Clay

Tender description

Waterways Ireland proposes to enter into a Technical Dialogue with potential providers of impermeable soil/clay for lining canals during repair or reinstatement projects. The purpose of this PIN is to invite interested parties able to supply material to Waterways Ireland which meets with the performance characteristics required. The Technical Dialogue will afford Waterways Ireland with a full understanding of potential suppliers and providers in the market place. Ultimately, it is envisioned that issues discussed during the dialogue will inform the production of a specification for use in a competitive process relating to the procurement of impermeable soil/clay. This advertisement constitutes no guarantee that a future competition will be undertaken; Waterways Ireland reserves the right not to proceed any further with this process. Waterways Ireland proposes to enter into a Technical Dialogue with potential providers of impermeable soil/clay for lining canals during repair or reinstatement projects. The purpose of this PIN is to invite interested parties able to supply material to Waterways Ireland which meets with the performance characteristics required. The Technical Dialogue will afford Waterways Ireland with a full understanding of potential suppliers and providers in the market place. Ultimately, it is envisioned that issues discussed during the dialogue will inform the production of a specification for use in a competitive process relating to the procurement of impermeable soil/clay. The soil/clay required is used to form an impermeable seal to the bed and banks of the canal and as an impermeable sealant at the rear of masonry retaining walls and structures. During the construction of the canals, from the mid 1700’s to mid 1800’s, it was placed in a single deep layer using local soils wherever possible to minimise haulage of materials. Where canal reinstatement is required the impermeable clay is now normally used in conjunction with a synthetic impermeable membrane (not a requirement under this tender). At present Waterways Ireland uses impermeable clay which is known as puddle clay however this material is a naturally occurring clay which is also known as, but not limited to, “Marl” or ”Leck”. This advertisement constitutes no guarantee that a future competition will be undertaken; Waterways Ireland reserves the right not to proceed any further with this process. Waterways Ireland will treat all material discussed confidentially and if a competition is held, will draw up an open and accessible specification that favours no individual dialogue participant.