HY-RIB provides home for Bats

Following an enquiry from the Civils 2007 exhibition, Victor Camble has confirmed a contract for the emergency stabilisation of stone mines at Combe Down in Bath. The mines were worked during the 18th and 19th centuries to produce stone for the city’s buildings and exported nationwide.

Over-mining and ongoing deterioration of the workings means that in some places the mine roof was so thin that building and highway subsidence was a major concern. The Contractor Hydrock is using Hy-Rib throughout to stabilise the works. An added complication was that the mine is home to two protected species of Bat.

In order to make an acceptable habitat for the Bats whilst maintaining integrity of the works, 2.4 metre lengths of Hy-Rib 2611 are being applied. The total projected amount of Hy-Rib required will be approximately 6000m², with the first 1800m² recently delivered and managed by Support Site of Bristol,(SIG-SCP division).

The main scheme contract is funded by English Partnerships, managed by Bath and North East Somerset Council and will run to 2009.