Small localised failures of this rock cutting led to the installation of 6500m2 of Maccaferri pasive rock netting to safeguard the railway line below.  The netting is held in place by 275 rock bolts, with cast in-situ head blocks at the crest.

Unfortunately the planned possessions were cancelled just before starting the site works.  Only a fraction of the original planned possessions were available!  With CAN’s methodology being heavily possession and RRV dependant, this presented a significant challenge.

To surmount this challenge, CAN looked at what would be the best ways of maximising productivitiy with the remaining possessions.  This resulted in looking at better solutions to further maximise output during the daytime.  To this end, by mobilising CAN’s own long reach excavator, it meant that the plant could be established at the crest ready to commence as soon as the line was handed over.  This presented a vastly more efficient solution than waiting for RRV’s to be put onto the track and then travel from the RAP to the work site.  Additionally, using the long reach excavator sited at the crest meant that some of the works at the toe could also be carried out within the confines of the Vortok fencing.

Closely controlled methodologies for safely drilling and lowering rock netting in very limited clearances behind Vortok fencing were developed.  This meant CAN was able to progress the works by working during normal running and short daytime line blocks, drastically reducing the need for possessions.

Given the challenges off this job, remarkably through careful planning, discussions and collaborative working, it enabled the project to be completed ahead of the original planned completion date!

Duration:       2 Months

Client:            Alun Griffiths  

Location:       Barry, Glamorgan