Heidelberg Materials UK use Ground Control Rope Access Teams for specialist clearance works inside cement silos
Overview:
Heidelberg UK, a leading manufacturer of building materials, had several cement silos at their factory in Mold, North Wales that required deep cleansing in intricate spaces at height to enable the next phase of preparation work.
Heidelberg contracted Ground Control's team of IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certified rope access technicians to perform the necessary clearance and enabling works on the silos.
Ground Control's rope access team works to IRATA-certified standards to provide specialist rope access services at height for civil structures, where scaffolding or mechanical systems are unsuitable.
Enabling and clearance works
- Strucutural de-vegetation
- Industrial cleaning
Heidelberg Materials UK
Heidelberg Materials UK is a supplier of low carbon heavy building materials to the construction industry, part of Heidelberg Materials, one of the largest building materials manufacturers in the world, the global market leader in aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), which also has leading positions in asphalt, cement, concrete and other downstream activities., and recycled materials.
IRATA - Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
Scope of Works:
A team of 20 IRATA rope access specialist operatives was deployed to clean out five large cylinders over 10 days and 10 nights to enable the next phase of contractors to start their work at the factory on time.
The teams abseiled inside the cylinders from heights of up to 100 ft and widths ranging from 3.8 to seven metres in diameter.
The Challenge
Silos can be challenging to access. They are generally located in confined spaces, making it difficult to handle large equipment around them.
Timescales were incredibly tight and immovable on this project due to an ongoing supply chain of subsequent works dependent on Ground Control completing the first phase on time.
The solution
Ground Control's rope access teams were able to access the silos from any angle and height, performing the necessary work without the need for scaffolding or cherry pickers.
The team inspected the silos, cleared out any debris that had accumulated inside, and completed the specified clearance and enabling works within the timeframe.
The attention to detail, diligence, and quality standards that Ground Control adhered to meant that some of the debris found in intricate spaces discovered during the job could have potentially delayed operations. For example, it was only when the technicians descended inside the silos that they discovered excess cement in some hatches that required additional cleansing work. However, the team was agile and professional throughout the process. Regular communication between Ground Control and the client ensured that the job was completed on time, to the safest standard, and to the highest quality in line with the ICOP (International Code of Practice).
Results
The job was completed on time and within specification and budget despite additional cement and debris found during the works.
The client was impressed with the speed and quality at which the team worked and how they adapted methods to complete the first phase of work on time to ensure a seamless handover to the next phase.
Other use cases for IRATA rope access services
Rope access is a safe and efficient method of accessing difficult-to-reach areas using ropes and specialised equipment. Areas may include:
- Structural De-Vegetation
- Invasive species control
- Roof maintenance
- Industrial Painting
- Industrial Cleaning
- Structural Surveys
- Scaling
- Fireproofing
- Brickwork Repair
- Ecological Surveys
Rope access specialist works
Connecting communities on the Northumberland Line
Ground Control highly commended by VINCI Facilities for Environmental Impact
