The Commercial Sector:

Commercial Wharf Structural Strengthening

Project case study for a commercial wharf in Ipswich

structural strengthening of the dock side to allow unloading by crane

Previously, Restek had successfully completed a similar project on the wharf. Due to the success of the original project, we were invited back by the client to increase the load bearing capacity of the wharf’s dock, to allow cranes to unload from the dockside.

We carried out a full deep depth GPR survey on the dock and analysed the data in-house. Our specialist ground remediation engineers then designed a full ground remediation solution, to increase the ground bearing strength of the dock, based on GPR data analysis. The scheme was designed to address the poor sub-grade conditions associated with loss of fines and voids identified beneath the dock.

Restek tailored the ground remediation solution, which included an injection grid pattern for Geopolymer resin injection, to achieve increased bearing strength in the dock.

Restek’s specialist ground remediation team, marked out the injection grid before commencing insertion of the perforated injection lances using  Jack hammer mini pile equipment. Our value engineered solution specified over 70 resin injections at varying depths, of up to 2.5m below ground level (BGL).   

All materials were quantified and each injection lance was installed at it’s predefined grid reference point, prior to the injection process at the beginning. Every injection is monitored digitally, visually & audibly, eliminating any risk of heave.

Restek had anticipated that during the injection process, injected resin filled voids and pushed out water through the sheet piling in to the wharf, so we positioned a floating bund to collect the small amounts of excess material, once resin had replaced water in the voids during the injection program. Water could be seen being pushed out of the sheet piling as expected during the injection process. This confirmed that water filled voids were being fully remediated as specified.

The floating bund captures the small amounts of excess material during the injection process. Once the dock had been fully remediated, the Restek ground remediation team used a safety boat to remove the excess material from the floating bund.

After completion of the ground remediation scheme, load bearing tests were then carried out on the dock, to validate the success of Restek’s ground remediation work and ultimately ensure the success of the increased bearing strength on the dockside.

Restek’s Unique Approach 

Restek’s approach of designing tailored solutions together with our value engineering capabilities for projects ensure every part of the scheme brief from client’s expectations through to budget and programme requirements are met.

We are unique in our whole project approach as we look to engage with clients and main contractor very early (ECI) allowing Restek to value engineer a specific project solution using a variety of products and application techniques, to not only meet but exceed the client’s requirements.