Wylam Retaining Wall Inspection & Repairs

The Scope

The Newcastle to Carlisle Railway runs above the River Tyne and the stone retaining wall below the railway at Wylam was identified by Network Rail & Arup as requiring inspection and repair. Balfour Beatty as the framework contractor appointed Vertical Access Ltd to undertake a detailed inspection using rope access methods.

The Challenge

The works required the removal of all the vegetation and the installation of eco plugs to all cut stumps. The inspection was carried out by experienced structure inspectors using industrial rope access. The report was complied by the reports manager and submitted to the designer & principal contractor.

The report detailed 365 repairs required on the 360m long structure with each identified on a plan and defects register with a referenced photo. The client set out a priority structure P1 to P3 and a Network Standard repair method which was inputted in the report by Vertical Access Ltd and confirmed by the designer.

Following this the company was instructed to undertake the P1 stonework repairs using rope access methods.

The Vertical Approach: Safety, Quality, Innovation & Agility

Safety

Rope access anchors were installed in the stonework parapet following the repairs being carried out and substrate tests undertaken to 15kN, the working anchors were tested to 6kN.

Working over water was incorporated into the method statement and rescue plan using lifejackets, rescue throw lines and planned retrieval systems.

Quality

The contract required the stonework to be repaired using lime mortars which would replicate the original   materials and be able to be used above the river without any environmental impact. The company choose the products supplied by Lime Green Mortars which had previously been used on the retaining walls adjacent to the railway at Hexham

Innovation

The operatives used traditional stonework re-casing and repointing methods that were in keeping with the original construction.

Agility

Balfour Beatty provided access to site, site welfare and supervision. VAL provided and installed the Vortok fencing to provide a safe system of protection for the operatives from trains operating on the railway

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