Alderston Dairies – Silage Clamp

Alderston Dairies – Silage Clamp

Alderston Dairies were looking to create a new silage clamp for their herd of 300 Jersey cattle. Situated in the beautiful East Lothian countryside the Hastie family were looking to replace their current method, using Ag Bags, with a more efficient solution. We worked with the Hastie family to design, supply and install the 3m high silage clamp in two phases.

We used these products

3m high AGRI L and U retaining walls were selected for this project, the 2.5m & 5m long units enable our contracts team to install up to 100m of walling per day and reduces the number of joints to seal. The AGRI retaining walls have a superior finish, from the C60/75 self-compacting concrete mix and have a 15kN/m² surcharge capacity. This makes them ideal for creating silage clamps, especially when larger machines are used for compacting.

Advantages of Precast

During the consultation period, we discussed several methods of construction using precast products; using steel columns with pre-stressed panels, cast-in L shape retaining wall units & modular retaining walls. As they will be laying an asphalt floor in the clamps they decided that the best option for them would be the Agri retaining wall units.

There were other key factors that made this product and method of construction more appealing to the Hasties:

• Speed of installation; works completed in three days.
• Reduced groundwork & foundation costs.
• Secure jointing system to enable good seal between the units.
• The ability to create a safe walking platform between the units using the U walls and stair sections.
• No need for planning consent, as walls are not a fixed structure.
• Ability to qualify for the tax credit, as units are movable.