We were called in by AHF Construction Management to give our expert opinion on the best topsoil erosion control system to install in the undulating, steep slopes of the grounds, giving protection and stability, in early 2020.
Our business and technical manager for geosynthetics, Shahid Raza, said: “The land is sandwiched between the Edinburgh Waverley train station and Princes Street, next to the Scott Monument, and is an unusual site in terms of how it was developed - there were very different levels, which made it difficult for them to set out.
“The footpaths had been deteriorating, the slopes weren’t oriented and not all of the necessary ramps were in place, meaning that access through the site was quite difficult. The entire plot needed to be landscaped so that it could have disabled access throughout - and it had to be sufficiently developed for emergency access too.
“The space at the bottom of the slope is used for a number of big shows and events, such as firework displays and the Christmas market. It’s a very well-used site that is popular with locals and visitors and so it is important to have the best erosion control.”
It was decided that our best recommendation was to use the high-quality ProtectaWeb slope stabilisation system to provide strength and flexibility. The cellular confinement system is a mechanical erosion barrier that preserves the soil structure, while minimising the impact of surface run-off.
"The web system we suggested is supplied in a pack that concertinas out, so it was ideal for a difficult and inaccessible location. We attended the site at short notice to give installation advice as there had been some difficulties in dealing with the topsoil thickness, proving the flexibility of the service we offer."
