Hertfordshire-based Extreme Scaffolding, in collaboration with Layher UK, successfully tackled the high tidal range of the Thames River to establish a core sampling platform on the river wall.
In the bustling heart of London, the Thames River flows with an ever-changing rhythm dictated by its tides which can rise and fall by up to 7 meters. Recently, Extreme Scaffolding Services took on a unique scaffolding project that required overcoming these enormous tidal challenges to provide a safe and stable working platform for core sampling on the river wall.
With limited time and accessibility, the team collaborated with system scaffolding experts Layher UK, based in Letchworth, for an innovative solution.
The project location required ingenuity and careful planning. Extreme Scaffolding had to transport materials through a busy police car park and over the wall to reach the riverbed. The team worked diligently to minimise disruptions and ensure a smooth workflow.
Tidal Constraints and the Need for Speed
The Thames River’s tides only allowed for a tight working window for only 3-4 hours per day for scaffolders. To tackle this challenge, Extreme Scaffolding opted for Layher’s Allround system scaffold, known for its rapid assembly and disassembly. In addition, Layher’s steel decks featured holes that allowed water to flow through, easing the challenges posed by the tides.
Custom Scaffold Design by Layher UK & Extreme Scaffolding
Furthermore, the partnership between Layher UK and Extreme Scaffolding played a crucial role in the project’s success in the design phase. They calculated the scaffold designs specifically tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of the Thames River Wall project. This collaboration ensured the most efficient use of Layher’s system scaffold and maximised its potential.
Extreme Scaffolding utilised railway sleepers as a solid foundation as the scaffold was based on the riverbed. The client prepared the riverbed using a mini digger delivered to the site via a boat. The scaffold structure was then secured to the river wall using Gallo Brackets, ensuring stability and safety for those working on the platform.
Extreme Scaffolding’s innovative use of Layher’s system scaffold, paired with diligent planning and a strong collaboration with Layher UK, allowed the team to overcome the challenges posed by the Thames River tides.
Kevin Graves, Extreme Scaffolding Services Operations Manager, said, “This project stands as a testament to our company’s ability to adapt and deliver results under demanding conditions. With the successful core sampling platform in place, the client can now gather crucial data to understand better and maintain the river wall, ensuring the safety and stability of London’s iconic waterway.”
Sean Pike, Layher UK’s Managing Director, added, “This is an unusual use of our system in that the added complication of the structure is subject to the tide. Working close and in customer partnership with the design elements has helped with the success and safe erection and delivery by all involved at Extreme”.
