Problem
We were approached by Pennys Group to produce a complex floating solution to assist with the restoration project of the historic Barmouth viaduct. Initially they wanted us to help with the demolition of the old bridge and assist with the installation of the new viaduct for Network Rail. Working within the constraints of the complex tides and winds our role was to catch the bridge sections when they are lowered down and tow them to the beach to dry out for demolition.
Solution
We sent up a team of six to mobilise four 12 x 8m heavy lift pontoons on the beach in Barmouth. The pontoons included 63 large floats which gave 63m3 or 63t of buoyancy in order to successfully carry out their role. To push/ tow them around we also mobilised two ScaffFloat Workboats, an 8m x 4m with 2 x high thrust Yamaha outboards giving 0.8t bollard pull, and a larger 8m x 6.4m with 2 x high thrust Yamaha 100hp outboards giving 1.5t bollard pull.
Following the mobilisation a team of five remained on site for the whole project to skipper and crew the ScaffFloats and one was always available to drive the whaley support boat.
Anchors were laid either side of the bridge to hold us in position. Using a system of deck winches attached to the anchors and bridge piers to hold us in position under the bridge to a tolerance of 100mm.
A very successful project that continued to demonstrate the ability of ScaffFloat’s to deal with greater weights.
