“Time and Tides wait for No-One!”
Pavenet was appointed by The Club Company to carry out a package of course improvement works at the picturesque Cams Hall Estate Golf Club in Hampshire. The works were designed to address significant tidal erosion issues that had caused the partial collapse of an existing piped culvert, putting both the surrounding landscape and a nearby public footway at risk of failure.
The project required a sensitive and carefully engineered approach due to the proximity of live services, environmental constraints, and the need to maintain the visual appeal of the estate’s coastal setting.
The existing culvert, which served as a key drainage route, had suffered from ongoing tidal erosion over time. This erosion had undermined the structure and compromised the stability of the surrounding ground. Pavenet’s task was to design and install a durable rip rap protection system, combining free-standing rock armour with gabion baskets, to stabilise the embankment and restore the integrity of the culvert.
The works were carried out with minimal disruption to the golf course and public areas, ensuring that safety, access, and environmental considerations remained top priorities
Setting Out and Service Detection
Prior to construction, the Pavenet team conducted a comprehensive site survey and service scan to accurately locate and identify all buried utilities, including an intermediate gas main running through the work area. This step was critical to ensuring the safety of personnel and preventing damage to essential infrastructure.
Track Mat Configuration and Access Setup
A temporary working platform was established using 24 track mats (each 1.9m x 1.0m), forming a stable surface measuring approximately 11.4m long by 4m wide. This provided safe access for personnel and equipment while protecting the ground from damage and ensuring stability during installation.
Site Safety and Traffic Management
To maintain public safety and highlight the work zone, 26 red and white water-filled barriers (1.0m x 0.45m each) were installed along a total length of 26 metres. These barriers ensured a clear boundary and safe separation between the working area and pedestrian routes.
Manual Handling Installation
Given the presence of the gas main, all rip rap and gabion materials—each weighing approximately 40kg—were installed by hand, following strict two-person manual handling protocols. This method eliminated the risk of damaging underground utilities while maintaining full control of placement accuracy.
Rip Rap and Gabion Construction
Layers of free-standing rock were placed around the culvert to absorb and deflect tidal energy, supported by gabion baskets filled with durable stone to form a robust, interlocking structure. This combination provided long-term erosion resistance and enhanced structural integrity.
The completed works successfully stabilised the embankment and protected the culvert from further tidal erosion. The newly installed rip rap and gabion system now provides a resilient, low-maintenance solution that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape while safeguarding public infrastructure.
