HELIX PROJECT | FALKIRK

The Helix project in Falkirk has transformed a tired and lifeless environment into one of the most expansive and attractive community locations in Europe. The Helix forms the hub of the Forth and Clyde canal and has a strong water theme with a kilometre of new canal providing a safe new connection to Grangemouth with a new lagoon, an adventure splash area and a wetland broadwalk. The entire site is linked by 27 kilometres of shared access pathways linking 16 communities, much of which has LED lighting, main access ways and a canal tunnel under the major M9 motorway.
Leca® Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate has played a key role below the surface of this project enabling construction access and land raising directly over a Scottish Water 36” fresh water trunk main and a 500mm pumped rising main. Its specification has avoided enormous additional costs that would have arisen from the rerouting of Scottish Water’s assets.
Rising high above this futuristic community landscape are The Kelpies, two fabulous 30-metres high, stainless steel sculptures of equine heads that reflect the lineage of the heavy horse of Scotland’s successful era of heavy industry. Created and designed by sculptor Andy Scott, The Kelpies now dominate the skyline illustrating the typically equine quality of strength and power, coupled with a majestic guardian stance, which are fast becoming an international landmark and visitor attraction. This beautiful sculpture has been brought dramatically to life by incredible engineering knowledge and superb construction skills.
FACTS
Amount of material: 2000m3 of LECA LWA (10-20mm)
Interesting Fact: Putting both raised hard and soft landscape works associated with the Kelpies over the ains would have placed unacceptable weight on the pipework so a lightweight product was required to substitute the traditional earth fill
Delivery Method: 8-Wheel Tippers
Contractors: Ironside Farrar