Energy Past Project

Isle of Grain

LNG

0 Project Value

0 Year Programme

0 Peak Workforce

Project Overview

Another LNG Slipform Structure was carried out ahead of schedule. This tank has a circumference of 300 metres and stands at 48 metres high. This project further confirms Bowercross Construction as being one of the UK leaders for slip-forming.

Project Details

Client Taylor Woodrow

Principal Contractor Tier 1 Contractor

Project Value £115 Million

Sector Major Infrastructure

Location Isle of Grain, United Kingdom

Duration 2008 – 2010

£115M Total Project Value

400+ Peak Operatives On Site

24 Month Programme Duration

Our

Scope of Works

BCL delivered a comprehensive package of labour and supervision services across all major construction phases of the project.

Project Overview

he scope of works involved the slipform construction of LNG Tank 4 at the Isle of Grain. The tank has a circumference of 300 metres and stands 48 metres high, representing one of the largest slipform structures undertaken in the UK. The project was delivered ahead of schedule, further establishing Bowercross Construction as a market leader in high-quality slipform construction for industrial tanks.

Slipform Tank Structure

The main works involved the continuous slipform construction of the LNG tank walls. Key activities included: Setting up and commissioning slipform equipment Installation of reinforcement cages and embedded components Continuous Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) pouring Monitoring verticality, alignment, and formwork integrity throughout the operation Surface finishing and curing to meet stringent quality and engineering specifications The slipform method enabled efficient, high-quality construction of this large-scale cylindrical tank.

Substructure and Base Works

Prior to the slipform operation, comprehensive foundation and base works were completed to ensure structural stability: Construction of reinforced concrete raft foundations Installation of anchor and base reinforcement for slipform integration Concrete placement, curing, and quality inspections Coordination with site surveys and geotechnical recommendations These substructure works provided the essential support for the large LNG tank.

Access, Platforms, and Temporary Works

Supporting the main slipform operation, various access and temporary works were required: Installation of working platforms and scaffolding around the tank circumference Temporary ramps for concrete delivery and equipment access Structural supports for slipform equipment and lifting operations Maintenance of safe and continuous access for all operatives during the construction process These measures enabled uninterrupted and safe operations throughout the slipform programme

Health and Safety Management

Safety was a key priority given the height, scale, and continuous nature of the slipform operations. Safety measures included: Detailed site-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) Daily toolbox talks and safety briefings for all operatives Continuous monitoring of working at height, lifting operations, and concrete placement Implementation of fall protection systems and PPE compliance Regular safety inspections, audits, and prompt mitigation of hazards These measures ensured zero major incidents and compliance with all UK construction safety standards.

Labour Supply and Resource Management

he success of the project relied on effective mobilisation and management of a skilled workforce: Provision of experienced slipform operatives, steel fixers, concrete finishers, and supervisors Labour scheduling to ensure continuous operation during slipform pours Flexible allocation of teams for critical operations, including reinforcement installation and concrete finishing Coordination between site management, subcontractors, and specialist labour teams Maintaining productivity while adhering to quality and safety standards This structured labour management approach allowed the tank to be completed ahead of schedule

Project Gallery

Key stages and completed elements of this major infrastructure programme.

Foundation works in progress

Structural frame installation

Key Challenges & Solutions

Delivering major works within a complex infrastructure environment presented significant engineering and logistical challenges requiring innovative solutions from our teams.

Large-Scale Slipform Operation

Challenge: Constructing a tank with a 300m circumference and 48m height required precise coordination of continuous slipform operations. Any delay or misalignment could compromise structural integrity and affect the programme. Solution: A dedicated slipform management team was assigned to monitor verticality, alignment, and concrete quality in real-time. Continuous reinforcement installation, concrete placement, and curing were carefully scheduled. The use of advanced slipform monitoring tools and phased pour planning ensured the tank was constructed efficiently and accurately.

Programme Acceleration and Milestone Delivery

Challenge: The project was delivered ahead of schedule, requiring accelerated concrete pours, labour mobilisation, and resource coordination without compromising quality or safety. Solution: A flexible labour deployment strategy was implemented, with multiple shifts of skilled operatives, steel fixers, and concrete finishers. Daily progress reviews and proactive scheduling of materials, plant, and workforce allowed critical milestones to be met ahead of programme, ensuring smooth continuity of works.

Safety at Height and Continuous Operations

Challenge: The scale of the tank and continuous slipform operations posed significant working-at-height and heavy-lifting risks, requiring stringent safety management. Solution: A robust safety framework was implemented, including site-specific RAMS, daily toolbox talks, fall protection systems, and continuous supervision. Safety audits and real-time monitoring ensured all operations, including concrete placement and formwork adjustments at height, were carried out without incident.

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