Morrison Construction Works Manager Steve Jones inside the 1300m3 storage tank formed from three-metre-diameter Weholite pipes from Newport-based Asset International Ltd.
Click here to enlarge imageThe U-shaped attenuation tank comprises two parallel legs, each 92-m-long, formed from sections of 3-m-diameter high-density polyethylene Weholite pipe. These are joined at one end by a the U-shaped fabrication in the same material, known on site as a "lobster tail." The two legs are laid with a split fall, so that the inlet end is two-metres higher than the outlet end.
The tank was installed in a 9-m-wide, 4-m-deep excavation in a narrow 12-m-wide strip of land adjacent to the existing pumping station. Access is via a narrow 3-m-wide lane between two houses.
The impact of lorry movements on local residents played a part in the decision not to specify concrete pipe or box culverts. Access to Beach Road is via the Newton village green with its ancient churchyard, cottages and narrow, twisting roads. "There would be no access for articulated lorries down here, and construction plant would have made a major impact on the area," said Steve Jones, Morrison Construction's works manager.
Most of the 3-m-diameter Weholite pipes were delivered in 7-m-lengths, and according to the contractor, the use of lightweight Weholite meant that the number of deliveries to site was cut by more than two thirds.
Author's note
Steve McCormack is a freelance journalist based in Cardiff, Wales.