The shoring system was designed to withstand loads of up to 570kN/m, ensuring stability and safety throughout the works.
Helping development of Yorkshire’s largest hydroelectric scheme
Kirkthorpe, Wakefield
Project Overview
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| Sector | Power & Energy |
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Kirkthorpe Hydropower is one of the largest hydroelectric power schemes in Yorkshire. The £5.3m hydropower scheme, built on the River Calder at Kirkthorpe, uses the flow of the river to power a single 500kW axial turbine to generate around 2.3million units of carbon free electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of 800 households.
It runs 24/7, 10-11 months of the year, and will run for at least the next 100 years. Salmon, eels and other migratory fish will be able to pass the hydro scheme’s weir safely, protected by a large custom designed inlet screen.
Our solution
We were invited by Eric Wright to the initial tender meeting for the complex Kirkthorpe Hydroelectric scheme. The early involvement allowed our engineering team to work with Eric Wright and P&S Consulting Engineers to evaluate the temporary works requirements which, due to the complex shape, meant various support methods would be required. Eric Wright adopted a tie back system to the curved sections and top level support.
We were tasked with the lower frame propping of the 9m deep central section of the cofferdam, which would encompass the turbine area of the project and the complex surrounding structure. The load on the lower frames in the deepest section of the cofferdam was 570kN/m, which is high for proprietary shoring equipment. We selected Supershaft Plus which at the time of the project was the strongest proprietary brace on the market, which allowed maximum spacing of the cross struts. Using proprietary equipment meant a quicker installation and removal time than on-site fabrication of frames with structural steel, which would have also been more expensive.
Learn more about Supershaft Plus
Early collaboration between Eric Wright’s construction manager and our engineering team also allowed the frame and propping to be positioned and sequenced to avoid disrupting the construction of the complex in-situ concrete structure.
Our lead engineer on the project said: “Early involvement with Eric Wright ensured we only used proprietary equipment in the areas that could offer a real benefit to the project in terms of both cost and programme”.
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“Kirkthorpe is a significant and long-term investment in Yorkshire’s energy infrastructure and all credit must go to those involved in the design and construction. Kirkthorpe delivers clean and sustainable energy to local homes and businessess, and will further improve the quality of the River Calder for future generations to come.”