Project: Pontefract, Monkhill Railway Embankment
Owner: Network Rail
Designer: JNP Group
Contractor: Amco Giffen
Purpose: Erecting a retaining wall in order to support the base of a reinstated embankment.
RamWall Type: 8m diameter – 200mm x 200mm RamWall mesh plus 5mm diameter. A 50mm x 50mm galvanised facing mesh and 25mm rebar spikes.
RamWall Fill: RamWall was filled with loose railway track ballast.
Date: April, 2024.

The line between Knottingley and Pontefract Monkhill was reopened on the 29th April 2024 following rebuilding an embankment after it slipped in early-March of that year. More than 60m of track was removed and replaced as part of repair work and over 2,000 tonnes of stone was installed to reinstate the failed section of the slope.

The replacement fill was retained at its base by a 34m long, 2.2m wide and 4.5m high RamWall, the upper part of which was stepped back to 1m wide by 1m high.

In addition, to accommodate the lateral slope of the ground at its base, the RamWall was carefully designed and constructed with two half-metre steps along its length. These steps were introduced to follow the natural contours of the terrain, ensuring that the wall maintained both its structural integrity and stability despite the uneven ground conditions. By incorporating this stepped design, the RamWall could effectively address the challenges posed by the site’s topography while providing a seamless foundation for the subsequent works.

Despite the complexity of the project, the wall comprises a single, continuously reinforced gravity structure, achieved using the innovative RamWall form of construction. This method not only allowed for a highly robust and durable build but also minimized the need for additional materials and time-consuming processes. The RamWall system’s efficiency ensured that the construction adhered to the tight schedule without compromising on quality or performance.

A high standard of finish was required for the visible sides of the RamWall, particularly those facing the adjacent properties. Ensuring an aesthetically pleasing appearance was essential, as the structure needed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment while maintaining its functional purpose. Achieving this finish required precision and expertise, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail throughout the project.

The entire design and construction of the RamWall were completed in under one month, a testament to the efficiency of the planning and execution teams. This rapid turnaround enabled the necessary fill to be placed and the track reinstated well within the seven-week closure of the line. This impressive timeline minimized disruption to operations and ensured the site could resume full functionality as quickly as possible, highlighting the effectiveness of the RamWall system in meeting both technical and logistical challenges.