Wylam Retaining Wall Inspection & Repairs

The Scope

The stone retaining wall supporting the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway at Wylam, above the River Tyne, was identified by Network Rail and Arup as requiring inspection and repair. Balfour Beatty, as the framework contractor, appointed Vertical Access Ltd to undertake a detailed inspection and stonework repairs using rope access methods.

The Challenge

The works required the removal of all vegetation and the installation of eco plugs to all cut stumps. A detailed inspection of the 360m long structure was also required to identify and assess defects in the stonework.

Following the inspection, the client required the identified repairs to be prioritised from P1 to P3, with a Network Standard repair method established for the works.

Our Response

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Experienced structure inspectors carried out a detailed inspection of the retaining wall using industrial rope access. The inspection identified 365 repairs required across the 360m long structure, with each repair recorded on a plan and defects register alongside a referenced photograph.

The report was compiled by the Reports Manager and submitted to the designer and principal contractor. Vertical Access Ltd incorporated the client's P1 to P3 repair priorities and Network Standard repair method into the report, which was then confirmed by the designer.

Following the inspection and reporting process, Vertical Access was instructed to undertake the P1 stonework repairs using rope access methods. The operatives used traditional stonework re-casing and repointing methods that were in keeping with the original construction.

The contract required the stonework to be repaired using lime mortars that would replicate the original materials and be suitable for use above the river without any environmental impact. Vertical Access selected products supplied by Lime Green Mortars, which had previously been used on the retaining walls adjacent to the railway at Hexham.

Balfour Beatty provided access to site, site welfare and supervision. Vertical Access provided and installed the Vortok fencing to provide a safe system of protection for the operatives from trains operating on the railway.

Working over water was incorporated into the method statement and rescue plan, with lifejackets, rescue throw lines and planned retrieval systems used as part of the arrangements.

Following the repairs, rope access anchors were installed in the stonework parapet and substrate tests were undertaken to 15kN. The working anchors were tested to 6kN.

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