Overview

A 200m-long modular block-faced reinforced soil wall was created at a Places for People social housing development in Edinburgh using the Titan reinforced modular block wall system.

The wall has a maximum retained height of 5.0m. Reinforced soil is typically used to raise levels on site and, in this instance, levels were being raised to provide the maximum amount of space for the housing development. The tough and durable Titan modular block-faced reinforced soil system is installed vertically, maximising space gained.

Challenge

The foundation soils were not sufficient to take the loading from the new material placed above, so a network of steel piles was installed at the lower level with a Load Transfer platform installed on top to provide a suitable layer from which to commence construction of the reinforced soil structure.

Solution

As the site was restricted, the delivery of materials on site was an issue. To make this process easier for ISG, they put the supply of all construction materials relating to Phi Group's works into its package, which meant that Phi Group was responsible for co-ordinating deliveries to site. Deliveries sometimes took place on Saturdays to avoid the busiest times during the week. Phi Group had up to 10 operatives on site to ensure that the Titan reinforced soil structure was completed on time and on budget.

Phi Group listened to what ISG required, and tailored its approach to ensure it provided the complete package.

All work was subject to Network Rail approval, and ISG awarded Phi Group a Health & Safety award for its pro-active approach to safe working on site.