In many situations where erosion control or bank protection is required, hard revetment solutions are often the answer. We use employed to design, specify and construct hard revetment solutions using a variety of methods. The most commonly used methods are as follows:
Rock armour and rip-rap
Rock armour is usually employed for scour protection and bank protection. We try to source local stone to keep costs and environmental impact to a minimum, however, some types of stone are not appropriate and in some cases it needs to be sourced from further afield.
Gabion baskets and mattresses
Available in a huge range of sizes, finish and wire thickness, gabion baskets are useful for a varity of applications including bank retention, planting berms and reinforcement around concrete structures. Again, we use local stone as fill if possible, sometimes crushed concrete can be used which helps to improve sustainablity. We have had great success with using gabions as a support for green revetment, the strong, durable base provides a perfect platform for aquatic plants.
Sheet plies
Steel piles and trench sheets are used in situations where a true engineered solution is required. We have the capacity to install sections of piling along waterways and are often engaged in the construction of piling mats. examples of such work include a piling mat at RHS Wisley, boat ramps on the River Parrett in Somerset and a cut-off wall in the gardens at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons.
Timber
Timber revetment is normall installed as close butted upright posts or as post and rail 'campshedding'. The former provides a tidy edge and is particularly useful for curved sections of bank. Campshedding is ideal for straight sections of bank and provides a classic edge detail often seen in public parks. Normally a machine rounded softwood post is used for the close butted revetment. The posts are treated with a specific preservative designed for permenant water contact. Hardwoods such as oak are used for campshedding. They are very durable, especially when augmented with stainless steel fixings.
There are other options if none of the above are suitable. If you would like to discuss how we can help with your project please telephone and speak to Chris Keech on 01460 279 200 to discuss your requirements.