Weed Suppression | Chirk, Wrexham, North Wales

CC5^® providing effective weed suppression to GRP stairs

Plan Your Project with Us

Project Overview

In February 2022, work was carried out on behalf of Network Rail (Wales and Borders) to install 25m² of Concrete Canvas^® CC5^® GCCM to provide weed suppression below Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) stairs close to a section of railway track in Chirk, Wrexham, North Wales. Overgrown vegetation posed a significant trip hazard causing Network Rail to incur large annual maintenance costs.

To prevent vegetation from growing between the new GRP access stairs and causing a hazard, weed suppression was required.

25m²

of CC5^® resolved weed suppression issues

3 Hours

to successfully install beneath GRP stairs

4 More

access points have been lined since this install

Solution

A number of alternative solutions were considered including plastic geomembrane lining or non-woven fabrics. However, these materials can degrade in the sun and may blow away in strong winds. CC5^® was chosen due to its 120 year durability providing effective weed suppression while requiring little to no maintenance.

Design & Installation

Batched Rolls of CC5^® specified
Area cleared of vegetation
Vertical layup by hand
Perimeter edges secured in anchor trenches
Screwed and sealed overlap joints
Cut to fit around vertical upstands, gaps filled with sealant
Hydrated using 25litre water bottles

Read Installation Guide

CC providing effective weed suppression

Summary

In total 25m² of CC5^® was installed over 3 hours. The contractor found the material simple and fast to install. The project has been a great success. The aim of mitigating weed growth has been achieved as seen in a follow up visit 3 months after installation. Subsequently an additional four access points have been lined with CC5^® to provide weed suppression.

Read Full Case Study