Slope Protection | M6 Nr. Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham

700m² of CC8^® installed to provide protection to a reprofiled slope

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Project Overview

In April 2022, Concrete Canvas^® GCCM (CC) was used to provide slope protection to a newly reprofiled embankment under the M6 Motorway – an area commonly known as Spaghetti Junction – and next to a Network Rail cross city line.

The project was part of the wider Flood Alleviation Scheme (Culvert 2A Scheme) for The Environment Agency with involvement from Highways England and Network Rail. The Culvert 2A scheme was designed to upgrade a culvert that runs under the cross city line to allow the surrounding area to flood in the event of storm events. The passive flooding of the area around the culvert would help prevent flooding of nearby businesses and warehousing that are located near the site.

Slope prior to work commencing, slope reprofiled with vegetation removed, CC8^® Bulk Rolls deployed vertically, adhesive sealant applied to reduce permeability of joints

700m²

of CC8^® used to protect the slope

installers carried out the work

66%

carbon saving compared to 250mm of poured concrete

Solution

As the area is to actively flood during storm events, the embankment surrounding the culvert, which is Network Rail land, would need to be protected from erosion. The original design called for a mass poured concrete slab to be installed on the embankment to protect the area from erosion. However, due to the location of the site being under the M6 nr.Spaghetti Junction, access was limited and concerns arose about the delivery of the concrete, the pumps and formwork that would be needed.

Ultimately CC8^® was chosen for its need for minimal plant machinery, ease and speed in which it can be installed and its low maintenance.

CC8^® layers secured using autofed screwdriver and stainless steel screws

Design & Installation

CC8^® Bulk Rolls specified
Slope re-profiled with vegetation removed
Vertical layup
Perimeter edges secured within anchor trenches
CC was connected to existing concrete structures using clamping bar and anchors
Screwed and sealed overlap joint
Hydrant and IBC used to hydrate material

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CC8^® secured in anchor trenches using stainless steel J-pegs

Summary

Installation was carried out over several weeks as the installation of the material took place at the same time as other works on site.

Concrete Canvas Ltd worked closely with the contractor and the designer to answer their questions and provide details for the installation of the material from the jointing, termination and hydration to ensure the scheme was a success.

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CC8^® material hydrated using a hose

CC8^® terminated using stainless steel terminating bar

JCE were faced with a tough design to build in challenging conditions whereby the provided solution was not practicable. Through liaison with CC we scoped and developed a new solution that was not only suitable for the client but also acceptable by Network Rail and provided a solution to a logistical nightmare for a wet concrete design.

As a team, we had never used CC previously, however the standard installation guides were easy to follow and the ground preparation work carried out in advance of the product being delivered to site. As Concrete Canvas is supplied in individual rolls, it aids with minimising waste and the carbon savings are impressive. CC has introduced an extremely useful product that I believe will have potential future applications in our sector of work.

Scott Johansen Site Agent, JCE