Geotechnical engineering specialist, CAN Geotechnical Ltd, has spent eight months on a programme of slope stabilisation and improvement work in Canford Cliffs, Poole, and has recently completed the project, on schedule as planned.
A programme of investment in new seafront infrastructure and beach huts at Canford Cliffs, originally due to start in 2017, was delayed due to an active landslip below Cliff Drive that same year. A section of cliff approximately 10m wide x 0.5m deep slipped and there was concern further slippage could occur and reach the promenade below, especially in the event of bad weather. Three blocks of beach huts and a short stretch of footpath were temporarily closed, in the interests of safety. Following an extensive period of planning and monitoring, specialist contractor CAN Geotechnical was appointed to deliver a £2.5m cliff stabilisation scheme, which commenced September 2020 and was successfully completed on schedule May 2021.
Over 1,600 soil nails (up to 15m in length) were used to stabilise approximately 5,500m² of cliff. Long reach excavator mounted drill systems were used, working from the top of the cliff and from the promenade below. Specialist drill rigs were then suspended from an anchor system at the top of the embankment to undertake the drilling across the mid-slope.
A facing system of erosion control matting overlaid with steel netting was installed and secured with the soil nails to help stabilise the ground; the cliff face was then hydro-seeded to support native vegetation and wildlife habitat re-growth.
The project is in a popular tourist and residential area and it was important for CAN to 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 was undertaken, for residents. The client (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council ) is now finishing off the surfacing of the road and working on the beach hut reinstatement.
In May, CAN Geotechnical completed a clear-up operation to demobilise from the prom and Cliff Drive, the works fence and welfare were removed promptly, and the team were completely off site, as scheduled.
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.