SRF Facility – Irish Cement

Client: Name here

Overview

• Niaron undertook the construction of a 150m long open-piled jetty structure, featuring precast concrete beams and a 3,500m2 in-situ reinforced concrete deck. The project was strategically located in the central area of Foynes Port, positioned between the operational east and west jetties. The implementation of Niaron's "dry construction" methodology ensured that port operations continued without disruption throughout the construction process.

Archaeology & Environment

• Niaron enlisted the services of an archaeologist to conduct ongoing monitoring of the work area, ensuring that the construction activities did not negatively affect any sub-surface archaeological deposits, materials, or structures.
• To safeguard marine mammals during piling operations, a Marine Mammal Observer was on-site. The implementation of a soft start procedure, gradually ramping up equipment to full power, was adopted to minimize any potential impact on the area.
  

Demolitions

• To enable the integration of the new structure, sections of both the East Jetty and West Quay were demolished. Four existing reinforced concrete fenders, each weighing 60t, were taken down and transported off-site for disposal.
• Additionally, the footprint of the new jetty structure was cleared by removing an existing piled access pontoon and a 30-meter-long gangway.
  

• Piling
  The piling phase involved the use of 3,600m of steel tubular piles with a diameter of 940mm. Specifically, two piles underwent static testing, each subjected to a load of 1,000 tons, while dynamic testing was performed on 20% of the remaining piles. This incremental piling approach synchronised with the deck construction process, eliminating the requirement for water-based machinery. This strategy ensured unimpeded marine traffic flow during the works. The in-house designed piling methods were developed by Niarons Engineers in close collaboration with the Port Authority.