Dover Port: Berth 3

SYNOPSIS

Thortech International undertook a re-surfacing project at one of the world’s busiest roll-on roll-off ferry ports.

Bimagrip anti-slip surfacing was removed and re­placed on the double-decker linkspans at Berth 3.

The work was completed in stages from December 2011 to August 2012.

BRIEF

Thortech International were to work in conjunction with Hollandia, a major international civil engineering company, to remove and reinstall a Bimagrip LS anti-slip system, dressed with a 3-5mm Dynagrip at Berth 3, Dover port. The work was to be carried out on each of the double-decker linkspans.

PROCESS

The first step of the project involved the removal of 850m² of surfacing from the upper deck linkspan, to be followed by the removal of 400m² of surfacing from the lower deck. This stage of the work was completed in December 2011.

Prior to re-surfacing, the linkspans were to undertake testing and general maintenance.

When work re-commenced, it was completed in stages to coordinate with and work around the many other engineering contractors on site.

The steel deck surfacing was shot blast before the Bimagrip LS anti-slip system was applied. This was dressed with a Dynagrip 3-5mm aggregate, with the loose aggregate being swept off by a road sweeper, prior to completion.

OUTCOME

The project was completed in August 2012, on schedule and without any problems or unexpected interrup­tions to port operations. Berth 3 now continues to run smoothly and more safely, with its new linkspan anti-slip surfacing.

Last year, almost 2 million haulage vehicles passed through the port with around 2.5 million cars and 12 million passengers catered for.