22/03/2002
Enkamat permanent erosion prevention matting supplied by Maccaferri, specialists in retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, has been used to stabilise cliffs overlooking Roker seafront in Seaburn, near Sunderland. The cliffs, known as Cat & Dog Steps, overlook a seaside promenade popular with both local residents and holiday-makers.
Up to 60ft in height, the cliff structure is rock overlain with soft clays. Over the years, surface erosion and the effects of weathering had resulted in the clay layer becoming unstable. A number of shallow landslips had occurred, causing loose material to fall onto the promenade beneath, creating a potential hazard and resulting in the closure of the promenade.
Approximately 200 metres of the cliff face were found to be unstable, with a number of shallow channels created as a result of the erosion. Sunderland City Council approached Maccaferri to design a scheme which would stabilise the slope to create a smooth profile with a 1:3 gradient.
Just over 10,000m2 of Enkamat Type 7018/4 have been installed by local Sunderland-based specialist contractor John Hellens (Contracts) Ltd to cover the face of the cliff. This has subsequently been overlaid with topsoil and seeded to create a grassland area at the cliff top. A footpath has been reinstated at the top of the cliff, and the coastal promenade re-opened to the public.
Manufactured by Colbond and supplied by Maccaferri, Enkamat is a 3D synthetic geomat comprising thick polyamide filaments fused where they cross to form a dense matting. Supplied in rolls, it is available in a wide variety of specifications to suit specific applications. It is used for erosion control and soil stabilisation on a wide range of applications from riverbanks to waste management schemes.
The UK arm of the Maccaferri Industrial Group, headquartered in Italy, 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 consulting service.
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