and ultimately employment of gas flares to enable a safe working environment in areas where ground gas is potentially present. Structural Soils also produced a realistic geological underground model along with a geological profile for every location. This will provide a template for future investigations and support future civil engineering projects. Through the course of the investigations, engineers confirmed the ground conditions present at the locations investigated to aid with the design for the optimum tunnel alignment as well as inform any future studies done by CERN. www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 Serving the Construction Industry See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 714
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=