SoluForm's prefilled concrete bagwork was used for a scour hole repair on a bridge at Aberdulais Tin Works.

Challenge

After fast flowing water had caused serious erosion to a bridge's foundation, resulting in an area collapsing and leaving a hole, repair was needed to reinforce the structure.

The client needed a solution that could be installed, without having to fully dewater the area, or need costly plant hire to install. 

They also required a product that had no impact on the local ecology, as the installation was taking place directly in the water, as they worked with ever-changing river levels.

Solution

SoluForm’s underwater 32N bagwork with its biodegradable potato starch liner was the perfect solution. As the bags specifically weigh 20kg each they were the perfect size and weight for a single person to carry down to fill the void.

After the collapsed section was cleared of debris, additional steel rods were drilled down into the bedrock to secure the first layer of bagwork.

The remaining bagwork was then placed in a stretcher bond pattern. It was pinned together with SoluForm's purpose-made U-shaped rebar pins that create a path to let water in to hydrate the concrete as well as add additional strength, whilst ensuring no cement fines escape.

Outcome

There was no need to fully dewater the area for the installation to take place, and the natural water level was utilised to hydrate the mix and harden the concrete.

The void was completely filled and the work completed in a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable manner.