Timbercrib retaining wall failure

atwitsendhelp

I have a PHI Group timbercrib retaining wall. A 16m section has failed and I am looking for anyone that has had a similar issue, I have been contacting a lot of specialist contractors and so far none have availability or are willing to quote due to the scale (they are more commercial focused). Am looking for advice from anyone that has had to deal with the same. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Section62

atwitsendhelp said:

I have a PHI Group timbercrib retaining wall. A 16m section has failed and I am looking for anyone that has had a similar issue, I have been contacting a lot of specialist contractors and so far none have availability or are willing to quote due to the scale (they are more commercial focused). Am looking for advice from anyone that has had to deal with the same. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Are you just looking for someone to repair/replace the wall, or are you also looking to claim against the manufacturer/installer?

atwitsendhelp

My immediate need is repair / replace. Anecdotally I have heard there have been lots of similar early failures of the product, though I can only find one online dating back to 2018.
My guarantee of 60yrs is worthless as it only covers the material replacement, so would be interested in pursuing manufacturers if there are other cases.

Section62

atwitsendhelp said:

My immediate need is repair / replace. Anecdotally I have heard there have been lots of similar early failures of the product, though I can only find one online dating back to 2018.
My guarantee of 60yrs is worthless as it only covers the material replacement, so would be interested in pursuing manufacturers if there are other cases.

Depending how high the wall is, a medium-size civil engineering contrator is likely to be the right fit.

But you need to start with someone to do the design work, which would probably be a structural engineer.  If you have a look at the Institution of Structural Engineers website they have tools to help you find a SE with the right specialisms in your local area.

The problem with possibly wanting to make a claim is that from the contractor/consultant's point of view that can make the job harder and therefore less attractive.  If you get bogged down in a legal case the contractor/consultant has to wait until you are ready to proceed again, which most won't want to do.  If you want support in gathering evidence and making a claim against the company then a SE with experience as an expert witness (or in claims) would probably suit - they are more likely to be used to the legal process and therefore more accepting of the delays and other issues you may have to deal with.

atwitsendhelp

Thanks, I have been in touch with a few SE’s and contractors but not found one with availability or experienced enough to be comfortable doing the work.