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Aerial view of a large urban construction site with a deep excavation pit, cranes, machinery, and tunnel infrastructure, surrounded by multi‑story office buildings and roads.Aerial view of a large urban construction site with a deep excavation pit, cranes, machinery, and tunnel infrastructure, surrounded by multi‑story office buildings and roads.

Special Foundation Engineering

We deliver solutions for deep construction pits, tunnels, foundations, groundwater management and specialised geotechnical works – with precision, safety and efficiency.

Kai Werkhäuser

Practice Lead

Kai Werkhäuser

Contact Kai

How We Support Your Project Goals

Two Construction Workers on the Construction Site Stuttgart 21

Interdisciplinary Expertise

Our teams combine geotechnics, civil engineering and environmental planning – delivering integrated, well-considered solutions.

Complex Ground Conditions

For challenging ground conditions, we offer proven specialised techniques such as ground freezing.

Finite Element Methods 

Our 2D and 3D modelling ensures structural stability, load capacity and deformation control – enabling robust planning and approvals.

Efficient Groundwater Control and Sealing 

From cut-off walls to dewatering and artificial ground freezing – we reliably protect your project from water ingress and environmental risks.

Mastering Complexity: Custom Solutions for Special Foundation Engineering

At CDM Smith, we deliver precision-engineered specialist foundation solutions even under the most demanding conditions, including urban environments and contaminated sites. Our team of seasoned experts uses advanced 2D and 3D finite element modelling and integrated BIM solutions to ensure structural stability, load-bearing capacity and design reliability throughout every project phase. Whether it’s deep construction pits, tunnels, cut-off walls, groundwater management or foundations, we provide reliable, cost-effective and sustainable designs that help you complete your projects on time and within budget.


Explore our specialist foundation engineering expertise through our projects.

Construction site with steel reinforcement piles for a tower foundation, workers in orange vests, and a small excavator.
Construction site with steel reinforcement piles for a tower foundation, workers in orange vests, and a small excavator.
Berlin

Estrel Tower Berlin: Combined pile and slab foundation

Berlin’s tallest high-rise is reaching for the sky – CDM Smith laid the foundation with detailed ground investigations and a robust foundation concept.

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Construction site with two tunnel entrances, surrounded by pipes and orange safety cones.
Construction site with two tunnel entrances, surrounded by pipes and orange safety cones.
Perth, Australia

Ground freezing at Forrestfield Airport in Perth

For the “Forrestfield Airport Link” CDM Smith executed freezing tests from which we determined thermotechnical and static parameters for the frost body sizing.

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Aerial view of an illuminated construction site at night, showing a large excavation area with structural supports, machinery, and surrounding roads.
Aerial view of an illuminated construction site at night, showing a large excavation area with structural supports, machinery, and surrounding roads.
Frankfurt, Deutschland

Extension of U5 Subway Line in Frankfurt – Connection to a New District 

For the extension of Frankfurt’s subway line U5, CDM Smith is responsible for object and structural design for the new tunnel route.

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Related Practices

See our practices in geotechnical and civil engineering, energy, environment and water.

Geotechnics

From ground investigation to execution: Our geotechnical experts support you in every project phase with in-depth know-how and innovative methods.

Remediation

CDM Smith delivers tailored remediation solutions for soil and groundwater.

Infrastructure

Forward-looking infrastructure starts with planning expertise: We assess feasibility, evaluate risks, and develop the best solutions for your project.

Construction Supervision

We oversee your construction site to ensure smooth, contract-compliant, and on-schedule execution.

Construction Services

Construction supervision, site management, health & safety coordination, quality assurance, and project support – all from a single source.

Tunnelling

We combine detailed planning with smart solutions to master even the most complex ground conditions.