Builders Jamaica December - March 2022
Builders Jamaica is a B2B publication focused on the latest developments within the construction industry. The editorial will be distinct in the way it conveys information on architectural trends, interior and exterior décor, the latest building technologies and projects across Jamaica. Builders Jamaica is designed to be informative and educational. We will make it easy for the reader and consumer to choose from different products and services whenever planning, developing or renovating.
Builders Jamaica is a B2B publication focused on the latest developments within the construction industry. The editorial will be distinct in the way it conveys information on architectural trends, interior and exterior décor, the latest building technologies and projects across Jamaica. Builders Jamaica is designed to be informative and educational. We will make it easy for the reader and consumer to choose from different products and services whenever planning, developing or renovating.
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GROUND ENGINEERING<br />
Gordon Town Road Reconstruction<br />
Case Study<br />
Last November, the Gordon Town Road in St.<br />
Andrew was rendered impassable due to a landslide<br />
resulting from heavy rains associated with Tropical<br />
Storm Eta. A large section of the road and embankment<br />
broke away, reducing the roadway to about two feet<br />
at its narrowest point. Reconstruction work began<br />
earlier this year with Kinetic Engineering Services as<br />
the contractors charged with the extensive task. The<br />
thoroughfare was officially reopened on October 29,<br />
2021, following the repair of 600 metres of roadway.<br />
With such extensive damage, and several<br />
communities cut off from the main road, it was<br />
imperative to work quickly and carefully. Kinetic<br />
Group director, Keon Hinds, explained that<br />
the National Works Agency (NWA) created the<br />
preliminary engineering and design specifications<br />
for the repairs. After having their surveyor assess<br />
the site, his team suggested several modifications,<br />
which were incorporated into the NWA’s new design.<br />
One-of-a-kind retaining wall<br />
One of the most significant changes to the roadway<br />
is the new retaining structure, which stands 28 metres<br />
high and 48 metres long at the site of the breakaway.<br />
The structure consists of steel-reinforced concrete at<br />
the base and a stone-reinforced concrete rubble wall on<br />
the upper tier. Boulder protection measures were also<br />
implemented at the base of the wall to help prevent<br />
scouring or erosion from water rushing down the hill<br />
during heavy rainfall. In the early stages of the repair<br />
work, this also protected the wall from overturning<br />
or moving when backfilling work was being done.<br />
Hinds explained, “We were using heavy equipment<br />
and all of that had to be strategically planned<br />
because we didn't want to create any additional<br />
issues and have residents blocked off completely.”<br />
Hinds considers this structure to be a significant feat as<br />
the average retaining wall is typically 10 to 15 metres<br />
high. “It took a lot of engineering and calculations<br />
had to be right. It had to be constructed as per the<br />
design,” he said. “We achieved 28 metres in record<br />
time and we've passed all the tests. The NWA was on<br />
site testing the concrete, compaction, everything as we<br />
were going along. Everything was above standard.”<br />
Photos: Keon Hinds<br />
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