GRP Mini-mesh Grating for river-side paths
GripClad introduced GRP Mini-mesh Grating to a section of river-side footpath running through the heart of Brecon Beacon National Park. This pathway is very popular, as it winds through some of the Park's most scenic areas, showing nature off in all it's glory. Discover how GripClad have reinforced the path, giving safe access for visitors for years to come.
How We Helped
- Restored pathways with GRP mini-mesh
- Provided a solution that is both time- and cost-effective
- Allowed visitors to walk with confidence and safety
- Promoted growth along the bank thanks to grating design
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The Client
The Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) is centred on the Brecon Beacons range of hills in southern Wales. It includes the Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountain range. Home to miles of picturesque walks and activities, the Park has been protecting the land for over 60 years.
The Needs
The project was undertaken because an existing section of public footpath adjacent to a river in the village of Llangynidr was being undercut and falling away due to river erosion. Three sections of boardwalk needed to be installed.
The Solution
Due to the steepness of the ground on the riverside the warden designed a cantilever structure that would have piers out into the adjacent field that were concreted in and buried to counteract the lever forces from people using the outer edge.
If you opt for long lengths of timber then you need to add cross members into your sub frame to support the timber, which takes more time and cost. There is an additional time/cost implication with timber: either requesting non-slip to be installed from the supplier of buying and adding it yourself.
GripClad mini-mesh overcomes these obstacles by being easy to install and safer than timber.
The advantage of GripClad GRP mini-mesh is that its integral strength allows you to design in an overhang. The mesh structure also allows light in underneath causing vegetation to grow back, which in turn will help stabilise the banks underneath.
Brecon Beacon National Park:
GRP Mini-mesh Grating on riverside paths
The Result?
"As you can see space was at a premium and by having an overhang beyond the outer rail of the sub-frame we could have a sufficient width of boardwalk to give confidence to walkers. A few years on and they are weathering in well." - Sam Ridge, Assistant Area Warden