Enjoying an outdoor lifestyle is something of a necessity when you work in the flood risk management and resilience sectors, and the team at RAB typically feel most ‘at home’ when they are in the countryside.
Last month, two teams spent a week based around Scotland’s beautiful North Ayrshire coast to undertake a range of visual asset inspections. This was part of routine maintenance schedule of the coastal defences which included the identification of any defects. This would help the owners get an understanding of the general condition of their assets and schedule any necessary repairs. One team went round the Isle of Arran whilst the other checked assets on the mainland.
The trips had initially been planned for January, with the teams bracing themselves for what the Scottish winter might throw at them. Thankfully, things were delayed until April, raising the hope of better weather and a more enjoyable experience!
The stunning scenery they found was matched by superb weather, with not a cloud in the sky most days. Neither was it too hot or too cold, well, maybe just a little in the mornings and especially at the top of Goat Fell (but the views were worth it!). Part of the team made the most of their visit with a sunrise hike.
The work involved inspecting natural formations such as cliff faces, dunes, and beaches, as well as engineered defences and quaysides. The engineered defences included measures such as gabion baskets, concrete sea walls, masonry walls, rock armour, and sheet piling.
By the end of the week both of our teams were wishing they had booked a couple of extra days in their accommodation to make a holiday out of the trip! Thankfully the good weather continued into the weekend UK-wide, so spirits were not too dampened upon Friday’s journey home.
RAB deliver a wide range of asset management, public safety 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.
