Project: Fingal’s Cave, Staffa
Product: TRACKCRETE & NATCEM RETARDER
Client: National Trust for Scotland
Contractor: Shearwater Marine Services
Distributor: Resapol Glasgow
Diving Contractor Shearwater Marine Services was assigned the challenging task of repairing concrete steps at the entrance to Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish Island of Staffa. The steps had been severely damaged due to weathering, separating the concrete from the fractious basalt column bedrock.
Natural Cement’s TRACKCRETE product was specified for the repairs due to its environmentally friendly, high strength and hard-wearing properties. The product can be used in cold, wet, or underwater conditions, making it the perfect solution for the project.
Due to the site being situated in a highly protected marine environment, the first step was initially carefully breaking out the concrete steps and removing the waste material from the island. Working on the island posed significant difficulties due to the adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and waves, which made it unsafe for vessels to approach the berthing areas.
To enhance the structure’s resilience against harsh weather, drill/resin dowel bars were inserted into the underlying substrata and reinforced with mesh steel.
Due to the environmentally sensitive nature of the site, repair materials were required to be mixed by hand on the deck of the Sea Vigil vessel. The product was then shipped across to the working area by a small Polycraft Boat where it was passed to one of the team members to pour into the shutter.
Due to the fast-setting nature of TRACKCRETE, Natural Cement supplied bottles of Natcem Setting Retarder to be mixed in with the product on site. This extended the setting time to approximately 1 hour to allow sufficient time for it to be mixed, transported, and poured prior to set.
Due to the fast-curing properties of TRACKCRETE, the repair works were completed in just one working shift ensuring a successful project for all involved.
Date added: 18/07/2023