At first glance, a water-filled dam seems almost too simple to work. Take a large flexible tube, fill it with water, and use it to hold back the water on the other side. The principle is straightforward. A relatively large mass of water, contained within a flexible structure, is used to resist the pressure from … Read more
Frame dams are used in both construction and flood defence. They can take many forms, from proprietary systems such as Geodesign, PortaDam and Inero barriers to fabric-covered frames assembled from scaffold tube and fittings. The details vary, but the underlying principle is broadly similar. What is a frame dam? A frame dam is a temporary … Read more
Much of the infrastructure that our communities rely on sits in, alongside or beneath water. Bridges and culverts cross rivers. Outfalls and intakes connect treatment works to watercourses. Locks, sluices and weirs control navigation and water levels. Harbour walls, docks and marine structures are built directly into the water. Much of this infrastructure is also … Read more
Since founding Robert Nicholas Limited in 2013, our business has continually evolved. Every project has strengthened our understanding that the greatest value we offer our clients comes from specialist engineering, practical thinking and a deep understanding of working in and around water. Over time, our direction became clear. Rather than becoming a business that offered … Read more
How early coordination between design, access, and delivery teams can reduce disruption and improve buildability on water-led sites.