RamWall
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Project: Anchored Retaining Wall for Tunnel Portal at Caphouse Colliery – RamWall
Owner: National Coal Mining Museum for England Trust Ltd.
Contractor: Caphouse Colliery Staff
Designer: Natural Cement
Purpose: Retaining toe walls along re-graded embankments.
RamWall Type: Plain steel to BS standard A142 (6mm) RAMWALL mesh plus 3mm diameter, 50mm x 50mm facing mesh, 25mm rebar spikes.
RamWall Fill: Hardcore.
The National Coal Mining Museum for England Trust commissioned Innovative Support Systems to design and supply an anchored retaining wall for the tunnel portal. This 8-metre-high headwall reclaimed land above the existing tunnel, which connects the museum’s railway attraction across a busy road. The reclaimed land will now allow for an expanded car park, additional equipment storage, and long-term tunnel stability.
The structure was built using the RamWall system, which secures into compacted fill with fibreglass ground anchors up to 6 metres long. These anchors reinforce the structure, with their heads fixed and concealed within the steel matrix of the RamWall. This ensures a strong, seamless installation that meets the specific needs of the project.
One of the key benefits of this project was its efficiency. The team installed the RamWall in just two weeks, relying solely on the museum’s mining staff. NCD International’s engineers provided only limited supervision. This approach minimized costs while fully utilizing the team’s expertise in mining and construction. The project was completed on time and within budget.
The successful completion of the project significantly improved the functionality and safety of the museum’s railway attraction. The reclaimed land now provides essential space for parking and storage, enhancing site operations and the visitor experience. Moreover, the newly constructed tunnel portal headwall ensures long-term security for the tunnel beneath the busy road, reducing future infrastructure risks.
The railway and tunnel will be fully operational by spring 2010, allowing visitors to enjoy the attraction while benefiting from the improved infrastructure. Ultimately, this project demonstrates the power of efficient engineering and innovative solutions, providing long-lasting benefits for the museum and its visitors.
Interested in learning more about how Ramwall can enhance your project?