Working Platform and River Access Ramp Design
Published: 06/10/2026 13:04
Richter supported WM Plant Hire with the design of a temporary working platform and access ramp at the Grade 1 Listed Powick Old Bridge on the River Teme in Worcester.
The works were required following the collapse of a wing wall after flooding to provide safe access to inspect the remaining arch and abutment, recover stone from the riverbed and assist with future permanent reconstruction. Richter designed a clean-stone working platform capable of supporting vehicles up to 13 tonnes weight, together with a temporary ramp extending from the adjacent footway into the river channel.
With limited information available, Richter established appropriate design geotechnical parameters for the riverbed and bank and sought out available river flow information. Using this the platform and ramp were designed for vertical plant loading and horizontal river flow loadings. The platform was also designed to prevent washout from any future high-water flows.
Developing a stable arrangement whilst minimising the quantity of imported stone required several design iterations. Richter developed an arrangement of 1 tonne ‘dumpy’ bags to provide a retaining structure at the edge of the platform rather than a slope to reduce the requirement for stone. A granular layer was also introduced between the bags and riverbed to increase friction and reduce the potential for sliding or washout.
The working platform was designed to a depth of 1 metre, with the ramp depth increased locally to deal with the site topography. The platform depth and stability were designed using relevant guidance, using the given loadings.
Through close collaboration with WM Plant Hire, Richter developed a highly efficient (and sustainable) temporary works solution that provided them with the access they required to complete the inspection, salvage and permanent works required.
