Pike Lock Dam Busters
Pike Lock Dam Busters
by: Andy P.
The Onsite dam builders returned to build the dam across the canal. Compared to Blunder lock this one has to be a lot wider so the wing walls can be inspected. Jon P crew cleared the banks of vegetation and tree stumps so there was a potentially good sealing surface.
First job is to build the support framework whilst bobbing about in the water and to hopefully ensure it can reach through the metre of silt at the bottom.
The frame was completed and took most of the morning. The dam material is then attached, spread out and sunk to be base. A simple technique of more bobbing/standing on the material to get it to sink. It’s also spread as far up and along each bank as possible. Sand bags are strategically placed to keep things in place. Yes, the people are standing on the canal bottom.
Once in place, they could lift up the well sunken tarpaulin in front of the old stop planks, to let the water drain out. As time was getting on, the pump connections were reversed and water pumped out back into the lock. This didn’t take long as the metre of silt appeared. Oh dear this means a lot of digging somehow to be able to get the bottom 4 planks out.
Also on site was the film crew. A picture of them, taking pictures of us, taking pictures of them and so on. The round device in the picture is not the plug hole by the way.
Duncan had a mini digger day. A ramp was constructed so the digger could get into the canal and see if the compacted stone can be removed. Approx’ 40 m3 were left when the bridge was constructed in 2005. I guess someone thought this was a good idea at the time.
