Carrying out major construction work on an operating berth is a challenge in itself, but Ryebridge have also had to deal with the implications of removing parts of a suspended slab built more than a century ago.
The project, at Berth 35 at the Port of Southampton, involves the refurbishment of approximately 4,000m2 of quay paving, carried out in two phases to ensure operational access is maintained throughout the works.
With around two to three boats docking each week for periods of between one and two days, the Ryebridge team has had to stand-down during tie-up, and remove permanent fencing to allow access to the quayside, replacing it with Heras fencing for the duration.
The quayside itself is a suspended slab with crane rails installed on the top, infilled at a depth of 140mm to ensure a level surface, and dates back to more than 100 years ago.
It was actually the key docking point for the luxury ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 from 1969 to 2008, and is now part of the regeneration plan for the whole port, no longer being in use as a passenger cruise terminal.
Ryebridge was tasked with removing sections of existing concrete, and installing new surfacing layers and associated infrastructure upgrades, but because works were being carried out on a suspended slab they couldn’t go in with their usual big diggers and concrete breakers.
The solution was to sawcut the concrete 100mm either side of the crane rails, and then use handheld machinery to break up the concrete before cutting the rails into pieces and removing them.
Only then can a concrete planer be used to remove the infill off the slab in preparation for Tarmac to be laid.
Construction manager Kevin Wilson said: “The hand-breaking process is very tedious and very time-consuming, and because of the tight programme we have been working in horrific weather conditions to keep the works on schedule.
“It has been a whole learning experience, involving training in the use of this equipment, ensuring there was a rotation of teams to avoid hand/arm vibration injuries, and the use of specialised PPE like anti-vibration gloves.
“Added to this has been the challenge of working in an operational berth, with regular boat movements throughout the week, but I am pleased to say we are on target to meet the programme, and should be starting Tarmacing soon.”
Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully added: “This has been a very challenging project under some extremely difficult conditions, but we have learned on the job and will be able to take this experience forwards to ensure successful completion of other projects of this nature.”
