RamWall – Chiswick Park to Acton Town embankment stabilisation

Project: Chiswick Park to Acton Town embankment stabilisation

Owner: Metronet Rail

Designer: Metronet Alliance / OTB Engineering Ltd

Contractor: Clancy Docwra

Purpose: Embankment stabilisation above an existing masonry retaining wall.

RamWall type: 8m diameter 200mm x 200mm galvanised RAMWALL mesh plus 5mm
diameter, 50mm x 50mm galvanised facing mesh, 25mm rebar spikes

RamWall Fill: Railway ballast and lightweight aggregate

Date: Mid – 2010

Metronet Rail undertook major embankment stabilisation works on the District Line in West
London. Particularly problematic 150m & 200m long sections of embankment are retained by
existing masonry walls, which are situated immediately adjacent to residential properties.
Deterioration of the embankment was compromising the stability of the walls and it
became necessary to re-grade the slope to reduce and transfer weight directly above it
whilst at the same time creating a walkway to access the line-side services. In order to
accomplish this in an exceptionally constrained site with very limited access, RAMWALL was selected because of its ability to be constructed in difficult locations to a variable geometry and utilising various fill materials, in this instance railway ballast and lightweight aggregate. The walls were required to follow the curve and crest of the existing masonry wall and form right angle and oblique angled terminations at either end. A guard rail was incorporated as an
integral part of the RAMWALL construction along the entire length of the walls. Also important was the requirement for a high quality finish as the RAMWALLS are clearly visible from the adjacent highway and properties. In order to meet the required 120-year design life the
steel gauge of the RAMWALL and facing mesh has been increased and galvanised. In addition, a new mechanical mesh-fixing system was used to speed construction and improve long-term maintenance.