Specialist civil engineering business BC Civils has successfully supported the installation of a stop log handling system at the Holme Sluices barrier in Colwick, Nottingham. This vital piece of water management infrastructure plays a crucial role in defending the city of Nottingham from floods and controlling river levels upstream, and the stop logs installed at the barrier are essential components for its maintenance.
Made from various materials such as steel, wood, or concrete, stop logs are temporary barriers that can be inserted or removed as necessary to facilitate maintenance, inspection, or repair work. ECS Engineering Services were contracted to design and install a new handling system for the site stoplogs, and appointed BC Civils to support with the provision of the groundworks for this system. This appointment was based on the company’s track record of delivering high-quality civil engineering solutions, it’s extensive experience in executing custom groundworks projects, and it’s reputation as a reliable and professional contractor in the industry.
With detailed design and engineering requirements provided by ECS, BC Civils began the implementation stage of the project. The ground conditions and proximity to the river called for the installation of pile foundations. BC Civils, brought in and managed the activities of a piling subcontractor to install steel-cased piles that penetrated the ground to approximately 8 metres on the mudstone layer.
Once the piles were in place, the BC Civils team proceeded with the construction of the crane foundations. These were designed to support the stoplog handling crane and accommodate its eight legs securely. The foundations consisted of two parallel rows of four large reinforced concrete pile caps, ensuring a stable and level platform for the crane to operate effectively. The utmost precision was crucial during this process, as the top surfaces of the foundations and stop block bases had to be within a 5-millimetre tolerance to ensure proper alignment and functionality.
Throughout each step of the project, BC Civils prioritised safety, following the rigorous safety protocols in place. The foundations were carefully engineered and built to withstand the specific demands of the crane system and the weight distribution of the stop logs. A strong commitment to quality and attention to detail ensured the foundations’ robustness and longevity.
The successful completion of the crane foundations and site enhancements aligned with the project’s objectives and aimed to ensure client satisfaction. The entire surface area of the site was sustainably dressed using gravel, providing a clean and visually attractive appearance. Furthermore, repositioning of existing fence lines and installation of additional palisade fencing around the crane area was carried out to enhance site security and restrict unauthorised access. The site’s finishing touches included a small tarmac section to complement the overall aesthetic and create a cohesive and well-presented environment.
BC Civils’ expertise in executing complex civil engineering projects, commitment to safety, and ability to adapt to challenging site conditions make them a strongly established partner in the industry. By taking on unique projects like this, the company has demonstrated its ability to provide tailored solutions and deliver impressive results, even in demanding and specialized environments.
Its expertise in complex civil engineering projects, its commitment to safety, and its ability to adapt to challenging site conditions make it an invaluable partner in the industry. By taking on unique projects like this, the company has demonstrated its ability to provide tailored solutions and deliver exceptional results, even in demanding and specialised environments.
Adam Hickling, Director at BC Civils, explained: “We take pride in our ability to provide high-quality civil engineering solutions, even in the most challenging environments. Our team brings a great depth of expertise to custom groundworks projects, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. We are delighted to offer our specialist knowledge and services to engineering companies seeking a reliable and professional contractor.”
