Hazard Protection Solutions
Flood protection
- PU12S EcoSheetPile™ Plus
680 tonnes of sheet piles
Sheet pile wall as flood defence, UK | 2024
680 tonnes of EcoSheetPile™ Plus range, part of ArcelorMittal's XCarb® recycled and renewably produced were installed in Newport, Wales, using the vibration-free hydraulic pressing technique to minimize the environmental impact. These steel sheet piles will protect 2,000 homes and numerous businesses from high tides, addressing both personal safety and job security for the riverside population.
Securing Homes with Low-Emission Steel
Construction began in 2023 in Lliswerry, Newport, and involved strengthening a 1,350m flood embankment, building flood walls, raising part of the highway, and installing a floodgate. The project included 700 linear meters of our PU 12S (1,000 units) installed by Ivor King to reinforce the embankment. Throughout the project, every effort was made to minimize environmental impact, from material selection to technical solutions.
Ivor King overcame the challenge of a narrow working corridor by using an eco-friendly installation method, reducing vibrations and noise that could disturb local wildlife, people, and industries. As part of the project, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is also improving local green spaces and a section of the Wales Coast Path. The use of XCarb® low carbon-emission steel, made from 100% scrap and renewable electricity, was a key differentiator for the project.
Addressing Flood Risks Amid Climate Change
The Wales' minister for Climate Change, Julie James, highlighted the increasing risk of rising sea levels and extreme weather due to climate change, emphasizing the need to support vulnerable communities.
Homes and businesses in Lliswerry are at risk of flooding from heavy rainfall and high tides.
Without intervention, future sea level rise and extreme weather could worsen flooding. The "flood risk management scheme" funded by NRW and initiated in February 2023, was designed with future climate projections in mind, addressing sea level rise over the next 50 years.