Before piling could commence the canal
had to be drained and soft silt removed to provide a firm access for the machinery. Oct, 2005.
The piling is required in order to stabilise the offside bank when the canal is lowered to pass
under the Loxwoood High Street, the B2133.
(Photo: Phil Broadley)
A hardcore base was provided to support the piling machine.
The machine drills a hole in the ground using an auger. When the required depth is reached the auger is
withdrawn and the hole filled with concrete which is poured via a tube running down the centre of the auger.
When the hole is full of concrete a 'cage' of re-inforced steel rods is placed into the concrete. A re-inforcing 'cage'
can be seen on the ground on the lower right of the picture.
(Photo: Phil Broadley)
Oct 6 2005. A re-inforcing 'cage' being lowered into the poured concrete.
The 'cage' is so heavy that it falls most of the way under its own weight into the concrete, with a gentle press being
required by the excavator for the final couple of feet.
By Nov. 9 2005 the piling had finished and the re-routed sewer was
being constructed. The present sewer is in the roadway at the site of the new bridge and will be in the way of
the bridge construction. At this stage the pipe is being layed but will not be connected until work on the bridge starts.
(Photo: Richard Emsley)
A view along the Onslow pound from the road crossing. The excavator is almost
at the trip boat jetty. Once the sewer pipes have been layed the pound will be re-filled in preparation for the Santa Cruises.
(Photo: Richard Emsley)
An unusual view (these days) of the Onslow pound and Brewhurst Lock.
(Photo: Richard Emsley)
The Onslow pound on Nov 9, 2005 looking from Brewhurst Lock
towards the Onslow Arms. As stated above, the pound will be re-filled before the start of the Santa Cruises in December.
(Photo: Richard Emsley)
The Onslow pound on Nov 24, 2005 looking from the trip boat landing stage towards the B2133. The canal bed is being re-puddled
with clay in preparation for re-watering.
(Photo: Richard Emsley)
