Working Platform Design for Bridge Replacement at Scottish Water Penwhapple Reservoir

CAT 2 platform and access road designs enabling safe crane operation for an innovative over-water bridge installation in South Ayrshire.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Delivering Safe Temporary Works for a Complex Bridge Replacement

Northpoint Geotechnical was appointed to design and oversee the temporary works required for the replacement of a degraded valve tower bridge at Scottish Water’s Penwhapple Reservoir, South Ayrshire.
The project, led by Beaver Bridges, featured the installation of a Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridge using an innovative over-water jacking system from a pontoon - requiring robust ground engineering solutions to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency in challenging weather conditions.

Engineers installing a steel bridge structure over Penwhapple Reservoir using a crane and floating platform.
Floating platform with steel bridge sections positioned on Penwhapple Reservoir during construction work.
Map view of Penwhapple Reservoir used in Northpoint Geotechnical’s site investigation and reservoir safety assessment.
Aerial view of Penwhapple Reservoir surrounded by green hills and wind turbines in the landscape.

CLIENT REQUIREMENTS & CHALLENGES

Addressing Complex Site and Environmental Constraints

  • Unpredictable Scottish weather during a critical installation window

  • Requirement for safe access and crane stability over varied ground conditions

  • Compliance with Eurocode standards and adherence to CAT 2 design verification procedures

  • Minimising environmental impact while operating in a sensitive reservoir environment

OUR APPROACH & METHODOLOGY

From Ground Investigation to Certified Platform

  1. Ground Investigation - Dynamic Sampling boreholes and Dynamic Probe testing along the proposed trackway and crane pad locations.

  2. Ground Modelling - Development of a detailed geotechnical model to inform design parameters.

  3. Design - CAT 2 verified working platform design for a granular crane pad and CAT 2 design checks for aluminium trackway access road.

  4. On-Site Guidance - Liaison with the platform contractor, George Leslie, during installation to ensure design compliance.

  5. Certification - Issued the Working Platform Certificate (WPC) following completion, along with a Geotechnical Design Report (GDR) in line with Eurocode standards.

RESULTS & DELIVERABLES

Safe, Compliant, and Efficient Project Delivery

  • Stable crane operation enabling safe over-water bridge installation

  • Access trackway designed to support construction traffic without ground failure

  • Comprehensive GDR and WPC documentation ensuring full transparency and regulatory compliance

  • Installation completed on time despite challenging weather conditions

NEXT STEPS

Need Expert Temporary Works or Working Platform Design?

Northpoint delivers working platform and temporary works solutions across the UK, including access roads, crane pads, and pile mats. If your project demands precision, compliance, and safety, we can help.

Contact Us Today

Email: info@northpointgeotechnical.com | Tel: 0191 917 2310

Or enquire online to discuss your project with our specialist team.

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