Flood Embankment Repair Works

This project was to reinforce an existing flood embankment that protects farmland adjacent to the River Darent which the river was fast eroding.

The increased rate of erosion to the embankment which we were to remedy had been caused by revetment works carried out on the opposite bank of the river which had slightly altered the flow dynamics and course of the river meaning part of the existing embankment on the opposite bank was now in itʼs way!

In order to accommodate the slightly altered course the design of the work was to build a clay ʻblisterʼ on the back face of the embankment where the erosion was occurring to accommodate the erosion and attempt to regain a staus quo rather than reinforce the front and push the problem to another location further downstream.

A 500 metre temporary trackway was laid across the farmland to enable approximately 2500 tonnes of imported clay to be tipped at the base of the embankment where it was re-handled into position using tracked plant.

An anchor trench was excavated along the toe of the existing embankment to key in the blister preventing future slips.

The clay was compacted in layers until the desired dimensions were achieved. The blister was then covered in imported topsoil and seeded with grass.