Our customer Geddes Group needed a solution for a project on behalf of Angus council, to bring much needed structural support to a bridge at the Barry burn crossing.
The existing Bridge at the Barry burn had been closed to foot traffic for a few years, due to scour problems around the base of the foundation and structural support.
Tidal waters around the bridge along with rough winters and flowing sand in the water, had eaten away at the structural support to the bridge and the adjacent sea wall, which had started to bow forward.
Attempts had been made to minimise the erosion, but as the bordering golf course was the home of the Senior golf open in July 2024, changes had to be made to bring more support and prevent further erosion, before the heavy foot fall of TV crews, camera equipment, cranes, and spectators hit.
The installation site having tidal water meant there was an issue with digging and placement of the foundation, as the estuary could rise and fall by over 5 metres, twice a day. Due to the flowing sand it was very difficult to put a cofferdam in to dewater the area, so a solution was needed that could be installed in those conditions, whilst also ensuring there was no contamination to the water ways that would impact on the landscape and wildlife in the area.
SoluForm’s above and below water 32N bagwork with their water soluble and biodegradable liners offered the perfect solution to rebuild structure, whilst competing with the tidal waters.
Our bags only weigh 20kg each, so they can be handled by a single person, and easily carried down the bank at the installation site.
Our stainless steel pins, that we have specifically designed to use in salt water applications, also brought further structure to the installation providing a much needed scour protection solution to the new bridge.
Together with the contractor and council we were able to provide guidance, so that full plans were made before the installation was started to ensure the new bridge and structural supports could be installed with ease and precision.
All the blocks to the sea wall were removed and numbered so they could be cleaned and stored on site. Our underwater bagwork was then used to create new pad foundations and structural formwork, creating further stability for a dry mix cement to be poured raising the foundation for the sea wall before the blocks were replaced.
The work could be carried out with the raising water levels, and both bagwork types ensure no cement fines were released into the water.
You can contact us by calling the team on 01629 541066, emailing sales@soluform.co.uk or completing our contact us form on our website. Our friendly team will be more than happy to help you find a solution that meets your needs.