Step Repairs at Fingal’s Cave – TRACKCRETE

Project: Step Repair at Fingal’s Cave
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 concrete step repair. This was to take place within 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 for numerous reasons. Environmentally friendly, high strength and hard-wearing properties – and much more. 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. After this, removing the waste material from the island. Working on the island posed significant difficulties due to the adverse weather conditions. Examples include strong winds and waves, which make it unsafe for vessels to approach the berthing areas.

The Method of Step Repair

To enhance the structure’s resilience against harsh weather, drill/resin dowel bars were inserted. This was into the underlying substrata as well as being reinforced with mesh steel.

Due to the environmentally sensitive site, materials were mixed by hand on the deck of the Sea Vigil vessel. The product was then shipped across to the working area. This was by way of a small Polycraft Boat. After this 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 Retarder to be mixed on site. Consequently, 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 which furthermore ensured a successful project for all involved.