Peterborough Showground: Culvert Replacement

Introduction

CORE was awarded a contract for a culvert replacement at a site in Peterborough for Jelson Homes.

The works involved the removal and replacement of an existing steel corrugated culvert – in live flows adjacent to an existing residential development – with a new 1800mm diameter precast concrete culvert.

NB: Precast concrete is a durable, long-life option that requires little to no maintenance in this type of watercourse management system.

The project involved several challenges. First, the culvert provided very little cover for the services and utilities serving the homes. To minimise any potential disruption, CORE installed sheet piles to support and protect the services.

Installation of the sheet piling presented further challenges due to potential vibration levels. The length of the culvert (circa 100m) and the sheet piling required for protection of the services, runs close to several residential properties.

During the works, CORE closely monitored the vibration levels and settlement and carried out weekly surveys. No issues reported.

Additional challenges also faced due to heavy rainwater. The area of the pipe installation was a live water course which runs 3-4 meters deep. CORE had to lay the pipes in the water. Using 2 x pumps to reduce water levels.