Paull Tidal Wall – Flood Defence Scheme

Our contract was to design and build a new extension to the existing reinforced concrete tidal defence structure adjacent to the Humber Estuary within the village of Paull. The innovative glass barrier is the longest glass tidal structure in the UK and part of a larger, £30million five-year project which, when finished, will provide flood protection to more than 14,000 properties in the Hull and East Riding areas.

The new glass wall has been fixed to the existing tidal defence wall, which was built in the 1980s, and is 520 metres long and 1.1-metre high – raising the total barrier to 6.8 metres above sea level. The wall was designed as such that minimum to no accommodation works were required to the existing structure. 4No anchors were drilled and resin anchored into the existing structure, these anchors where then subject to ‘pull-out tests’ to prove the integrity of the anchor. Following these tests, the heavy duty posts were mechanically lifted and placed on to the existing wall before being bolted in to position. Thorough QA/QC systems were implemented to ensure the clients performance specification was met during the installation process. Following post erection the glass panels were then installed. The panels were installed using a telehandler fitted with an electronic suction attachment which allows the glass panels to be lifted, rotated and then lowered in to position.

The glass wall was designed using 3D physical modelling, should provide protection against a one-in-a-200-year-storm event and its strength was tested by repeatedly dropping a 4.1kg steel ball from a height of nine meters.
The wall contains a visual bird deterrent, with dots encased within the glass in a grid – the concept being that it breaks up the reflection of the sky.
The specially-manufactured glass panels are interspaced within an aluminium frame and are not only capable of withstanding water pressure but also of taking an impact from debris, such as large pieces of timber.

Paull Tidal Wall - Flood Defence Scheme

Client: East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Location: Paull
Contract Value: £800,000
Contract Period: 14 Weeks