Stainless UK have supplied over 120 stainless steel Grip-Bar anchors to contractor BAM Ritchies for use as soil nails, rock anchors and special foundation assemblies as part of the geotechnical works required for the construction of a new lifeboat station at St Davids on the Pembrokeshire coast.

For over 140 years a lifeboat has been stationed at St Davids on the rugged Pembrokeshire coast. The old lifeboat station was over 100 years old and not able to house the new £2.5m Tamar class lifeboat. A new £9.5m lifeboat station and slipway has been constructed next to the old boathouse which is able to house the new lifeboat and also provide modern facilities for the 2 full time staff and 28 crew volunteers.

To stabilise the cliff face around the new station, 20mm diameter stainless steel Grip Bar anchors in 2m and 3m lengths were used as soil nails. Square plates were supplied with each anchor to secure the rock netting. 30mm Grip Bar anchors in 8m lengths were used as rock anchors in the most unstable areas of the cliffs.

Stainless UK also manufactured in their Sheffield factory the 8.5m long, 36mm diameter Grip-Bar anchors that are being used to tie back reinforced concrete facings to the cliffs which will act as column supports for the new lifeboat station. The Grade 316 stainless steel anchors bar are set into the rock face at 25˚ and then tensioned. Access to the anchor heads has been maintained by casting a recessed area into the concrete facing blocks. Custom made stainless steel covers have been supplied to protect the anchor bar heads and provide for future access if required.