The XCarb^® sheet piles from Belval installed to protect 2000 homes

Securing homes with low-carbon emissions steel

Construction began in 2023 in the Lliswerry area of Newport, and involved strengthening a 1,350m flood embankment, building flood walls, raising part of the highway, and installing a floodgate. The project included 700 linear metres of ArcelorMittal’s PU 12S steel sheet piles (1,000 units), which were installed to reinforce the embankment. Throughout the project, every effort was made to minimise environmental impact, from material selection to technical solutions.
Our customer, Ivor King, in charge of installing the steel sheet piles, overcame the challenge of a narrow working corridor by using an eco-friendly installation method, reducing vibrations and noise that could disturb local wildlife, people, and industries. As part of the project, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is also improving local green spaces and a section of the Wales Coast Path. The use of XCarb^® low carbon-emission steel, made from 100% scrap and renewable electricity, was a key differentiator for the project.

Addressing flood risks amid climate change

The Welsh government has highlighted the increasing risk of rising sea levels and extreme weather due to climate change, emphasising the need to support vulnerable communities. Homes and businesses in Lliswerry are at risk of flooding from heavy rainfall and high tides. Without intervention, future sea level rises and extreme weather could worsen flooding. The "flood risk management scheme" funded by NRW and initiated in February 2023, was designed with future climate projections in mind, addressing sea level rise over the next 50 years.

Interested to know more? Read here Natural Resources Wales article.

Photo credit: Natural Resources Wales