Project Principles and Objectives
Ryebridge was awarded the project by competitive tender in July 2022.The objective of the project was to turn 55,000sqm (19 acres) of port area which was formally warehouses, (subsequently demolished) into a multi-use high and heavy freight terminal.
In addition new modular offices and parking area for the operators of the site Solent Stevedores.
Within the site itself was the construction of large bays to facilitate the repair and maintenance of containers. A complete new drainage system for the area was to be designed and installed including four interceptors and 3,000m of Gatic drainage.
To improve the operational capacity of the site when complete, the final phase of the works include a rail extension and platform area.
In addition outside the working area the project also included improvements to West Bay Road and reconstruction of the roundabout between West Bay Road and Western Avenue.
Project Works and Key Quantities
Ryebridge was tasked with creating a design for concrete hard standing to be able to withstand heavy loads in the form of five full containers or seven empty containers. The design standards were Knaptons paving design for ports.
The main challenge was that the site had to be flexible and joints needed to be able to withstand potential point loads of 1240kn.
Ryebridge designed a 370mm fibre reinforced solution with dowels and to achieve the programme poured 20m long bays and averaged between 250m3 to 450m3 of concrete hand laid and brush finished a day.
Project quantities:
Earth Works (Cut & Fill) 14,000m3
Gatic Drainage 3,000m
Concrete (370mm Steel Fibre Reinforced 20,000m3
Tarmac surfacing 3,000m2
Electrical Ducting 10,000m
Electrical Pits 90no.
Retaining Walls 1500m
High Security Fencing 1000m
Interceptors 4no.
New Tarmac Car Park 2,100m2
New high mast lights 4no.
New rail platform 150m
Innovation and Best Practice
The concrete design was developed from mesh to fibre reinforced with dowels to allow Ryebridge to lay a larger volume of concrete a day. The fibre solution removing the mesh saved time and it also allowed for larger bays.
The concrete broken up onsite was recycled and used as fill material therefore reducing emissions cost and time. The rail sidings were pre-cast onsite enabling Ryebridge to remove the need to import pre cast units.
Moving Forward
Ryebridge is continuing to gain experience in ports and is currently working on a major development for ABP at Marchwood Port. The project is the design and build of new automotive storage area, hard and heavy paved areas and S278 works and construction of new security gatehouse.
