Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Groundwater Control Solutions in Durham
O G I Groundwater Specialists has been delivering specialist engineering design and consultancy services to the UK construction industry since 1989. Our expertise lies in groundwater control systems and geotechnical design for complex underground structures constructed below the water table. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team utilises advanced groundwater modelling skills to overcome challenging ground conditions encountered during the construction of basements, tunnels, shafts, and infrastructure projects. We prioritise practical, innovative solutions that balance safety, constructability, and cost-effectiveness while working closely with clients to provide tailored solutions within tight logistical and budgetary constraints.Our technical team regularly undertakes risk-based analysis to assess and mitigate environmental impacts such as settlement of adjacent buildings and ground stresses on infrastructure. Recognised for technical excellence through industry awards, we maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies like the Environment Agency to ensure compliance with abstraction and discharge permits. Our in-house software development capabilities and use of commercial modelling tools enable precise analysis of groundwater flow, contaminant transport, and soil deformation across two- and three-dimensional models.
Services
Groundwater Control
Geotechnical Design
Computer Modelling
Slope Stabilisation
Aquifer Testing
Permitting Negotiation
Contaminant Transport Analysis
Uplift Pressure Calculations
Settlement Analysis
3D Soil Modelling
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of specialist experience in groundwater control design
- Our team holds advanced expertise in 3D groundwater flow and soil deformation analysis
- We develop proprietary software tools like CVM10 for precise hydrogeological modelling
- Our designs incorporate environmental impact mitigation measures as standard
- We maintain Category 2 internal design checks for quality assurance
Services
Groundwater Control
Design and implementation of groundwater lowering systems using wellpoints, borehole pumps, and ejector systems. We create tailored solutions for excavations below the water table, ensuring safe working conditions while mitigating environmental impacts. Our approach combines mathematical modelling with practical installation methods to optimise system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Geotechnical Design
Comprehensive analysis of ground stability for excavations and embankments. Using PLAXIS software, we assess slope stability, uplift pressures, and settlement risks. Our designs incorporate mitigation measures to prevent structural failures while maintaining compliance with Eurocode EC7 standards for both temporary and permanent works.
Computer Modelling
Advanced 2D/3D simulation of groundwater flow and soil deformation. Our proprietary CVM10 software and commercial tools like SEEP/W analyse aquifer characteristics, contaminant transport, and coupled pore pressure-strain effects. This enables precise prediction of system performance and environmental impacts for complex construction projects.
Aquifer Testing
Design and analysis of aquifer pumping tests to determine subsurface permeability and storage characteristics. We install observation wells and use radial flow models to collect data that informs dewatering system design, ensuring accurate predictions of groundwater behaviour under construction conditions.
Permitting Negotiation
End-to-end support for obtaining environmental permits through the Environment Agency. We design filtration systems to meet discharge standards, prepare technical documentation, and negotiate stakeholder agreements to ensure compliance with abstraction regulations while minimising project delays.
People
Dr Stephen Thomas
Managing Director
BSc MSc MBA DPhil MCIWEM FICE CEng EurIng RoGEP. Founded OGI in 1989 with over 30 years of groundwater control experience. Leads major dewatering projects including Crossrail and Thames Tideway Tunnel. Honorary Fellow at University of Durham.
George French
Groundwater Engineer & Director
MSci Geoscience (Geophysics) graduate from Durham University. Specialises in 2D/3D groundwater modelling and software development. Advanced user of PLAXIS and SEEP/W software. Joined OGI in 2015 and became Director in 2021.
James Watson
Engineering Hydrogeologist & Director
BSc Geology graduate from Durham University. Specialises in conceptual ground modelling and aquifer analysis. Joined OGI in 2017 after internship. Became Director in 2021 with focus on groundwater research and technical project management.
Megan Thomas
Graphics Modeller
BA (Hons) graduate from Lincoln University. Creates technical drawings and specifications while supporting groundwater modelling using SEEP/W and in-house software. Manages marketing materials since joining OGI in 2014.
Suzanne Pickering
Business Manager
Over 35 years business management experience. Joined OGI in 1994 with responsibilities covering financial control, compliance, personnel management, and contract administration. Provides operational support to technical teams.
Questions
What groundwater control methods do you specialise in?
We specialise in dewatering systems using wellpoints, borehole pumps, and ejector systems, combined with cutoff walls for excavation support.
How do you handle environmental compliance for dewatering projects?
We work closely with the Environment Agency to obtain abstraction permits and design filtration systems that ensure silt-free discharge water.
What geotechnical analysis services do you offer?
We provide slope stability analysis, uplift pressure calculations, settlement predictions, and 3D soil deformation modelling using PLAXIS software.
Can you assist with computer modelling for groundwater projects?
Yes, we offer 2D/3D groundwater flow analysis, contaminant transport simulation, and coupled pore pressure-strain analysis using commercial and in-house software.
What sectors do you primarily work with?
We focus on water infrastructure, transport projects, energy developments, and construction sectors requiring complex groundwater solutions.
How do you ensure project safety during dewatering operations?
We conduct risk assessments, design pressure relief systems for artesian conditions, and implement monitoring to prevent excavation heave failures.
