The contract involves the stabilisation of an existing chalk bank of up to 10m in height which had partially failed in one section after a period of prolonged inclement weather during the winter of 2013-14. The chalk bank backs onto a children’s play area and enclosed park area serving residents occupying a block of flats in Jenkins Dale, Chatham under the ownership of housing association MHS Homes. There is additional spalling of the chalk face occurring at various locations within the boundaries of MHS Homes ownership.
In February 2014 we were commissioned by MHS Homes to carry out a visual survey of the chalk cliff in order to classify the Chalk in accordance with the CIRIA Code of Practice C574 and produce a sketch section of the face and annotated photographs, showing the classification zones, leading to outline recommendations for the type of remedial works suitable for stabilising the cliff face referencing the zones identified. These would address both mass instability and potential minor rock fall issues. This report was carried out by our Associate Engineering Geologist.
On the basis of the findings of the report we were then able to provide proposals for the design and installation of all necessary ground anchors and rock netting as remedial works which were endorsed by MHS Homes and included in their specification of works for tender purposes of 14th August 2014.
We were then invited to tender for the complete package of Design and Build works in accordance with this specification, were awarded the contract as Specialist Principle Contractors and have recently completed all works on site 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled 6 week programme to the full satisfaction of client MHS Homes.
The key to the efficiency and health and safety challenges that the job posed working adjacent to an existing occupied block of housing association flats were close client liaison at each stage of the project; detection, planning and avoidance of existing buried services in the bank; and establishing site welfare and storage areas on adjacent land avoiding the need to obtain permissions from KCC Highways Department and siting cabins and compound adjacent to a busy highway with associated logistical and security problems.