HASTINGS WALL

AW Rail have recently undertaken improvement works at Hastings Wall for our client Octavius Infrastructure who were acting as Principal Contractor. The project covered the removal of the existing concrete post-and-panel boundary system and installation of a new GRP panel fencing system supported by steel UC posts. The works were delivered in phased sections to maintain safe public access and to limit disruption to neighbouring residential properties.

Temporary Heras fencing and water-filled barriers were installed to segregate the work area and exclusion zones. Pre-start briefings reinforced safe systems of work and environmental controls. CAT scanning was completed to locate and mark buried services prior to drilling or excavation.

The Main Scope of Works consisted of:

• Associated vegetation clearance required for safe access and installation.
• Removal of concrete capping beams, panels, and posts.
• Local repair and preparation of the wall upstand.
• Installation of new UC steel posts (resin-fixed or cast-in).
• Installation of GRP ballast boards and infill panels.
• Resurfacing of footpath areas disturbed during construction.

Vegetation Clearance 

Tree Limb Trimming

Tree branches were cut using chainsaws and hand tools from PASMA-certified scaffold towers. Limbs were lowered into the exclusion zone under banksman control and processed for disposal or ecological reuse.

Ivy Removal

Ivy removal required access from residents’ gardens using fixed scaffold and scaffold towers. All tools were transferred using a pulley system to avoid manual climbing with equipment. Waste was loaded into tubs and winched to road level. When space allowed, waste was chipped directly into an Arb Tipper.

The process was carried out progressively along each affected garden.

Post Installation  Resin-Fixed Posts

Most posts were resin-anchored into the existing upstand:

• 14mm diameter holes drilled to 240mm embedment for M12 anchors (HAS-U 8.8).
• Air-fed masks used during drilling, with water suppression on dust.
• HIT-HY 200A resin installed following hole cleaning with compressed air.
• Baseplates bolted down and levelled using Conbextra GP grout (min. 10mm).
• UC posts (152×152×30) plumb-aligned and secured.
• Anchor testing carried out in accordance with BS 8539 and CFA guidance.

Post Installation  – Cast-In Posts

At 21 locations, cast-in post foundations were required:

• Breakout of 300×400×280mm pockets.
• Resin anchors installed as above.
• Posts aligned and fixed.
• C 40 concrete poured, vibrated, and finished flush.

GRP Boarding Installation

GRP ballast boards (300×50mm) were installed at the base. Any cutting was performed inside the main compound using a plunge saw with vacuum extraction. Cut edges were sealed with acrylic lacquer. Upper GRP panels were fixed using M6 stainless bolts through RSA brackets, with allowance for movement and drainage built into the installation.

Footpath Reinstatement

Disturbed footpath areas were resurfaced using AC20 HDM bin 40/60 to match existing.

Completion of the project

The improvement works at Hastings Wall were completed using controlled, phased working methods to maintain public safety and minimise disruption. The removal of the existing concrete fence, installation of the new GRP system, and associated vegetation clearance were carried out in accordance with relevant standards, manufacturer guidance, and agreed construction details. All reinstatement and finishing works restored the surrounding areas to a suitable condition, leaving the wall with a durable, low-maintenance fencing solution.

We’d like to thank our client and the team who carried out the works on this project who  were in constant communication with the neighbouring gardens and other stakeholders advising of works being undertaken and planned closures of footpaths and access routes, positive feedback from our client and on site management reflects the pride and quality of works we carry out.