Abberton Reservoir Enhancement Works

Abberton Reservoir is the fourth largest reservoir in England with an area of 4.9 km2 and a perimeter of approximately 15km. Hesselberg Hydro were appointed by Carillion as the specialist sub-contractor for the installation of the erosion protection to various sections of the perimeter as part of an enlargement project which resulted in the top water level increasing by 3.2m.

The project demonstrates the ‘whole project involvement’ ability of Hesselberg Hydro which was first approached in 2004 to advise on possible erosion protection systems. The main sections of our work included:

• Over 50,000 tonnes OSA was placed to protect the raised main dam, the raised causeway dam structure, 3 new col dams and the north east shoreline.
• Over 40,000 m2 Geomat DM20 was used to protect less vulnerable sections and to provide protection to the embankments against wave run-up above the OSA protection.
• Over 30,000 m2 Ronacoast was placed on top of the OSA at the main dam and the causeway to improve the aesthetics in these prominent areas.