Live pylon cofferdam
Solent Pylon
A cofferdam around the base of an existing live pylon, constructed to address erosion associated with container ships turning in the Solent.
The existing pylon base was exposed to erosion caused by container ships manoeuvring in the Solent. Constructing a cofferdam around it required careful access planning, consideration of height limitations and a working method that accommodated the pylon remaining live.
The team constructed the cofferdam around the existing pylon base. The working arrangements accounted for access constraints, available headroom and the need to work around the live structure. Ground conditions were monitored as the works progressed.
The works brought together cofferdam construction, marine access considerations and work around existing electricity infrastructure. The cofferdam was intended to protect the pylon base against erosion associated with vessel movements.