Context

When one of SoluForm's regular clients approached them as their favoured solution to repair and protect the canal embankment and tow path, the SoluForm product proved to be the perfect solution.

Challenge

The client highlighted the issue of this work being in an area where access was quite remote. It was decided that the best method would be to crane the SoluForm pallets onto one of its own barges to travel down the canal to the location where it needed to be installed.

As the SoluForm bags weigh 20kg each they were the perfect size and weight for a single person to offload by hand.

The other part of the product selection was to ensure that the product had no impact on the surrounding nature or the ecology of the water in the canal.

A product was needed that could be installed below the waterline to repair and protect the bank and tow path from further scour without having to dewater the area for the installation.

Solution

SoluForm’s underwater 32N bagwork with its biodegradable potato starch liner was the ideal solution.

The final 3 courses of SoluForm bags were installed above the water, giving the tow path some further protection against rising water levels from heavy rainfall. The 3 courses were completed using the above water bagwork, with a water-soluble liner, adding that additional protection to the path.

From SoluForm's ISO-accredited Concrete Production and Bagging facilities in Derbyshire, the company is able to supply a range of bagwork options, eliminating the need for contractors to bag up concrete themselves on site.

Outcome

There was no need to dewater the canal or provide costly plant to an area where access was an issue for the contractor. In addition to the bags, SoluForm also supply ancillary steelwork, needed to strengthen the finished blockwork, or place lined bagwork under water.

The SoluForm solution provided a durable and dependable hard engineering solution, giving its client the confidence and reassurance that the canal bank and tow path will be secure for the local community to safely use for many years to come.

For designers and contractors, SoluForm has over 25 years’ experience of scour protection and river-work design and its sales team is able to offer both practical and design guidance, should it be required.