WELLINGTON MONUMENT • PROJECT REPORT •

Standing high on the Blackdown Hills, the 175ft Wellington Monument is responsible for some spectacular views over the Vale of Taunton. On a clear day, views stretch for miles across two counties, extending to the Bristol Channel and Exmoor National Park

The triangular obelisk, officially the tallest in the world, was built to commemorate the Duke of Wellington’s victory after the Battle of Waterloo. The structure is exposed to extreme weather for most of the year and consequently has needed intensive restoration every decade – an expensive process given its height. Now after an, ahem, monumental fundraising effort by the National Trust, the obelisk is about to get a serious facelift, with works designed to ensure public safety and aid vital restoration that will hopefully last far beyond the current 15-year renovation cycle.

The team at Apex Scaffolding based in Exeter was responsible for coming up with a system designed to keep workers safe at extreme height and allow for public access to the viewing platform, which will remain open during the renovations. Public tours are set to commence in the spring of 2020.

THE TALLEST OBSTACLE

“It was decided that the scaffold would be best designed using a brace-free access structure with buttress support,” says Glenn Haines, MD at Apex. “In order to provide a better solution than previous works, we decided that by not erecting full right angle returns to each of the three corners, it would provide materials savings and reduce loadings on the base of the monument. The challenge then was to link a three-sided scaffold. Following consultation with design engineers it was agreed that one elevation could drop slightly to meet its return height and still stay within TG 20:13 operational guidelines.”

“Another issue was working in high winds due to its location. The scaffolding will be in place for nearly a year allowing the contractor, Sally Strachey Historic Conservation (SSHC), to carry out much-needed repairs to the stonework and preserve the monument for many years to come. We worked in partnership with SSHC to develop this concept and assist on their own tender process. Early subcontractor engagement was vital in this project and instrumental to its success.”

PRESERVING THE IMPRESSIVE VIEWS

Safety is always paramount in construction, but especially here, as the public will have access to the monument throughout the year-long renovations.

“We decided to use four Haki M2 staircases as they allowed safe access to the scaffold and are 25% lighter than normal staircases, again reducing the loadings at the base. Two staircases provide access to the tops of the plinth and the secondary hoist, while the third will be used by the National Trust for visitor days. This staircase will take visitors up to a 10-metre-high viewing platform to enjoy the spectacular views from the top of the Blackdown Hills. The fourth and final staircase is a 21-lift leg burner that stretches all the way to the top from plinth level.” “We also provided a protected walkway around a section of the perimeter of the site using spiral ground anchors which allowed for a flush finish. This removes the risk of unauthorised access to the site.” Glenn added.

The obelisk has a frighteningly narrow spiral staircase that runs internally with just three small circular windows at the very top providing the only light inside. For safety reasons, the staircase will be closed during the renovations.

Some 30 tonnes of Kentledge firmly secure the base of the three buttresses, which allows the raking structure to extend up to 26 metres high, from which the main tower then continues upwards.

A TEAM EFFORT

The 175ft scaffold was erected ahead of program in just 8 ½ weeks by a highly experienced team of seven men, who received a battering from the typically British weather.

Glenn told us, “We picked a high-performing team with a track record of working at heights for this project. These guys are really close, and their trust, respect and training show through. People often talk about culture, but these guys really live and breathe the values we share as a company. Everyone pulled together and we’d like to thank Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, the National Trust, Optima, Haki and Hoist Hire Ltd for their collaborations on this project.”

“It has been a huge honour to carry out this work for the National Trust. We were delighted to win this contract over our competitors. All of us here at Apex are extremely proud of what we have erected and hope that it goes to prove our scaffolding capabilities. This, coupled with our recent NASC Health and Safety award, means I can happily say it’s been a very enjoyable couple of months.”

“The monument is one of those jobs any scaffolder worth his salt would love to erect. It is such a well-known West Country landmark and one of those structures you always look at when travelling along the M5 motorway. Our lads will have the ability to say, ‘I scaffolded that’ each time they pass it or until their nearest and dearest get sick of hearing it!” ■

IT HAS BEEN A HUGE HONOUR TO CARRY OUT THIS WORK FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST. WE WERE DELIGHTED TO WIN THIS CONTRACT OVER OUR COMPETITORS