Geotechnical engineering specialist, CAN Geotechnical Ltd, has been awarded the £2 million contract as part of a £2.5 million programme to undertake slope stabilisation and improvement work in Canford Cliffs, Poole.
Following the 2017 landslip to the section of sea cliff below Cliff Drive, the ground has been closely monitored and investigated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council – including the ‘Poole Cliffs Site of Nature Conservation Interest’, part of which is in the area under consideration. Risk of further instability was identified and in July 2020, CAN Geotechnical was appointed to undertake the essential cliff stabilisation work required.
CAN will start on site in September, and will stabilise the 30-metre-high, 200-metre-long section of the cliff, over a 9-month period. This will involve drilling over 1600 steel soil nails (with additional epoxy paint corrosion protection), up to 15 metres deep into the cliff face, along with 50+ drains drilled into the slope. A high tensile, stainless steel netting and erosion-control matting system will then be installed over the entire slope.
In the 1970s, a novel ‘transverse beam’ stabilisation system was installed – resembling a rope ladder draped over the cliff to retain the loose soil on the surface – and an important part of the work will be to remove this life expired structure.
Further added challenges with this site include the ecological element (local wildlife) and the minimisation of any public disruption. Reptile re-location is already underway to remove protected slow worms from the site, and the works will be undertaken by CAN with strict environmental controls to ensure the SNCI area is maintained, and protection given to important species such as Sand Lizards and Dartford Warblers.
The project is in a popular tourist and residential area and CAN will ensure the works fit with the site footprint, with measures employed to minimise disruption ranging from minimising the visual impact of the work, to controlling the noise and vibration throughout the area. A programme of community briefings and engagement events are planned for residents.
Speaking about the project, CAN’s Business Development Director, Ben Foulger, said: “Further to the work to safely and permanently stabilise the landslip prone cliff face in this regionally important area, CAN will also be undertaking preparation work for later stages of the scheme, such as the installation of new electricity and water service routes down the cliff. This will facilitate further seafront improvements planned by BCP council.”
For details about CAN’s recent projects, or any of the company’s products and services, visit the company’s website at www.can.ltd.uk or call 01474 538100.