“Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions,” as somebody once said.
This familiar phrase sums up the approach needed in complex civil engineering projects – particularly when responding to an emergency. It’s about so much more than project delivery.
Having the skills and experience to implement a sound technical solution is a basic requirement. You also need the right problem-solving and collaborative culture. One that creates an environment where complications are quickly identified, options assessed, and solutions agreed and implemented rapidly to meet deadlines and deliver the best long-term outcomes.
Creativity and Teamwork Overcome Constraints
Constraints imposed by geotechnical, environmental and site access issues are inevitable. Often – and particularly with responsive emergency works, you don’t know all of these constraints before the team arrives at the site. Urgency, communication and teamwork are indispensable.
This was the case when Network Rail needed a permanent solution to a landslide near Colhayne, Axminster. Suttle Projects was instructed to install track and embankment monitoring and develop a solution to permanently stabilise the slope.
The worksite was in an area of moderate ecological value, which severely limited the temporary working areas available away from the live railway. Access was further hampered by a bridge with only a 3-tonne maximum capacity.
Site ecological and topographical surveys and a catchment analysis took just one week. The final project scope was agreed three days ahead of the possession. Working closely with the designer, we proposed materials and methodologies using gabion baskets and mechanical ground anchors that would allow the tight schedule to be met.
The Self-Delivery Advantage
Self-delivery capabilities are also an advantage in these situations. Suttle Stone produced the gabion stone and Type 1 materials, and rail ballast was sourced from our contingency reserves.
A day before the possession was due to start it became apparent that additional rail ballast was needed. Teamwork again proved its value. Network Rail located an available supply and we immediately mobilised our own vehicle fleet during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the possession, guaranteeing the necessary materials were delivered on time.
Engaging communication also enhanced reliability of delivery at Langport Embankment. Upon contract award, our in-house design team undertook a full review of the client’s design proposals. We identified potential issues, which were then proactively and collaboratively resolved before they could impact outturn costs and programme delays.
An ancient weir on the River Brue, in the village of West Lydford, Somerset, had suffered a partial structural collapse to the downstream weir face, and severe scouring to the downstream toe and jeopardising the structural integrity of the weir. The client sought advice from Suttle Projects, and we were able to identify the most optimum solution to repair and improve the weir as quickly as possible, avoiding further damage and flood risk.
These are just a few examples of how examples of how delivering value means more than delivering projects. This is the essence of our projects: simplified approach. To find out more get access to our information and insights section below.
