An innovative new spillway for Bruton flood storage reservoir

The Environment Agency implemented a programme of remedial and improvement works at Bruton flood storage reservoir in 2008. As part of the works, an upgrade to the existing spillway was required and this was achieved using a stepped block system designed in accordance with a Construction Industry Research and Information Association special publication. A total of 1869 blocks weighing 900 kg each were needed, presenting a number of challenges, which were overcome through close liaison between the designer, contractor and manufacturer. Despite a tight programme and poor weather conditions over the summer, installation of the blocks commenced in April 2008 and was completed on schedule in September 2008.