Ipswich Tidal Barrier

Ipswich, UK

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Ipswich Tidal Barrier is a new tidal barrier gate which will prevent surge tides and allow control of fluvial flow protecting 1500 residential and 400 commercial properties. Tony Gee was commissioned to design a 900m2 wide cofferdam to provide VolkerStevin with the in-river access to construct the tidal barrier gate in highly permeable sand and gravels.

A safe and economical construction methodology to construct the cofferdam and tidal barrier superstructure was developed with VolkerStevin, the permanent works designer, the proprietary propping supplier and dewatering specialist taking account of required scenarios. Tony Gee opted for a single level cofferdam propping arrangement in order to reduce the total time needed to install and dismantle the cofferdam support structure. The propping solution was developed with the permanent works designer to ensure the cofferdam remained safely supported at all stages and to ensure the temporary works did not interfere with the permanent works construction.

PROJECT DETAILS

Synopsis	Detailed design of cofferdam and training walls. Remedial solutions informed construction methodology and enabled use of more economical land based cranes
Contractor	VolkerStevin
End Client	Environment Agency
Sectors and Services	Marine Permanent works design More projects
Awards	ICE East of England Merit Awards 2019 – Technical Excellence and Innovation Exceptional Merit