The Construction Process

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Construction

The first stage is to prepare the construction site.  This invariably means securing the site to prevent unauthorised access during the construction phase. RCD will have ascertained through plans and discussion with clients the presence of any underground services; however, we generally perform a CAT scan to be certain of the absence or positioning of any services.

 

An RCD Product will invariably require the ground to be level. Correct ground preparation is essential to ensure the longevity of the facility. This will take into account drainage, access and the underlying base material.

 

RCD construction is a smooth a seamless process…

 

Willen Lake "In2Action, working with First Choice Holidays plc, use RCD to build their ropes courses throughout Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. The build quality, attention to detail and the complete focus on safety is first class and second to none. Meeting deadlines (wherever in the world a course is required), adherence to budgets, no hidden extras, innovative designs and total value for money are crucial to our business to ensure we stay ahead in a very competitive market. RCD meet and exceed in all these areas. The help and ongoing support shown by the team at RCD, from design through to completion, and the follow up maintenance support and inspection criteria also ensure we can sleep easy and stay one step ahead of the competition."

George Ross, Managing Director, In2Action

 

... The exact construction process adopted will vary depending on the type of ropes course being installed.  Following the erection of the facility, consideration will need to be given to the finished ground covering.  This is important both from an operation and aesthetic perspective. Ground covering done poorly looks shoddy, will result in high maintenance costs over the years (e.g. weeds coming through) and will be operationally unsatisfactory. Additionally, it can make other associated tasks, like mowing adjacent grass, both an expensive and time consuming process.  Poor ground covering may cause drainage problems that will limit the life of the ropes course.

 

Ground covering done correctly involves:

 

  • A proper initiall survey that will take into consideration:
    • Levels
    • Underground services (buried)
    • Drainage
    • Soil type
  • Removal of top soil layer where appropriate and necessary.  This is generally only required for an RCD product built in open / green space.
  • Placing of a hardcore base (where appropriate and typically consisting of a Type 1 Limestone that is compacted). This is generally only required with an RCD product on soft ground. Stone is positioned on top of a geo-textile membrane.  Such a membrane is essential in order to assist drainage and to prevent weeds, grass and other vegetation growing through the stone.
  • 150mm deep pea gravel or 200mm of wood or bark chipping provides a good operational surface. Our preference, however, is pea gravel in terms of providing an essentially maintenance free operating surface.  Wood chipping looks fine when initially installed but requires on going maintenance, regular replacement and topping up.  Additionally, when conditions are wet it is prone to compaction and other difficulties.
  • Well treated retainers that are securely located will ensure that the finished ground covering matches the same level of any surrounding grass or hard standing.
  • The area should be left in as good or better condition than before construction started.