Stabilisation works were required to a 30m high sea cliff following the construction of new properties above.
Access to the crest was severely restricted and the only option was to use rope access techniques. The undercut rock face required a combination of stabilisation methods to ensure it’s long term integrity including:
- Rock bolting of isolated blocks
- Installation of restraint cabling to isolated blocks
- Installation of Geobrugg Tecco mesh support to face
- Installation of Geobrugg Spider mesh support to overhangs
- Installation of rock dowels
- Construction of sprayed concrete scour protection wall at base of cliff
- Sprayed concrete erosion protection to weak areas of face
Rock bolts ranged from 3m to 9m in length and installed into holes of 45-100mm diameter using both fibreglass and high tensile steel anchors. All anchors were cement grouted. Drilling techniques included the use of hand held rock drills, a drifter mounted on a mast and a DTH system for the larger diameter anchors.
All works were completed to the engineer’s satisfaction, contract duration was 4 months.
Posted in Geotechnical
Following a small landslip at this West Wales coastal town Abcas were engaged to undertake an inspection of the slope followed by remedial works to stabilise the area.
Abcas undertook:
- Removal of slipped material from the slope
- Installation of erosion control matting to encourage soil retention & vegetation regrowth
- Installation of cement grouted hollow bar soil nails
- Installation of rock fall protection netting and perimeter cabling
The works were completed within both programme and budget.
Following complaints of water ingress to numerous flats within a high rise complex, Abcas were employed to undertake an external condition inspection.
After consultation with the Architect and the property manager Abacs were asked to undertake a variety of remedial work including:
- Cutting out and replacing mastic joints to windows
- Application of resin based paint to exposed concrete elements
- Re-pointing brickwork joints
The benefits of utilising rope access techniques on this project included:
- Fast set up time ensuring cost effectiveness.
- Minimal disruption to residents.
- No overnight security issues as all equipment was removed at the end of a day.
- Lightweight access system reducing risk of damage to existing structure.
