One of the UK’s leading ‘banana’ ports is standing tall thanks to a new quayside concrete pavement, now playing its part in keeping operations running at Portsmouth Docks.
An old store shed at the facility was demolished, creating an opportunity for the Dock owners, Portico, to re-surface a 1000m2 hard-standing area adjacent to the quayside.
Engineer Tom Flint said: “Portsmouth is a key importer of bananas from across the world and, because the Docks receive visits from numerous large container vessels, it has a need for major quayside lifting equipment.
“These huge machines, including, reach stackers – very tall forklift trucks with an extended reach – place considerable pressure on the surface so, when the old shed was knocked down, it was the perfect opportunity to upgrade the entire area around the quayside.”
HBPW designed the storm drain works for contractor, Tarmac, along with a roller compacted concrete pavement which has now been laid. Early assessments to the existing quayside wall were also carried out.
“Roller compacted concrete is much quicker to lay when compared with other methods. Tarmac were aware of the need to complete the work in as short a time frame as possible so as to minimise disruption, hence this method of choice.
“The job went well and Portsmouth Docks are now well positioned to carry on with quayside operations in this area without fear of any major engineering disruption in the foreseeable future.”