Poundfield Precast helps the Environment Agency in the defence of Ipswich
Posted on: June 18th 2018 • Posted in: Bespoke concrete
Having built up a strong reputation for delivering bespoke quality products to numerous coastal protection projects, we’re now delighted to be contributing to the defence of the Ipswich Tidal Barrier project.
The scheme, which is being undertaken by VBA, a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business involves the design, construction and installation of a 20m wide tidal barrier gate on behalf of the Environment Agency.
We’ve previously been commissioned to supply a range of different concrete blocks to a number of projects in the north east of England and eastern Scotland.
Following these projects, we have been commissioned by VBA to supply 130 coping units, in a number of instalments, for the Ipswich Tidal Barrier Gate. These will support both the barrier itself and the adjoining piled flood defence walls.
The barrier is a key element in the Ipswich Flood Defence Management Strategy which aims to reduce the risk of flooding to 1,608 homes and 422 businesses and will protect those who live further upstream from a tidal surge like those experienced in 1953 and 2013.
Tim Evans, our director of bespoke products, said “the coping units are complicated to produce due to their varied size, shapes and curves. To achieve this, we needed to use a mixture of three different elements in the production of the moulds: timber, fibreglass and glass reinforced plastic. It is absolutely essential to combine these components in the right way and in the correct proportions and get this process right first time.”
Paul Silcox, senior engineer at VBA, said: “The arrival of the coping units will assist us in providing continued flood protection to Ipswich. These units will complete the flood walls and have been designed to follow the profile of the existing flood protection schemes to Griffin Wharf and to the east of the river. The service from Poundfield has been first rate and will help us to achieve the finished product required by our client.”
Matt Moss, our commercial director added: “This contract win is especially pleasing for two reasons. Firstly, because it confirms growing reputation in providing high-quality products to coast and sea defences projects up and down the country.
“Secondly, as a company proud of its Suffolk roots and ethos, it is particularly satisfying to be playing a part in securing the safety of so many people and livelihoods in Suffolk’s county town on this incredibly important Environment Agency project. We are pleased to be playing our part in this great engineering achievement.”
Contact our bespoke precast department
If you have a similar coastal or sea defence project that you would like our bespoke team to help out on, contact us on 01449 723150 for more information.
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