This contract involved the stabilisation of an existing chalk bank of up to 10m in height which had weathered and was spalling off onto the ground below. The chalk bank backs onto a rear car park area of a retirement residential property serving residents and visitors alike.
In September 2016 Geolex were successful bidder in providing a full package of specialist design, supply and installation of soil nails with associated erosion control matting and high tensile galvanised steel mesh facing to the exposed chalk cliff. Geolex developed the design through open dialogue with client consulting engineer and project managers WYG which resulted in a visual survey of the chalk cliff by Geolex Associate Engineering Geologist in order to classify the Chalk in accordance with the CIRIA Code of Practice C574 and produce chalk classification zones with depth. The analysis which followed would address both mass instability and potential minor rock fall issues backed up with improved parameters for the blocky structured chalk which formed the majority of the exposed slope.
On the basis of the findings of the survey and determination of the properties of the chalk, Geolex forte were able to provide proposals for the design and installation of all necessary soil nails, erosion matting and rock netting as remedial works which have been endorsed by WYG.
Access to and working within the cliff area was severely restricted with the necessity to leave sufficient space for emergency routes for the residents. The chalk face had a covering of shrubs and small trees which were removed and chipped up before taking off site. As these indigenous plants and their root systems were contributing towards the chalk face stability, the work had to be carried out in predetermined sections in order to minimise disruption and maintain stability of the cliff aspect as work proceeded.
All works were completed well within the contract period and budget.