These concrete 'stone look-alike' blocks were first used on Malham Lock in 1977 following a successful experiment by the Trust's Navigation Manager Richard Lamey.
Subsequently they have been used to replace missing stones of the locks at Baldwins Knob, Brewhurst, and currently Devils Hole.
After completing Drungewick Lock, the design of the blocks was modified to include a wedge key at the back instead of wire retainers so that when concrete is poured to back-fill it locks all the blocks together.
|
|
The 'look-alike' blocks ~
|
|
In order to replace the missing stone masonry blocks which had been taken from the chamber walls over many years (and used in other locations nearby), concrete 'look-alike' blocks were cast in purpose-made moulds.
| | 
|
|
| 
|
| The blocks were cast face down on the grass so as to give a rustic effect which would eventually blend in with the original surviving stonework.
|
| 
|
|
| 
| |
They are made at half the thickness of the original stones and with concrete back-filling produce a wall which retains the character of the original construction.
|
|
|
|
Restoration of Drungewick Lock was finally completed in October 1991, with stop planks at the head of the lock to allow the pound above to be in water. No gates were made or fitted since these would deteriorate without the lock being in use.
Gates are planned to be installed as part of the Loxwood Link Extension Project.
BACK
| |
|
|
