Unexploded Ordnance Discovery Leads to Critical Ground Insights in Glasgow

When an unexploded bomb was discovered on a major construction site at Riverside Dalmarnock, Glasgow, housing developer McTaggart called in Igne to lead the unexploded ordnance (UXO) response.

Igne’s specialist team was rapidly deployed to assess the site and design a full intrusive UXO survey strategy.

The plan was swiftly developed, approved, and implemented to minimise project delays.  The UXO investigation was completed within 17 weeks - keeping the timeline on track for one of the largest housing association projects in Scotland.

But the investigation revealed more than just ordnance risk.

As drilling commenced, the Igne team encountered significant underground obstructions.  Although complex ground conditions had been anticipated, the scale and severity only became clear during the intrusive UXO works.

Igne’s early discovery of buried structures proved pivotal. enabling the client to plan piling operations with full knowledge of the hidden challenges below.

From Ordnance to Obstructions

Following the UXO clearance, Igne remained on site to carry out core sampling and continue geotechnical drilling ahead of pile installation.

The site, located on the banks of the River Clyde, was once home to a large power station.  Igne’s work confirmed the site had not been fully remediated.  Beneath the surface, they uncovered vast voids, reinforced concrete, steel sheet piles, and H-beams - remnants of the former industrial infrastructure.

Project Manager Stewart Cuthbertson and the wider team were able to act decisively, saving time, money, and mitigating risk - thanks to Igne’s findings.

Need support on complex sites with UXO risk or buried obstructions?
Talk to our team: hello@igne.com