Charnwood District Council recently commissioned RAB to undertake a condition assessment and feasibility study for erosion protection works along a 900m stretch of the Wood Brook in Loughborough, Leicestershire.
In order to accurately complete this assessment, our team at RAB split the watercourse up into the different linear assets (standalone structures or items, eg a wall, embankment, high ground or culvert etc) identified along its length. There were no raised defences along this watercourse, so the linear assets were limited to either natural or engineered high ground.
Each individual asset was further broken down into its elements (the main components of an asset e.g. this project was limited to channel side and high ground). The different elements have variable weightings depending upon their overall importance in relation to asset function. Weighted from 9 ‘critical’ through to 1 ‘very minor’. The weighting is important so that the asset condition is representative of how close to failure it is.
The assets were graded using the OBCAM assessment method meaning each asset scored from 1-5 with 1 being ‘very good’ condition through to 5 being ‘very poor’ condition. Assets with a score of 4 or 5 are deemed to be below required condition and fail the assessment.
The steep, densely vegetated banks initially prevented viewing much of the watercourse so the best method to conduct the inspection was to wade along the channel. Thankfully the water levels were quite low as there hadn’t been much rain prior to the inspection.
The feasibility study required an ecological survey that RAB sourced and organised. This ecology study identified otter spraint and holts. Badgers were also identified along the watercourse and the invasive signal crayfish (thankfully it appeared the otter(s) had been snacking on these). Potential for bats was also identified. The presence of these species meant that further surveys would be required once the scope of works has been determined. Due to the presence of these species, measures will need to be taken to limit the impact of any construction works.
The study was concluded with multiple different recommendations and estimated costs for works based on the varying condition of the channel, local topography and surrounding property.
RAB provide a wide range of freshwater and coastal risk assessments, asset inspections and engineering services for both public and private sector organisations. More information is available here on our website, or you can get in touch for an informal discussion on your specific project by email to enquiries@rabconsultants.co.uk or call our head office in Lichfield on 0330 223 6475.