Combwich Wharf Development
TBC
HOCHTIEF refurbished the existing wharf at Combwich, which is being used to bring in very large loads during construction of the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. The project was completed in three stages: an initial ECI stage (stage 1), site investigation and enabling works (stage 1a), and construction works to renovate the wharf (stage 2).
Key features:
- Early contractor involvement
- Site investigation
- Demolition
- Temporary support wall construction
- Piling
- Permanent combi pile retaining wall
- Wharf surfacing
- Road widening and surfacing
- Installation of new services: electrical and drainage
- Haul road loading facility.
Throughout the project, the tidal range of 11m presented a key challenge. We programmed our initial works around the tides and meticulously planned each activity to ensure we could complete it within each tidal window.
During Stage 1, we successfully completed site investigation works, drilling six boreholes and carrying out Cone Penetrometer Testing. Careful structural analysis meant that we were able to assemble the jack up barge over the old wharf, rather than floating it down to Combwich from Avonmouth by sea, mitigating the risk of delays caused by the weather.
Stage 2 works included building a temporary flood bund and legato block retaining wall, demolishing the existing wharf wall and landing slab, building a new combi retaining wall and landing slab, and installing services and drainage. The project was successfully completed in mid-2021.
