Due to failure of part of the face of the sea wall in Harwich between The Spa and Stone Point, significant voiding has been exposed below the promenade. This needs to be addressed quickly in order to mitigate the issue and protect from further failure. A consulting structural engineer and a coastal engineer have both agreed that we try a lightweight geopolymer solution to address the voiding, with a note of caution that it should be carried out by an experienced provider. Geobear have carried out this type of coastal work in other areas of the country and have successfully delivered underpinning using geopolymer for Tendring District Council.
Geopolymer is applied without having to excavate the promenade, one borehole for an application tube and one for a monitoring camera in the area of the void is all that is required, saving money on reinstatement cost as well as minimal impact on public use of the area.
Geopolymer is lightweight, not affected by water and cures in 4 - 10 minutes meaning large voids can be filled quickly. This is very beneficial in locations where the tide is a factor.
An agreement from the Corporate Director for Operations and Delivery and the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance has been obtained to grant a procurement exemption under Section 2.1 (c) of Part 5 of the Council's constitution.