Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Groundwater Control Solutions
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, geotechnical design, and advanced computer modelling for complex underground structures. With over 30 years of experience, we provide practical, innovative solutions for challenging ground conditions encountered during basement construction, tunnels, shafts, and infrastructure projects. Our team combines technical excellence with environmental compliance, working closely with clients to deliver bespoke designs that meet logistical, budgetary, and programme constraints.We hold a strong reputation for technical innovation, having won awards for our work on major projects like the Thames Tideway Tunnel and HS2 railway. Our multidisciplinary team includes chartered engineers, hydrogeologists, and software developers who utilise both commercial and proprietary tools like CVM10 and PLAXIS for groundwater and geotechnical analysis. We maintain collaborative relationships with regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency, ensuring all designs meet environmental standards. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through rigorous internal design checks and comprehensive documentation for every project.
Services
Groundwater Control
Geotechnical Design
Computer Modelling
Slope Stabilization
Dewatering Systems
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30 years of specialist experience in groundwater engineering
- Award-winning technical excellence in construction dewatering
- Multidisciplinary team with proprietary software development capabilities
- Proven track record on major UK infrastructure projects
- Environmental compliance expertise with regulatory authorities
Services
Groundwater Control
Design and implementation of groundwater control systems to enable safe excavation below water tables. Our solutions include wellpoint systems, borehole pumps, and recirculation systems that prevent ground settlement near sensitive structures. We conduct aquifer pumping tests and mathematical modelling to tailor systems to site-specific geology and project requirements.
Geotechnical Design
Specialist geotechnical design services for temporary and permanent works. We perform slope stability analysis, uplift pressure calculations, and settlement assessments using Eurocode standards. Our designs incorporate mitigation measures like recharge wells to prevent structural damage from groundwater changes.
Computer Modelling
Advanced 2D/3D computer modelling of groundwater flow and soil deformation. We use PLAXIS, SEEP/W, and proprietary software like CVM10 for simulating dewatering systems, contaminant transport, and tunneling impacts. Our models support risk assessment and design optimisation for complex projects.
Slope Stabilization
Innovative slope stabilisation solutions for weak saturated ground. Our STABLE-EARTH methodology combines groundwater control with finite element analysis to create cost-effective, safe embankments without extensive sheet piling requirements.
Permitting Services
Expert assistance with environmental permitting for groundwater abstraction and discharge. We maintain strong relationships with the Environment Agency to ensure designs meet regulatory standards while minimising project delays.
People
Dr Stephen Thomas
Managing Director
Chartered engineer with over 30 years' experience in groundwater control. Developed dewatering systems for London Millennium Bridge and Crossrail. Registered Ground Engineering Adviser and honorary fellow at Durham University.
George French
Groundwater Engineer & Director
Specialises in 3D groundwater flow modelling and software development. Leads technical team since becoming director in 2021. Holds MSci in Geoscience and developed OGI's CVM10 software.
James Watson
Engineering Hydrogeologist & Director
BSc Geology graduate from Durham University. Conducts groundwater control design and mathematical modelling. Became director in 2021 after working on Thames Tideway Tunnel and HS2 projects.
Megan Thomas
Graphics Modeller
BA (Hons) graduate responsible for technical drawings and groundwater modelling. Manages marketing materials and supports software development using SEEP/W and PLAXIS tools.
Suzanne Pickering
Business Manager
Over 35 years' business management experience. Oversees financial control, compliance, and personnel matters. Ensures operational standards align with large organisation best practices.
Questions
What groundwater control methods do you use?
We use dewatering systems with wellpoints/boreholes and groundwater cutoff walls. Our designs often combine both methods for optimal effectiveness.
How do you handle environmental regulations?
We work closely with the Environment Agency to ensure all systems meet discharge requirements and include filtration media to prevent silt pollution.
Can you assist with slope stability issues?
Yes, our STABLE-EARTH™ methodology combines groundwater control with finite element analysis to stabilise weak slopes cost-effectively.
Do you provide computer modelling services?
We offer 2D/3D groundwater flow and soil deformation modelling using PLAXIS, SEEP/W, and proprietary software like CVM10.
What construction sectors do you work with?
We specialise in water infrastructure, transport projects, energy developments, and complex underground structures across the UK.
