London City Airport Development – BAM Nuttall

London City Airport Development – BAM Nuttall

Project Overview

CA Drillers partnered with BAM Nuttall to deliver specialist concrete cutting and sawing services as part of the development works at London City Airport. The project required highly precise operations in a complex working environment within King George V Dock, where strict environmental protection measures were essential.

Despite the technical challenges and demanding schedule, CA Drillers successfully completed the works on time and to a high standard, which resulted in the company being shortlisted for an award by the International Association of Concrete Drillers & Sawers.

Scope of Work

The project required the daily cutting of approximately 80 linear metres of reinforced concrete, with cutting depths ranging from 600mm to 700mm. The works were closely coordinated with the piling contractor, meaning strict timelines had to be maintained throughout the project.

To meet the daily cutting targets, CA Drillers installed 40 metres of track at a time and operated two track saws simultaneously, allowing the team to maintain productivity and ensure the project remained on schedule.

Project Challenges

One of the main challenges was that the cutting operations had to be performed from a floating barge, which introduced constant movement and required additional precision during the cutting process.

The cut line was positioned only 200mm above the water level, making the task even more complex. In addition, the cutting operations generated significant amounts of water and slurry, which had to be carefully managed to prevent contamination of the surrounding water in King George V Dock.

Another logistical challenge was that all protective systems had to be removed at the end of each day to allow the night barge to access the area and lift out the cut concrete sections.

Innovative Solution

To effectively manage water and slurry during the cutting process, CA Drillers designed and installed a 150mm steel guttering system beneath the cut line.

The system was installed in 20-metre sections extending in both directions, each designed with a slight incline to guide the slurry toward a specially designed containment unit.

The collected waste water and slurry were then pumped into 1000-litre IBC containers positioned on the barge. At the end of each working day, these containers were removed and transported for recycling through a silt buster system, ensuring full compliance with environmental protection requirements.

Project Outcome

Through careful planning, innovative problem-solving, and the use of advanced cutting equipment, CA Drillers successfully completed the works within the strict project schedule while maintaining high environmental standards.

The team’s ability to operate efficiently within such a challenging environment demonstrated their expertise in delivering specialist concrete cutting services on complex infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The London City Airport development project showcases CA Drillers’ capability to deliver precision cutting solutions in demanding and environmentally sensitive environments. Their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation contributed significantly to the successful execution of the project and earned industry recognition for their work.