Respreading the topsoil layer
final outfall for the system was an existing surface water drain located near the East Stand, the flow from which was controlled by a hydrobrake.
The installation of the drainage system was completed in January 2009, and a start was then made on replacing the topsoil from the 4m high stockpile that had been formed adjoining the southern edge of the square. However, weather conditions at this time started to deteriorate and the remaining earthworks were temporarily suspended. With the start of the new cricket season looming, it was decided to continue with the installation of the lateral pipe work and sprinklers for the new irrigation system. This comprised a series of Rainbird 8005 infield sprinklers fitted with turf cups spaced at 18m centres. The installation of the irrigation system
Trench warfare! Installing drains in less than ideal conditions
was sub-contracted to LS Systems Ltd. The wet weather finally relented and allowed the layer of the stockpiled topsoil to be respread although, again, this was carried out in less than ideal conditions. Indeed, during the installation of the final sections of drainage on the southern and eastern sides of the square, continuous heavy rain showers and deteriorating ground conditions made parts of the outfield look like the Somme battlefield! In spite of this, and the potential for causing future further soil compaction and destructuring, the works continued in an attempt to minimise any disruption to the overall programme. Just to add to the inclement conditions, a spell of severe frost and snow cover in March led to a further temporary suspension of works.
In early March the project was blessed with a period of almost two weeks of consistently dry and relatively mild weather. This enabled the irrigation works to be substantially completed and a start could then be made on final cultivations and grading of the soil surface, making it ready for the sand amelioration.
The latter was carried out by spreading the sand in two 30mm layers, with the second layer also containing fibre reinforcement. The final finishing off works included power harrowing and raking, this again being undertaken by Premier Pitches. At this stage, the pipe drainage system was supplemented with the introduction of sand and gravel filled slit drains introduced at 750mm centres. The outfield was eventually made
ready for turfing with the first rolls being
AFT Trenchers Ltd AFT45 For compact tractors from 20hp
With chain or slitting wheel, augers or conveyor to quickly install drainage systems, pipes or cables as and when needed.
Tel: +44 (0)1787 311811 Email:
info@trenchers.co.uk www.trenchers.co.uk 69
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