Hazard Protection Solutions

Application

Flood protection

Solution
  • PU12S EcoSheetPile™ Plus 

680 tonnes of sheet piles

Sheet pile wall as flood defence, UK | 2024

680 tonnes of EcoSheetPile™ Plus low-emissions range, installed in Newport (Wales) with vibration-free pressing technology, to minimise the impact on the surrounding area. Pictures: ©Ivor King ©Natural Resources Wales

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.

Overview of the sheet pile wall
The sheet pile wall in January 2024, with the high tide along the River Usk

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.

Interested to know more?        Natural Resources Wales wrote a full article


Video case study of the installation by Ivor King (3 minutes)