2006
Penicuik, Midlothian
Applecross Development
Raynesway Construction
Harley Haddow / Maccaferri Ltd
Riverbank Retaining Wall Design in Penicuik
Existing masonry wall before construction
Downstream view of prepared slope
Upstream view of Terramesh wall during construction
First course of Terramesh during construction
Post-construction restored bank protection
Upstream view of completed Terramesh structure
Typical section drawing
Challenge
In 2001, Maccaferri Ltd. was commissioned by Applecross Developments to design a riverbank retaining wall system for a prestigious residential development located on the River Esk near Penicuik, Scotland. The project required a 348-metre-long retaining structure to support the main access road while maximising the available land for housing.
The key engineering challenge was the need for a near-vertical retaining wall along the নদbank to create sufficient development space without encroaching into the river. Existing infrastructure on the former mill site consisted of deteriorating concrete, brick, and masonry retaining walls, which were structurally unsound and unsuitable for integration into the new scheme.
This created an urgent requirement for a durable, cost-effective, and flexible retaining wall solution capable of handling variable ground conditions and long-term exposure to a riverside environment.
Solution
Due to the critical role of the retaining structure in both the construction programme and long-term performance, Maccaferri Construction Ltd. was appointed as the specialist retaining wall contractor. Maccaferri Ltd. developed a tailored design using its Gabion Terramesh® system, which was approved by the Local Authority for eventual adoption alongside the main access road.
The final solution comprised a 348m long reinforced soil retaining wall, with heights ranging from 1.5 metres to 8 metres, providing both structural stability and an efficient use of space.
The Terramesh® system combines a soil reinforcement geogrid with an integrated gabion facing, forming a single, engineered unit. Manufactured from double-twisted steel wire mesh, the system is heavily galvanised and coated with a robust PVC layer, ensuring long-term durability and corrosion resistance in harsh environmental conditions.
Structural backfill was compacted over the geogrid layers, creating a reinforced soil mass that works in unison with the gabion face. A key advantage of this solution is its ability to accommodate differential settlement, making it ideal for riverbank applications where ground movement is expected.
The use of Maccaferri’s Gabion Terramesh® retaining wall system provided a high-performance, flexible, and sustainable riverbank stabilisation solution. It enabled the successful construction of a near-vertical retaining structure, maximised the development footprint, and delivered long-term reliability for both the access road and surrounding residential infrastructure.
Used Products
