Practical Use of Technology in Delivering the UK’s Largest Coastal Defence Scheme on the Fylde Coast, Lancashire

The Fylde peninsular coastal programme is a partnership of Local Authorities that identified the benefits of working together with the Environment Agency (EA) in its strategic overview role. The partnership is currently delivering two coastal schemes with combined value £90 million through a collaborative approach. The authorities have sought to utilise technological advances in information management and data capture to facilitate collaboration and to provide a system that provides benefit throughout the whole project life.

The paper describes how technological advances are now allowing a pathway from design through construction to record collection and asset management. This will achieve whole life economic benefits together with safer working practices. Concentrating on three areas; the management of data through Building Information Management (BIM), the use of drones to inspect works and advances in Global Positioning Systems (GPS) allowing improved working practices. The paper provides practical advice and learning on the journey to date together with potential future opportunities.