Mackley has found the E-Z Drill rigs to be more accurate, versatile, efficient and environmentally acceptable than traditional hand held drills. They have established that the drills completely eliminate the risk for operatives from vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration associated with conventional hand held percussive drills.

Drill operators can use the E-Z Drill rigs throughout the entire working shift.

The E-Z Drill 20 UTC is used for vertical drilling and the model 110 for horizontal drilling. The rigs use compressed air powered Consolidated Pneumatic rock drills mounted in a frame supported by rubber wheels, which allow the operator to rapidly move, reposition and accurately align the drill for the next hole. A compressor powers the two E-Z Drill pneumatic drill rigs, which can be adjusted for rate of feed and retraction to suit the material being drilled.

Mackley is using the E-Z Drill 20 UTC to vertically drill 25mm diameter holes, 300mm deep to accept 600mm long T20 dowel bars. The 110 is drilling smaller 16mm diameter holes to accept T12 'L' shaped dowel bars. After drilling the dowel bars are glued in position using epoxy resin prior to the erection of shuttering and pouring of concrete to raise the sea wall. The contractor's team started on its £1.3m sea defence project for client the Environment Agency in June 2004 and is scheduled to complete in November 2004.

This is the third and final phase of the £7.6m scheme to protect against a one in 100-year storm and provide increased protection to homes, caravans, chalets and offices during extreme storms.

Work on the scheme started in 2002 and has included importing sand and gravel to recharge and provide a more stable beach with a higher and wider crest. A rock groyne has also been built which will prevent loss of beach material during natural drift.

MJInformation No: 19804