The project includes the development of a trial production facility to manufacture the composite piles. This production facility will be co-ordinated and administered by Hippo Marine Ltd in Saltash, Cornwall. The development flows on from a SMART feasibility study that demonstrated the advantages of the Plasti-designed composite piles. Traditional wooden groynes are simple structures normally constructed from greenheart timber, which is an increasingly scarce natural resource.

Traditional groynes have benefitted from considerable engineering effort and years of experience which Plasti Ltd will take on board for their designs.

During use, the durability and effectiveness of the two types of groynes will be compared and, if necessary, design changes will be made. The objective of the project will be to show that the Plasti composite beach groyne is as effective as, or better than, a traditional groyne.

MJ Information No: 17106