Reinforced Soil Slope Design for Heavy Crane Platform

A reinforced soil slope was required to form a temporary working platform capable of supporting heavy construction plant, including a piling rig and two high-capacity cranes: the Terex AC250-1 (250-tonne crane) and the LG1750 (750-tonne crane). The design was carried out using the Static Method in accordance with BS 8006, ensuring compliance with industry standards for reinforced earth structures and slope stability.

Detailed engineering analysis was undertaken to assess critical load combinations, including modular trailer movements alongside LG1750 crane travelling loads, as well as modular trailer interaction with AC250 crane outrigger loads. These complex loading scenarios required careful consideration to maintain stability and safety.

The project site presented significant constraints due to limited space and the proximity of bridge beams to the front face of the steep 70-degree reinforced soil slope. These constraints restricted crane positioning and increased the challenge of safely distributing heavy loads. In particular, the LG1750 crane outriggers imposed extremely high point loads that could not be fully supported by the reinforced soil structure alone.

To overcome these challenges, a hybrid ground engineering solution was developed, combining reinforced soil slope design with deep foundation support. While the reinforced earth structure provided overall stability and load-bearing capacity for general operations, a piled foundation system was introduced to support the most critical loads.

Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles were installed through the reinforced soil mass prior to lifting operations. This allowed the LG1750 crane outrigger loads to be transferred safely to deeper, more competent ground layers, ensuring structural integrity and operational safety.

This engineered solution enabled the successful completion of a key phase of the Hoobrook Link Road project in December 2015. The works involved the installation of four bridge beams, each weighing approximately 75 tonnes, lifted into position using the LG1750, at the time the largest crane in Europe.

The completed Hoobrook Link Road now provides a vital transport link between the A451 Stourport Road and the A442 Worcester Road, spanning the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and the River Stour. The infrastructure plays a key role in supporting access to the South Kidderminster Enterprise Park and improving regional connectivity.