B6259 Hazelgill – Slope Remediation

THE PROJECT

The B6259 is a minor road which runs through the picturesque Mallerstang valley in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A bend in the River Eden had been slowly eroding the embankment, leading to the failure of the gabion baskets which had been previously installed to protect the road that lies approximately 10m above river level. As part of the remediation works, Bell Access & Engineering Ltd were engaged by Metcalfe Plant Hire to carry out the installation of a soil nail and steel mesh reinforcement system.

The B6259 is the only road through the Mallerstang valley, and therefore provides a vital transport link for the local community. The drilling works required the closure of the road, and so it was essential that they were carried out within the planned timescale in order to minimise the effect on the general public.

OUR METHOD

The steep embankment meant that we utilised rope access techniques to carry out the works. Our 3.5m stroke, fully remote controlled drill rig was fitted to one of Metcalfe Plant Hire’s long-reach excavators. This very efficient set-up meant that the drilling stage of the works was completed within 2 weeks, whilst keeping manual handling to a minimum.

WORKS UNDERTAKEN

• Installation of 105 qty. R32 soil nails up to 9m depth in accordance with BS 8006-2:2011-2017
• Installation of facing system comprising DELTAX G80/2 mesh and GREENAX erosion control matting
• Installation of 3 qty. sacrificial soil nails for suitability test prior to main works. Tested up to 80kN in accordance with BS 8006-2:2011-2017
• Acceptance testing of 3% of production anchors up to 61kN in accordance with BS 8006-2:2011-2017

THE OUTCOME

Bell Access and Engineering successfully completed all works to specification, within the required timescale, and on budget. The impact on the local community, as well as the sensitive environment were both kept to a minimum throughout our time on this site.