The project at Brett Aggregates in Newhaven was a massive undertaking that comprised three distinct phases.
Phase 1:
Create a ship-to-shore discharge area for ships to unload ballast that had been dredged. This required the installation of a conveyor system that traversed the port and necessitated the construction of monolith-like foundations around other businesses within the port. It was crucial to ensure that daily activities of these businesses were not disrupted. The discharge point for the dredged ballast, known as the B.A.D. area, involved over 1000 piles with varying cut-off levels. Some of the piling work was conducted in proximity to high-voltage (HV) cables, requiring careful excavation to locate their positions.
Phase 2:
Construct piled foundations for a sand processing plant and extend the railway. This phase also included infrastructure work for railway signals and track foundations. Similar to the first phase, this work had to be carried out around HV cables and stock storage bays.
Phase 3:
Construct a concrete plant for Brett Aggregates. This phase also went out to tender, with Vision Groundworks securing the contract.
The project's successful completion positioned Brett Aggregates for improved operations and growth in their industry.
How we implemented the works and solved the challenges we were asked to resolve:
The successful implementation of this project involved several key strategies:
Detailed planning: Each phase of the project was meticulously planned to ensure that construction activities did not disrupt the ongoing operations of other businesses and were executed efficiently.
Careful excavation around HV cables: Given the presence of HV cables, hand-digging and precise locating of these cables were essential to avoid any accidents or disruptions.
Expertise in piling and foundations: The construction of monolith-like foundations and piled foundations for various structures required specialized expertise to ensure stability and durability.
Coordination with other contractors: In the third phase, where multiple companies were involved, effective coordination and collaboration were essential to ensure the successful completion of the concrete plant.
What the outcome of the project was and what the outcome was for the client:
The project's outcome encompassed the successful construction of multiple components, including the ship-to-shore facilities, processing capabilities, and the concrete plant for Brett Aggregates. These additions significantly enhanced their operational capacity and efficiency.
Furthermore, the project's broader impact included relieving a site for Brett Aggregates at Cliffe, which allowed them to carry out vital infrastructure works. This strategic use of the freed-up space demonstrates how the project not only expanded their operational capabilities but also facilitated essential infrastructure development, ultimately benefiting the client's overall business strategy.
These benefits might include:
Enhanced infrastructure: The project improved the operational capabilities of the port, including the efficient unloading of ballast, sand processing, and railway extension.
Increased capacity: The addition of the concrete plant increased Brett Aggregates' production capacity.
Potential for cost savings: Efficiency improvements and expanded capabilities lead to cost savings and improved competitiveness.
Overall, the project's successful completion positioned Brett Aggregates for improved operations and growth in their industry.
