Case Study

Myra Falls, Canada

Client Undisclosed
Contractor Nuna Innovations Inc.
Gripple Terra-Lock™ System TL-100 & TL-A3
Application Reinforcing Concrete Canvas® for channel lining
No. of Systems 10,000 Systems (TL-100 & TL-A3)

In August 2016, over 10,000 Terra-Lock™ anchoring systems were used to

reinforce over 11,000m2 of Concrete Canvas® at an underground zinc and copper Previous degrading channel section
mine on Central Vancouver Island, Canada, for a large diversion channel.

The diversion channel, which conveys clean water from the hillside above to a
lower creek, was originally lined with shotcrete and reinforced with steel rods
but the material and structural integrity had begun to degrade over time. It was
recommended that the diversion channel should be enlarged and realigned to
effectively handle the high-water volume and velocities. The Terra-Lock™ system
was chosen as a durable long term solution due to its ability to withstand the high
flow velocities (20m/s) and to stabilise the side slopes of the channel (2:1).

Since the water was diverted away from the channel during installation, the Installation of Terra-Lock™ system
speed of installation was key as the diversion pipes wouldn’t be able to handle
the high-water volume expected to begin in early October. The use of Terra-
Lock™ system meant measures could be in place much faster with a lightweight
and greener product.

Adjacent layers of CC were overlapped by 100 mm in the direction of water flow and
secured using 1.5 m corrosion resistant Terra-Lock™ anchors with 3 mm stainless
steel cables every meter along the overlaps. This was further reinforced by the
TL-100, helping to maintain intimate contact between the CC and subgrade
surface. The Concrete Canvas® was also pinned into 300 mm deep anchor
trenches on either side of the channel. The trenches were then backfilled with
material to provide a neat termination and prevent water ingress. Completed Concrete Canvas® channel

The installation took 6 weeks to complete with an average crew size of 6 men and
daily temperatures up to 34°C.

The client was satisfied with the product and the minimal amount of specialist
training or equipment required. In addition to this, the speed of installation meant
the project was completed before the heavier precipitation arrived at the mine in
early October which may have caused significant project delays.

www.gripple.com

Gripple Ltd | The Old West Gun Works | Savile Street East | Sheffield S4 7UQ Tel 0800 018 4264 Fax 0114 275 1155 Email info@gripple.com
CIV-CASE-TL-ENG-1812