CRS Ltd was contracted to build a retaining wall for a social housing organization in Holtshill, Walsall to replace an existing failing wall in a cost effective way. CRS used a modular prefabricated concrete block system which allowed for faster installation over two weeks with deliveries of blocks direct from the factory. This modular system saved over £5000 compared to traditional construction methods and allowed the road to reopen earlier than expected. The client was pleased with the innovative yet cost effective and timely solution provided by CRS Ltd.

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®CRS Ltd – Holtshill 2014
CASE STUDY – Helping cost efficiency in social housing
Employing nearly 4,600 people, the Accord Group is one of the largest housing and social
care organisations in the Midlands, providing 13,000 affordable homes and health and
social care to 80,000 people.
Scaffolding has been holding up segments of
a 60m wall in Holtshill, Walsall since 2013.
The road has been closed during which time
the existing wall was made good and
protected and a replacement scoped.
After some considerable time searching for
the right solution we, CRS Ltd, (a Kent based
civil engineering group and FSB member),
were
requested
to produce
a cost
effective, engineered, bespoke solution.
CRS responded immediately and within 2 weeks,
commencement on the wall began in earnest. A temporary
steel frame was placed in front of a bungalow, the scaffolding
dismantled, the foundations were carefully excavated and
concrete poured a new foundation for the retaining wall.
This was not a small undertaking. The pre‐fabricated blocks
were delivered and installed direct from the delivery lorry,
with up to 3 lorry deliveries per day. Over 40m2 were
installed daily.
The blocks were manufactured by Elite
pre‐cast, a Telford based manufacturer
and winner of West Midlands Business
Masters 2012. The blocks were
installed over a two week timeframe,
with regular site progress inspections
from CRS.
Colin Gaunt, Director of CRS explained,
“Being on­site enabled the modular
system to be reviewed with a constant
strive for cost reduction and safety. The

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®CRS Ltd – Holtshill 2014
volumes of blocks were reduced from the original expectations and around £5000 of savings were
made in block costs alone, over 20% of the originally proposed wall. If traditional systems had been
used, e.g. pour in­situ, those savings would not have been possible.”
In fact the use of the modular
system resulted in the construction
of the brick face in an improved
time frame.
John Bedford Director of Project
Development (Regeneration)
stated;
“We had considered a number of
options to construct the new wall
with the least disruption to local
residents and the highway users. We
needed an innovative cost effective
speedy solution and after discussing
this brief with a number of suppliers, opted for the solution proposed by CRS Ltd. We are delighted
with how the project was executed, the fact that the design allowed efficiency on site and that the
method adopted provided the quick operation we desired”.
Finally, fencing and the
residents gardens were put
back to better than original
state ‐ The site was cleared,
the Heras fencing was
removed and the road re‐
opened earlier than expected.
For your retaining wall needs contact;
CRS Ltd, Medway Innovation Centre, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9FD, 01634 820787