After several previous successful projects using Phi Group, Bristol City Council requested assistance for a possible footpath widening scheme adjacent to a railway in Bristol. The proposal was to widen an existing footpath to accommodate a cycle path and improve access and security for pedestrians, as part of Bristol being awarded ‘Cycle City’ status.

The scheme would require cutting into an existing bank to facilitate the footpath widening. Maximum retained heights of 3.0m would be required over a length of 150m. Originally a gabion solution was originally proposed. However, Phi Group’s Project Engineers quickly realised that due to the insitu soil conditions, a maximum 25 degree temporary earthworks profile would be required to satisfy safe working practice. This would mean a huge amount of over excavation, on a site that is very tight with access from only one end on a 400m length of path. 

Soil nailing was identified as a possible alternative. The soil nailing was undertaken in a top down method as excavation took place. The temporary earthworks profile was excavated to an angle of 70 degrees and permanently stabilised using galvanised solid bar soil nails. Due to the tight access on the site, and the requirement to work adjacent to a live main line railway, specialist drilling equipment from Phi Group’s sister company Keller Geotechnique was utilised.

 Once the soil nails were installed, Phi Group’s patented Soil Panel facing system was then attached to the cut slope. This was then filled with stone to give an aesthetically pleasing, yet maintenance free solution. 

Phi Group executed the project ahead of schedule and signalled completion of another successful project for Bristol City Council. Phi Group was involved from conception to carrying out the works on site. A full Design, Supply & Installation service.