Fairhurst

Geotechnical & Environmental Engineering : Jamestown Wharf, St. Helena

LOCATION: South Atlantic Ocean
CLIENT: St Helena Government
STATUS: Completed Aug 2008
COST: £6m

Fairhurst were commissioned by St Helena Government to design and supervise construction of rockfall protection measures on a 200m high, 400m long cliff above Jamestown Wharf. As St Helena currently has no airfield, the wharf is of critical importance as it provides the only access for people and cargo on and off the Island.
Following detailed stability inspections, rockfall trials and computer modelling, the cliff was characterised with respect to its geological formation, principle rock types, structural controls and the most significant failure mechanisms. A scheme was designed that included 71,500m2 rockfall containment netting, 31,300m2 reinforced rockfall containment netting and 560m rockfall catch fences. Scaling, controlled removal of large rock masses and in-situ reinforcement measures were also utilised.

This project was awarded the International Project of the Year at the Ground Engineering (GE) Awards 2010.

For more information on Fairhurst's Geo-Environmental division please e-mail us.