Readymix Technical Manager, Steve Thorpe, reports that the first successful trial load of C40/50 DC4 flowing concrete for piles has been supplied to Bachy Soletanche for the repairs to the main Folkestone to Dover railway and seawall just outside Dover Western Docks. Our deliveries were filmed by BBC South East Today in the presence of the local MP.

The railway was damaged in the recent winter storms and has received high profile media coverage similar to the rail line closure in Cornwall. The concrete also has a targeted 4-hour consistence retention requirement. The contract is being used by Bachy Soletanche as a pioneering one for them to develop on site testing procedures and methods for fresh concrete. This includes training for operatives on any visible segregation of the concrete, flow testing and consistence retention monitoring, bleed pot testing, concrete moisture testing, and fresh wet density testing. The Main Contractor, Costain, also expressed their approval of the concrete. Thanks go to the IHCs involved in plant trials and actual delivery, Plant Supervisor Gordon Mumford, and Field Technician Andrea Williams.

The picture shows our truckmixer standing where normally main line trains run – the Victorian tunnel entrance in the headland can be seen in the distance.  Once again, Best for Customers – Best for Communities and Best for Stakeholders.