Blockwork blends seamlessly with stonework in the surrounding area

09/05/2002

MacWall engineered retaining walls supplied by Maccaferri Ltd, specialists in retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, have been specified for retaining walls adjacent to new luxury flats in Newcastle recently completed by developer, George Wimpey. Overlooking the River Tyne with attractive views of the Millennium bridge, East Quayside apartments occupy an elevated position on the riverside.

Steeply sloping grass banks and walkways lead down to a cobbled street. Installed by sub-contractor, Maccaferri Construction, MacWall has been used to retain these slopes. The contracting arm of Maccaferri Ltd, Maccaferri Construction is based in Scotland and this is the first job the company has undertaken in the North East.

Visual appeal and speed of construction were key factors in awarding the contract. When specifying materials for the retaining walls, consulting engineers Cundall Johnston of Gosforth, together with CJP (Edge) Geotechnical Consultants of Manchester considered alternative systems. However, during this period developer, George Wimpey, suggested that Maccaferri also tender, having worked successfully with the company on previous projects.

Maccaferri was able to offer a wider choice of natural stone finishes as MacWall blocks are available as standard in many of the common architectural masonry colours.

This was key to ensuring a good match with the stonework used as part of the exterior facing to the apartments and instrumental in securing the contract for Maccaferri.

MacWall engineered retaining walls are constructed from high quality segmental blocks set into foundations comprising compacted granular material. Built-in locators ensure the correct horizontal alignment of blocks and ensure that a consistent 7 degree batter is achieved to enhance the appearance of the structure.

A 300mm layer of free draining aggregate is placed behind the blocks, and a geotextile layer is used to separate this from the soil fill. For all engineered retaining walls, layers of Paragrid, a polyester slope reinforcement grid manufactured by Terram and distributed by Maccaferri Ltd are used for slope reinforcement in the backfill.

Maccaferri Ltd specialises in the supply of gabions, geotextiles, geogrids and geomats. In addition to a full range of products for retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, the company offers an in-house design and consultancy service.

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