RamArch
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Project: Knoll Beck Culvert Repairs
Owner: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Designer: Innovative Support Systems
Contractor: Barnsley Council & Sprayed Concrete Services Ltd.
Purpose: Strengthening of a corrugated steel lined culvert
RamArch Type: Plain steel 8mm RamArch mesh, manufactured to BS standard.
RamArch finish: Fully encapsulated in shotcrete.
Date: Autumn/Winter 2014.
A 34-metre-long, 3.6-metre-wide culvert passes at shallow depth below Wath Road in the Brampton district to the south-east of Barnsley and carries the Knoll Beck. The Knoll Beck is a minor tributary of the River Trent. The Knoll Beck culvert was constructed in cut and cover from vertical concrete sidewalls that are spanned by a corrugated steel arch roof that is sprung from the tops of either sidewall. The corrugated steel roof was showing signs of severe distress due to corrosion and urgently required strengthening. Barnsley Council engineers specified a minimum 150mm thick steel-reinforced sprayed concrete permanent lining using RamArch as its primary reinforcement system. This is because of its ease of handling and simplicity and speed of erection.
The RamArch panels were provided with an arch expansion system that enabled them to be simply sprung from the tops of the concrete sidewalls. They could then be expanded to provide an accurate fit to the corrugated steel arch profile. This was before the sprayed concrete was applied. This removed the need to anchor the RamArch in place to the suspect roof. This also enabled it to temporarily support the green shotcrete whilst it fully cured.
The project presented several challenges, including the need to maintain the structural integrity of the culvert during the works and the proximity of the road above. Traffic management measures were implemented to minimize disruption, ensuring the safety of both workers and road users. The use of sprayed concrete also offered the advantage of rapid installation, minimizing downtime and allowing the structure to return to full service as quickly as possible. The new permanent lining not only addressed the immediate issue of corrosion but also enhanced the long-term durability of the culvert, ensuring it would continue to perform effectively under increased loads and environmental stresses.
Interested in learning more about how RamArch can enhance your project?