PEMBURY HOSPITAL
OVERVIEW
Construction of a new £225 million hospital for the Tonbridge and Maidstone NHS Trust presented a
cramped site with limited working space. Slope stabilisation was specified, allowing steepening of a slope to facilitate works. Laing O’Rourke’s design team were keen to explore the use of Percussion Driven Earth Anchors (PDEA®) in the sandy ground encountered on site.
THE CHALLENGE
The client required a cost effective but aesthetically pleasing finish to the newly retained wall. Platipus anchors were selected to support the earth embankment but the final finish to the wall was under review in order to provide value for money whilst fitting with the aesthetical brief. Topbond and our supply chain worked through various options with the client, providing sample panels and multiple costed options until the final solution was selected by the client.
THE SOLUTION
A thorough de-vegetation of the banks was undertaken leaving nothing but the grass. To distribute the anchor loads evenly across the bank and to provide turf reinforcement, a double twist UPVC coated galvanised rock fall mesh was profiled onto the prepared bank and terminated, along its upper edge, in a trench set back from the crest. Platipus Anchors were driven through the mesh with each and every anchor tested to the required load before locking off with a stainless steel plate and recessed wedge grip, ensuring this load is transferred to the tightly profiled mesh. Great care was taken to preserve the wetland growth within the water and, on completion of the works the organic rich pond sediment containing the plants was replaced to cover the toe of the bank. Re-vegetation of the banks with grass is an essential part of the works so, to prevent the ingress of brambles, willows and other invasive plants, the entire bank was reseeded with a suitable grass mix to establish a healthy grass sward.
