Collapsed wall replacement on Bromsgrove Canal towpath


SoluForm were approached by the Canal & River Trust to offer a solution for the repair of a 20m collapsed embankment along a Canal towpath in Bromsgrove.

What was the challenge?

After years of heavy rainfall a retaining wall had failed and collapsed along the canal towpath in Bromsgrove, leaving the soil bank exposed and falling into the stream below.

Our client needed a Solution that could be installed easily along a narrow towpath by hand, as there was limited space for machinery.

They also required a product that had no impact on the local ecology, as part of the installation was taking place in the small stream at the bottom of the bank.

What was the solution?

SoluForm’s underwater and above water 32N bagwork with their biodegradable liners offered the perfect solution.

Our bags specifically weigh only 20kg each so they can be handled by a single person, and placed into position. We offer both below water and above water bagwork, so the initial build could be completed directly under water and then topped off with our above water bagwork.

After the area was cleared of the fallen bricks and debris, it was ready for our below water bags to be installed and pinned down. The remaining bagwork was then placed in a mixed stretcher and header bond pattern and soaked further, ensuring the water soluble liner would begin to dissolve and the concrete fully hydrate.

What was the outcome for the client?

There was no need for expensive plant hire, and instead was completed by hand with a small team. The solution was particularly beneficial for this project as the nearest road access was 500m from the installation.

The retaining wall was completed reinforcing the bank, and there was no impact to the local wildlife or the ecology of the water.

The original scheme was installed in late 2019. Below are images of the wall in January 2024.


Would you like to speak to SoluForm to see how we can help?

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.