Charlestown Harbour is part of the UNESCO world heritage site of Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape; the Harbour is a listed structure which had to be considered when developing Temporary Works for the use of the crane.

The road was temporarily closed with the agreement of the Harbour and Residents, and a 100tn crane was used to lift plant, equipment and materials onto the beach. A temporary works platform for the 9tn Long Reach Excavator was created with bulk bags and locally sourced site won material to form a temporary sea defence above the Mean High-Water Springs (MHWS).

Soil Nails, Rock Pins and weepholes were installed across the face in line with the Designers requirements. A double layer of A393 Stainless Steel reinforcement mesh was installed, secured to the face and effectively profiled to minimise the rebound of the concrete. Griffith’s were able to react to several design changes as a result of emerging conditions, and to facilitate a more effective design.

As part of the Designer requirements the area to be stabilised doubled during the setting out process, necessitating the installation of additional nails and mesh. Griffith’s worked with our suppliers to expedite the deliver of materials to ensure minimal impact on the construction programme.

Griffith’s were able to suggest suitable alternatives to materials to allow the sprayed concrete facing to meet the designer requirements whilst utilising materials that were locally available. This protected the Principal Contractor and the Client from the additional costs of importing materials.

Working in a coastal environment it was important to manage works to ensure no adverse impact on the local environment. Work was planned and undertaken so as to remain at all times above the MHWS.

Works at Charlestown were completed to the satisfaction of Cornwall Council, Charlestown Harbour and the local residents, despite a number of design and construction challenges based on emerging conditions.