The brief

Sheffield City Council received funding from the Future High Streets Fund – to reshape the city centre, driving growth, improving visitor experience and prioritising future sustainability for the city.

As part of the work delivering a new-look city centre, over 2,500m2 of SuDS (sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) were planned – these would catch, store, absorb and clear rainwater and run-off from roads and pavements, and improve biodiversity. Sustainability – and sustainable drainage – were a key focus.

Keyline was approached by John Sisk and Son, the main contractor for the project, to procure materials for a revised design of the check dams for the SuDS. In the event of heavy rainfall, the check dams would slow the flow of water by temporarily damming it – once a certain level is reached, the water overtops the check dams and flows to the designated outfall. Charlotte Smith, National Sales Negotiator at Keyline, was instrumental in facilitating the project’s next steps, working in tandem with the Technical Team to support the project, and acting as a main point of contact for the contractor. 

The challenge

The proposed design included concrete lintels sitting on concrete foundations to form the check dam, with stone pitching to form the weir opening. 

At first glance, this design appeared relatively simple, with listed materials that could be found “off the shelf”. Keyline’s experience and expertise in sourcing materials for drainage specifications helped identify that the materials listed were very on-site build intensive, susceptible to vandalism, and relatively expensive to construct, and the design was more complex than first realised. 

A new design was required that would carefully consider on-site challenges such as the ease of installation and future maintenance, as well as the lifespan of the asset and costs from material, delivery and labour. As the work would be conducted overnight, with restricted traffic management plans, the logistics needed to be planned meticulously. 

It was a complex specification, working with limited information and check dams of varying sizes. Multiple materials had to be procured for the new design, which could quickly drive up costs – balancing the needs of the design with the constraints of the project was a key challenge.

The solution

Keyline’s Technical Team has the civil engineering expertise to support contractors with design and specification – and were happy to assist John Sisk and Son with identifying an alternative design that addressed the challenges of the project.

Serena Solanki, National Engineering Manager at Keyline, commented on the solution found; “We identified the materials required for the project and simplified the design via casting the check dams as a monolithic reinforced concrete unit.”

“Every aspect of the design was carefully considered and met existing design dimensions – each unit was bespoke, with weir openings in the specified location, and designed with installers in mind. We added lifting points to make installation as easy as possible, and paid attention to every detail – even something as simple as asking the manufacturer, Anderton Concrete, Ibstock’s Rail & Infrastructure specialist brand, to label individual check dams, which made it easier for the contractor to identify them on-site and ensure they were installed in the correct location.” 

“Communication was instrumental to the project’s success. Liaising with the designer and contractor helped Keyline ensure the proposed design met the design specification. We also organised a manufacturer’s visit for the contractor so they could meet and discuss any further changes to the design if needed.” 

Managing logistics for a smooth installation

Keyline supplied 40 bespoke reinforced concrete check dams for the project, overcoming the challenges faced to deliver a solution that added clear value for the contractor. 

Keyline, as the leading civils partner to the construction industry, could easily incorporate ease of logistics into the planned solution. Keyline worked closely with the manufacturer of the bespoke units, Anderton Concrete, to store stock and organised night deliveries to suit the contractor. Night installation can be tricky, but Keyline communicated the necessary details and coordinated deliveries to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Lee Long, Senior Project Manager at John Sisk and Son, commented on the success of the project and Keyline’s support with the order, “managing it throughout design, manufacture and delivery.  Their patience, responsiveness and attention to detail have been second to none.”

Cavan Foo, Sub Agent, added, “The process of procuring, design queries, manufacturing and delivery has been very smooth, with changes in the design being handled professionally. The quality of the finished product was consistent and to the specified finish. Keyline has also offered expert advice where required, always available to answer questions and offer solutions to any challenges.

I would choose Keyline as a supplier to assist with future project requirements and highly recommend them as a merchant.”

Keyline’s expertise in sustainable drainage and logistics helped John Sisk and Son make this project a success. The Sheffield rejuvenation project has made a real difference to the city – and with sustainability at the heart of it, the future looks bright.

If you have an upcoming project involving SuDS, get in touch with our Technical Team today to find out how we can add value to your operations.