Infrastructure call post Storm Dennis

Critical inland waterway infrastructure projects such as bank stabilisation, keeping overflow weirs free of rubbish and keeping on top of vegetation removal all require proactive attention, especially as rain and high winds can exacerbate existing problems, said The Rothen Group.

Ian Rothen, founder of The Rothen Group, commented: “High levels of rainfall put increased pressure on the banks of our canals and waterways, with a small leak quickly turning into a major one during storms and floods. This can exacerbate the situation, substantially damaging the banks and causing more water to escape to the surrounding area.

“Prevention should always be seen as preferable to cure, and as such, securing the integrity of canal and waterway banks must be viewed as a priority in any waterway maintenance work.”

Bank stabilisation is commonly undertaken in reaction to leaks caused by bad weather, often to protect the canal itself from further damage. However, preventative maintenance can help to minimise the impact of the most serious incidents associated with damaged bank walls.

Alongside flooding issues, erosion of embankments can cause debris to block waterways, making them inaccessible.

One of the primary methods for bank stabilisation is piling, which can take a number of forms, from steel sheet through to rock rolls. However, the optimum solution varies depending on the unique circumstances of the location.

By Rebecca Jeffrey