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Sector
Highways
Location
Northern Wales
Services
Structural Inspections & Surveys
Our partnership with Mott MacDonald
Project overview
XEIAD was approached to carry out Structural Inspection and Services for Twerton Sluice Gates to ensure their continued structural integrity.
This involved a series of structural surveys on the concrete weir. We carried out extensive ferroscanning and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys across all concrete elements to establish cover, reinforcement size and spacing. During this time, we collected samples of concrete breakouts for further investigation.
As well as this, we carried out concrete coring for strength testing and removed a section of the steel footbridge top flange for hardness testing to determine ultimate tensile strength, and a dimensional survey and condition survey.
The challenge
The main challenge in the structural surveys of the concrete weir was the lack of reinforcement in some areas.
This was discovered during the concrete breakouts, which were done using a pneumatic jackhammer. The team had to take steps to prevent material from entering the river during the breakouts, and they also had to use a water collection system to collect the core samples and slurry.
The solution
XEIAD acted as Principal Contractor for the duration. We issued a Construction Phase Plan and followed the necessary guidelines prior to commencing.
XEIAD Engineer Rope Access Team was deployed to undertake all the works. Using specialised rigging the team were able to record the information from the Hilti Ferroscan PS1000 and, a Proceq live GPR. Before starting the concrete breakout, XEIAD installed a collection system to prevent material entering into the river.
The breakouts were done using a pneumatic jackhammer. The breakouts confirmed a lack of reinforcement. A concrete Hilti diamond core and Hilti water collection system was used to collect the core samples. The water collection system allowed all the slurry to be collected in a filter bag and the water was recycled, keeping the watercourse clean. A core log was taken, and the samples were sent to the lab for compressive testing. The core holes and breakout areas were reinstated with cement in accordance with BS. Accurate measurements were achieved by laser scanning and submerging a below water multibeam scanner. The laser scanner was mounted at different locations on the asset to ensure maximum coverage.
The results
The report issued contained all collated site data and recommendations.
Key outcomes
Surveys identified a lack of reinforcement in some areas of the weir.
Concrete and reinforcement samples were collected for testing.
Laser scanning and multibeam scanning we used to create accurate measurements of the weir.
Full report containing all collated site data and recommendations issued.
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