Fluvial – Mackley Engineering https://mackley.co.uk Engineering a Sustainable Future Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:47:07 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://mackley.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mackley-logo-dark.svg Fluvial – Mackley Engineering https://mackley.co.uk 32 32 River Thames Schemes https://mackley.co.uk/fluvial/river-thames-schemes/ Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:42:29 +0000 https://mackley.co.uk/?post_type=fluvial&p=736
2019 – 2020

Trinity Hospital River Wall Repairs

Royal Woolwich Borough Council

rIVer

Access

Multi

Disciplinary

Environmental

Enhancements

stakeholder

Management

PLa

Liaison

As part of the 10 year TE2100 Framework, Mackley carried out repairs and the rebuild of the Thames river wall at Trinity Hospital in the East Greenwich Conservation Area.

Our teams carried out general refurbishment of the wall, jet washing, infilling gaps and repairing poor sections of brickwork, re-pointing with a lime based compound. The upstream corner of the wall also needed complete reconstruction and we reinstated the joint between Trinity Hospital and Crowley’s Wharf.

Main features of the project included:

We established a root protection system for an in-situ tree and propped the Grade II listed Trinity Hospital wall as protection for the duration of the works. Pali Radice raking piling was used along the wall to stabilise the existing structure so we placed over 200 2 tonne sandbags on the foreshore to protect the wall while the piling was taking place. We also protected the surface on the landside by creating a Cellweb® TRP, Geotec 2000 and Type 2 access track for our piling rig.

2017

Coldharbour Wall Remediation

Environment Agency & Balfour Beatty – TE2100

complex

Logistics

working & lifting

Afloat

restricted

Access

Tidal River

Working

PLa

Liaison

stakeholder

Engagement

protection works to

Foreshore

Mackley carried out remedial and protection works to Coldharbour Flood Wall and foreshore. With limited access and tidal restrictions, careful logistics planning and time management was needed. Materials were delivered to a safe loading area upstream and transported to site by Multi-Cat each ahead of each shift. At the unloading area, we used a temporary cantilever walkway which we had designed and constructed to also provide access to the wall to carry out the repairs. There, we used a temporary cantilever walkway which we had designed and constructed to provide access to the wall to carry out the repairs. We used reclaimed beach groynes for the timber fenders and installed/placed Kyowa rock bags at the foot of the wall to protect from tidal erosion & create habitat for small fish and plants.

Effective stakeholder management

Our strong public engagement enabled us, with the kind permission of the property owner, to pump the concrete infill through an adjacent property’s garden. We made sure this was completed in one day.

river

Access

public

Safety

environmental

Enchancements

stakeholder

Engagement

cost & time

Efficiencies

management of

Licences & Permits

The Thames Pathis a near-continuous 184 mile greenway for non-motorised users along the bank of the River Thames. However there was a missing section through Charlton Riverside linking King Henry’s Wharf to Warspite Road, approximately 275m long, known locally as the ‘Missing Link’.

We completed the design and construction of a new 275m long elevated walkway to join up two sections of the Thames Path in Greenwich comprising a new demountable sectional steel walkway and cycle path on top of the Thames flood wall. Other works included access ramps, balustrades, handrailing, lighting, kerb replacement, brickwork and concrete bollards.

Using innovation for time and cost efficiencies

We were able to implement a number of innovative ideas to deliver a successful and efficient project. These included changing the design of the support legs in the ramp to reduce the length of steel and increase the volume of concrete, proposing shallower holes that required less excavation, altering the sequence to complete works to a water main last, thereby reducing disruption on the road and a volumetric concrete lorry mixed bespoke concrete on site for small quantities in tight access

Change of Approach

The site presented a number of access difficulties which required a change in approach. The original plan was to use a mobile crane to transfer the walkway panels, that weighed up to 5 tonne each, from lorries onto a barge. That would then work its way eastwards installing the panels as the tide allowed. This method was changed when it became apparent that, with careful planning and good communication with the various occupants of Cable Wharf, the installation could be carried out using a combination of hiab lorries and mobile cranes, thereby reducing the complexities of tidal working and in turn cutting costs.

2009

Seabright Frontages

The Environment Agency

multiple

Disciplines

working in an

Operational Wharf

stakeholder

Engagement

public

Safety

Mackley was contracted to improve the flood defences at Seabright, at the confluence of the Thames and Barking Creek. Seabright is an active, working wharf used as a scrap metal yard. Our works were 180m of welded steel plate sheet pile repairs which involved welding the plates onto the top 3m of the frontage and then filling the void with concrete to provide an additional 25 years of life to the frontage.

Innovation to minimise disruption

To access the works, we designed a bespoke gantry platform that was cantilevered out from the wall and mounted on tracks. The tracks enabled the platform to move easily to any part of the wall. Working from this platform enabled the scrap yard to remain active without our work impacting their operations. We also constructed 2 relieving platforms with CFA piles and a ground slab to take the weight of the scrap metal stored in the yard and prevent the load from coming onto the steel sheet piles.

]]> Godalming Flood Alleviation Scheme https://mackley.co.uk/fluvial/godalming-flood-alleviation-scheme/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:24:12 +0000 https://mackley.co.uk/?post_type=fluvial&p=514
flood
defence

525m

properties &
infrastructure protected

90

noise &
vibration

Reduced

surface & ground
water pumping stations

2

environmental

Enhancements

public
liaison

Excellent

Godalming has a history of flooding, with four notable events in recent years. The flood in 2013 caused major damage to the Meadrow and Catteshall Road areas and access to and from Godalming town centre was restricted.

The project was carried out behalf of a client partnership comprising the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council, Godalming Town Council, Thames Water and the local Godalming Flood Group. Mackley, together with Van Oord as Team Van Oord, worked closely with all parties to construct the Godalming Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) to reduce the flood risk to properties in the town.

“This innovative flood scheme project is an example of how partnership working at all levels can achieve fantastic results”.

Emma Howard Boyd, Former Chair of the Environment Agency.

As well as the main flood defences, the project included a range of environmental and landscape features. These included: the planting of a range of native species; wildlife scrapes on Lammas Lands; the introduction of wooden deflectors and re-grading of sections of the ditch bank; re-use of cut wood on site to create new habitat for invertebrates and reptiles and reinstating gardens.

The main bulk of the project involved constructing a 525m long sheet piled flood defence wall along the rear of a number of properties on Meadrow and Catteshall Road. To make sure we were not causing any damage to these properties or disturbing people living in them, we pre-augered first and then drove the piles into the pre-augered line. We also carefully monitored the effect our work was having on the properties with frequent noise and vibration level checks. The piles were then clad in horizontal planks of Accoya timber, a specially treated softwood that is more hardwearing than conventional soft and hard woods.

During construction, the project saw visits from the local MP, Jeremy Hunt together with a number of councillors, local school groups and Brunel University students. Mackley led the stakeholder engagement hosting regular site tours for local people and dealing directly with the most affected landowners and allotment holders, mitigating disruption through sensitive construction techniques and minor design amendments. 

]]> River Wey Improvement Scheme https://mackley.co.uk/fluvial/river-wey-improvement-scheme/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:17:11 +0000 https://mackley.co.uk/?post_type=fluvial&p=508
refurbished &
replaced

7 Weirs

fish passes &
bypass channels

5

homes
protected

388

key to the
works

Mackley’s Floating Kit

fish
passes

Larinier & Natural

Flood protection and improving fish stocks along the River Wey in Surrey

Mackley completed renovations of 7 weirs on the River Wey ‘Navigations’. We also integrated fish passes and bypass channels that open up 46km of this historic river to fish and eels for the first time in centuries. The River Wey Navigations were constructed between 1651 and 1760 to transport goods between rivers on the south coast and London. The weirs were rebuilt in the 1930s and are now managed by the National Trust.

The scheme’s fish passes are contributing to a much larger partnership initiative, known as the Wey Fish Pass and Wetland Delivery, a working partnership project between the Environment Agency, National Trust, Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council, Woking Borough Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and local landowners.

The works were:

  • Hamm Oils Mill, Weir and bypass channel fish pass – Weybridge
  • Walsham Weir and naturalised fish pass – Ripley
  • Newark and Abbey Weir and fish passes – Woking
  • Broadmead Weir and fish pass – Woking
  • Bowers Mill Weir upgrade – Guildford
  • Stoke Mill Weir upgrade – Guildford
  • Millmead Weir and naturalised fish pass – Guildford

Mackley coordinated all the works which often took place at multiple locations on the river at the same time. We dealt with local stakeholders, carefully planning access at each site to minimise disruption, even when working from public parks and private gardens.

We weren’t always working above and on the water, some of the work was under it. Our diving specialists had to burn off old piles and weir apparatus below the water line. We coordinated Dive Project Plans and completed a Dive Safe form, an Environment Agency requirement to make sure all safety checks and procedures were in place.

Each weir upgrade presented unique technical and access challenges. Our team’s technical skills were perfectly suited to finding the best engineering solutions, using a range of temporary designs to safely work in the river and accessing via a combination of landside and floating equipment.

The projects demonstrate considerable skill in planning lifting from floating plant and also in completing the works within environmentally sensitive locations on this historic river, including public parks and gardens.

]]> Molesey Weir B Replacement https://mackley.co.uk/fluvial/molesey-weir-b-replacement/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:04:57 +0000 https://mackley.co.uk/?post_type=fluvial&p=503
4 tonne dipping
radial gates replaced

7

INstallation
of new

Fish Pass

upstream guard
piles

5

integrated
engineering

Civils & MEICA

river
thames

Weir Construction

excellent

Community Engagement

protocols
produced

Flood Emergency Response

A NEW STRUCTURE TO CONTROL WATER LEVELS ON THE THAMES

Mackley, as part of Team Van Oord, undertook the complete reconstruction of Molesey Weir B on the River Thames near historic Hampton Court. The upgrade enabled the Environment Agency to manage water levels on this section of the Thames, with a new capability to remotely adjust the heights of the seven tilting weirs that either hold water up in low flows or let it through in periods of high flows. 

It was vital that part of the weir was operational at all times, so we completed the works in two halves over two consecutive summers. Prior to starting the works, we developed an emergency flood protocol alongside Molesey’s Lock Keeper and the EA. It was put to good use to prevent local flooding during the exceptionally wet winter of 2013/14!

Overcoming challenges of access

Applying our expertise in river engineering, we designed temporary works that could be adapted to convey flood waters, installed a temporary walkway for residents, completed complex lifts from afloat and built the whole works with minimal landside access.

Looking after the locals

Our temporary bridge made sure that residents of Ash Island could reach their floating homes at all times during the works. We also shielded them from noise when we were piling and even halted piling whilst one local resident showed prospective buyers around his property. This attention to individual needs is typical of Mackley’s approach to working closely with affected communities and resulted in excellent public feedback and a Considerate Constructors Silver Award.

‘Remarkably, for a 2.5 year presence on the island which could have been extremely intrusive to residents, I do not recall receiving a single comment or complaint about the workers. Thank you for your excellent work, your consideration, your consideration, willingness to provide updates and general friendliness while on site. A great bunch of guys.’

Ash Island Resident feedback

]]> Arundel Tidal defence Scheme https://mackley.co.uk/fluvial/arundel-tidal-defence-scheme/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:43:16 +0000 https://mackley.co.uk/?post_type=fluvial&p=497
flood
defences

1.5km

homes
protected

160

working

Afloat

collaborative

Design Development

flood
defences

Masonry, King Post & Planking

challenging

Riverside Access

excellent

Community Feedback

A Team Van Oord project for the Environment Agency

Mackley upgraded 1.5km of flood defences in the historic city of Arundel, protecting 160 homes.

The works included repairing a major river wall breach in the town centre with no landside access. We had responded with an emergency repair back in 2018, and then helped develop the permanent solution.

Working as a team to develop the designs:

Our Engineers worked closely with the Client and designers to overcome challenging ground conditions, developing a strong sheet piled wall to repair the breached section. The ground beneath the pile line proved far softer than expected and the team developed new designs with longer piles and new piling methods to ensure the wall’s long term stability. The team also added 19 ground anchors into the design, tying the new sheet piles to more stable land behind.

Working from the river:

Our expertise in working afloat enabled us to navigate a huge jack up barge and crane up the River Arun from Littlehampton, passing safely beneath low bridges en-route, and then to supply the materials for the breach repair.

Protecting the city from flooding:

Although the jack up barge and support vessels were the most publicly visible element of the scheme, we also built over 1km of flood defences up and downstream of the city.

Community focus:

We engaged with the households at the breach throughout design development and our site team spoke with them daily during the works. This was especially necessary to enable our teams to work through multiple riverside gardens. We kept Arundel’s community well informed of progress and volunteered for citywide events, we built local support for the scheme and minimised disruption. Due to this good communication and our efforts to reduce disruption, we received many letters of thanks, including from Arundel’s Mayor.

‘It has been very noticeable, both from our personal informal contacts and from unsolicited comments from two neighbours, that the team are going out of their way to be cheerful, positive and helpful. They have certainly created a very positive view from our local community.’

Resident feedback

‘I would like to say what a fantastic job that the EA are doing here in Arundel, especially under the current circumstances with the Coronavirus….Please keep carrying on doing the good work, we really do appreciate all that you are doing for us here in Arundel.’

Mayor of Arundel

]]> Shoreham Adur Tidal Walls https://mackley.co.uk/fluvial/shoreham-adur-tidal-walls/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:55:41 +0000 https://mackley.co.uk/?post_type=fluvial&p=484
properties
Protected

2,400

TIDAL
DEFENCES

7.2km

PATHS &
CYCLE TRACKS

5km

works through
Residential gardens

70

SCHOOL CHILDREN
TOURED THE WORKS

400+

SALTMARSH CREATION
WITHIN SSSI

2Ha

LICENCES/CONSENTS
OBTAINED

20+

INDUSTRY
AWARDS

10

Award
winning

Community
engagement

Protecting

Heritage Structures

CLIMATE
CHANGE

Resilience

River &
Terrestrial

Ecological Mitigation

Protecting homes and businesses in Shoreham from flooding

Mackley (working for the Environment Agency as our JV, Team Van Oord) built 7.2km of flood defences along both sides of the River Adur in Shoreham, West Sussex. Due to the diverse nature of the estuary, the scheme was divided into 10 reaches each with its own design and construction approach (W1-7 and E1-3). These included a combi-piled river wall; steel sheet piled river walls; flood embankments; glass flood walls, scour protection, a rock revetment and a managed realignment creating saltmarsh creation.


Complex interaction with community stakeholders


Our teams developed construction methods for each defence type whilst protecting multiple receptors including residents, businesses, the operation of Shoreham Port, Shoreham’s RNLI Station, multiple protected species, SSSI intertidal habitats, Shoreham Fort Scheduled Monument, river access for boat owners, Shoreham Yacht Club, public rights of way, highways, Shoreham Airport, WWII defences, the rail bridge and more than 20 major utilities serving the town.

One team management approach

The project delivery hinged on excellent teamwork between all parties, with the Environment Agency, designers and our own staff working from shared offices in the heart of Shoreham. 

‘I enjoyed meeting EA staff and our partners. It was great to see how collaboratively you work together.’

Emma Howard-Boyd – Chair of Environment Agency‘

A great example of local businesses working with government to help boost local development.’

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Andrea Leadsom.

Engineering better solutions

The open and collaborative approach meant that the team were willing to review and reassess design elements. Mackley was able to value engineered major design elements, removing proposals that would have created huge roadworks in Shoreham and realigning defences to reduce impacts on people’s homes and gardens.

Piling expertise – combi-pile in Reach E1 and sheet piling in Reaches W3, W4 and W5:

Mackley’s expert staff installed sheet piling alongside homes and business, overcoming significant access challenges by tailoring the equipment and methods to meet the location. Some of their skills in river works are shown through manoeuvring the jack up barge and its 90T crane through Shoreham Millennium bridge  – see Jack-Up Barge in Action at SATW here.

Working within the community

The defences ran through or alongside over 70 residential gardens, past commercial units, through Shoreham playing fields, alongside a busy pub beer garden and alongside the airport. Our stakeholder engagement gained the agreements needed to complete the works and built positive relations with the local community. 

Benefitting wildlife as well as people

Large areas of the works were within the Adur Industry SSSI and were home to protected plants and species. Our mitigation protected wildlife and included a 2hectare managed realignment that will create new mudflats and saltmarsh. 

Place-making

The designs and visual appearance of the defences was carefully considered to match Shoreham’s townscape, with flood walls finished with knapped flint, traditional brick and decorative flood glass. The whole scheme improved the accessibility and feel of Shoreham’s river frontage. 

‘We have been treated so well, with great care being taken to let us know what is happening in advance…They have been able to tell us what is about to happen on a day to day basis, and have also come to our evening meetings, letting us ask questions about anything that is bothering us.’

Jess Jermain, Secretary of the Adur Houseboats Association.

‘This project fosters an approach to rising water impacts in a balanced and sympathetic way.’

Judges of British Construction Industry Awards for the Climate Resilience Project of the Year Award.

Winner of 10 industry awards including:

2020 RICS Social Impact Awards infrastructure scheme of the year ‘Recognising the built environment’s positive and transformational contribution to society’

2019 British Construction Industry Awards Category: Climate Resilience Project of the Year 

2019 Green Apple Award

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