Folkestone Harbour Project, Kent – IKO Permaphalt
Project description
The harbour arm was built in 1897 for the South Eastern Railway Company to connect trains with ships, originally for tourism but absolutely invaluable in the Great War, when men, horses and supplies left from here.
Needing refurbishment as part of the overall major regeneration of Folkestone, the harbour arm’s mastic asphalt covering to the upper and lower levels was completely replaced over a period of three years in a series of packages for the Folkestone Harbour Company and their contractors using IKO Permaphalt and Recreational Duty Grade Mastic Asphalt.
The mastic asphalt was chosen because it provides both a durable surface for people to walk on and a waterproof covering helping to protect the structure over occupied spaces that should last at least as long as the original coverings.
The works were overseen by the harbour company’s engineer following advice from Knight Asphalte and IKO.
Now complete, the harbour arm houses unique restaurants and bars and provides a superb space open for the public to promenade, fish and enjoy the views, music and events that regularly take place there – when the storms aren’t raging!
During storms, huge waves often crash completely over the harbour arm and only the best product and workmanship stands a chance.
The project required dealing with the corroded ironworks and concrete damaged by the sea, which created irregular surfaces.
We also paid close attention to the weather and tides, before scheduling deliveries of molten mastic asphalt from IKO, who responded with speed and flexibility, so we could avoid those times when the conditions prevented works taking place.
Robust detailing to upstands and water chutes through the walls allow the completely submerged surface to rapidly drain as the chutes flow at full bore at times.
