Fugro has supported McConnell Dowell’s construction of the new Fanga?uta Lagoon Bridge in Tonga by performing Osterberg Cell® (O-Cell®) pile testing to assess ground conditions and validate the design of the bridge piles and foundations.
The 720?metre-long bridge, currently under construction across the Fanga?uta Lagoon, will provide a vital connection between Nuku?alofa and Tonga’s main island of Tongatapu. Once completed, the bridge will significantly reduce travel times and traffic congestion, while also serving as a critical emergency evacuation route for local communities. Delivered by McConnell Dowell and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, the project is expected to deliver long-term economic and social benefits for the Tongan community.
In addition to Fugro’s ability to rapidly mobilise advanced geotechnical testing capabilities in island nations and remote environments, Fugro brings extensive global experience in bridge and major infrastructure projects, applying proven methodologies to challenging ground conditions worldwide. For the Fanga?uta Lagoon Bridge, Fugro conducted high-capacity O-Cell® pile testing within coral formations. In this environment, traditional pile testing methods are often impractical due to access, load limitations, and constructability constraints.
The O-Cell® tests enabled direct measurement of pile performance under high loads, providing critical insights into pile–soil interaction within the coral strata. These results significantly reduced geotechnical uncertainty, allowing the bridge pile design to be validated with confidence and enabling construction activities to proceed without delay. Testing was carried out on two different pile diameters to support design optimisation.
“Fugro’s APAC personnel worked tirelessly with the McConnell Dowell project manager, Mr. Frank Schubert, to bring the project in on time and on budget, with zero safety incidents and a happy crew,” said Brad Dalton, Fugro Project Director. “We would like to formally thank Mr. Schubert for facilitating our teams and making the journey to success a highly enjoyable and professional one.”
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist. With our unique map, model and monitor solutions, we provide project critical insights into the built and natural environment. Fugro supports clients by delivering solutions in support of the energy transition, large-scale infrastructure development and climate resilience. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the life cycle. In line with our purpose, we are extending our know-how and solutions to the understanding and preservation of ecosystems.
Employing approximately 10,000 people in 52 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, mostly in the energy, infrastructure and water industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2025, revenue amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
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