Works on the Cumbrae Slipway project have advanced with the completion of the temporary piling bund, marking a major step forward for the programme.
Reaching this stage involved importing almost 40,000 tonnes of aggregates. We deployed the use of 3D dig control on the site excavators to ensure the bund size and location matched the temporary works design. This ensured accurate quantification, reducing material wastage and the associated carbon footprint of the works. While this technology has been used on earthwork projects, this is a first for a slipway project at George Leslie.
The stone import has been carried out by barge, with 1000 tonne loads being brought each day from Hunterston which required close co-ordination with ferry operations.
The bund will remain in place for around 8-12 weeks. Once dismantled, the stone that’s in the bund shall be reused as fill within the reclamation areas of the works.
Project Manager Jordan McCluskey said:
“This is a key milestone because it changes the dynamic of the job. Completing the bund means we can finish importing all the stone using the floating plant, which has been a high-risk part of the works.
After that, we’ll be fully working from the shore and move into the drilling and piling on the bund, which is effectively the start of forming the permanent slipway structure.”
A new surface water separator tank has also been installed which provides an important environmental safeguard and reduces the risk of pollution. Protection measures in the form of a concrete culvert slab have also been installed to protect the island’s water main, a critical asset which runs through the construction site.
Reaching this stage represents an important milestone in delivering improved infrastructure for the island. A great deal of work has gone into achieving this, and the project continues to move forward positively.
Despite challenging winter weather, Phase 1 works have continued steadily, with piling underway. Alongside this, George Leslie and CMAL are developing a phased 3D model to support public consultation and construction planning, including 4D sequencing. Over time, the model could also embed asset data to support handover and asset management.
Visit CMAL – Cumbrae Slipway Reconstruction Page