Context

SoluForm’s above and below water 32N bagwork with water soluble and biodegradable liners offered the perfect solution to much-needed structural support for a bridge at the Barry Burn crossing for Geddes Group and Angus Council.

Challenge

The existing bridge 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 )pen in July 2024, changes had to be made to bring more support and prevent further erosion before the heavy footfall 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 5m 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.

Solution

SoluForm’s above and below water 32N bagwork with water soluble and biodegradable liners offered the perfect solution to rebuild the structure, whilst competing with the tidal waters.

SoluForm's bags only weigh 20kg each so can be handled by a single person, and easily carried down the bank at the installation site.

Stainless steel pins 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.

Result

Together with the contractor and council SoluForm was able to provide guidance so that full plans could be made before the installation 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. SoluForm's 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.