SUDS System puts new slant on bridge abutments

SCS has secured a substantial order for its AGRABLOCK interlocking porous paving grids as an integral part of an innovative bridge abutment/bank-seat design.

Source Control Systems (SCS), specialists in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), has secured a substantial order for its AGRABLOCK interlocking porous paving grids as an integral part of an innovative bridge abutment/bank-seat design on the GBP250m A1M upgrade between Darrington and Dishforth in Yorkshire.

This creative application utilises SCS AGRABLOCK as a preferred alternative to paving flags, which have been commonly used on such abutments to provide maintenance access to the bridge.

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) advises that the maximum weight one person can safely lift is 25 kilos, and even this amount decreases on any sloped ground.

After considering all the circumstances RMG Construction, the main Contractor for the Project, decided to use SCS AGRABLOCK, which is manufactured from 100% recycled HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene) and weighs only 6.8 kilos per square metre.

RMG found that they were able to complete the job far more easily and efficiently, due to the consequential reduction in labour required, when installing the SCS AGRABLOCK paving grids.

David Diskin, Section Agent at RMG said, "We thoroughly trialled various gravel retention systems and found AGRABLOCK to be superior by virtue of its integrated interlocking system, its simplicity of design, aesthetics and ease of handling, thereby minimising Manual Handling and optimising production outputs".

AGRABLOCK is purpose-designed for grass and gravel reinforcement.

It naturally acts as a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) and allows for efficient attenuation, infiltration and treatment of stormwater runoff at or near its source.

The SCS AGRABLOCK system comprises modular units which combine to create an exceptionally durable, permanently porous and high load bearing structure.

Graham Martin-Loat, Managing Director of Source Control Systems said, "Normally our various porous paving systems are used in applications such as car parks, access roads and park and ride schemes".

"However we are delighted that a new use has been found for them".

"At SCS we constantly strive to be creative and innovative in encouraging our clients to work with us in designing their paving and SUDS projects".

The first stage of this substantial improvement scheme was opened to the public in December 2004 and the second phase opened in October 2005.

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