In the summer of 2024, Grange was approached by George Leslie Ltd to supply ready-mix concrete for the construction of a new concrete slipway at Camps Reservoir in South Lanarkshire.

The slipway design incorporated a 13-degree longitudinal gradient and was to be constructed in sequential pours. This geometry imposed specific performance requirements on the concrete, which needed to remain sufficiently workable to allow effective placement and finishing within an acceptable working window, while also maintaining early-age stability to prevent downslope movement during initial setting and curing.

To meet these requirements, a bespoke concrete mix was developed and initially laboratory-tested at Grange’s central laboratory at Kirkburn Industrial Estate. The laboratory trials focused on identifying a suitable plasticiser type and dosage to achieve the required balance between workability retention and early-age cohesion. Following evaluation, Mapeplast N44, a lignosulfonate-based admixture supplied by Mapei UK Ltd, was selected.

Subsequently, full-scale mock-ups replicating the project slope geometry were constructed at Grange Quarry. These were used to carry out mock plant trials in collaboration with engineers from George Leslie Ltd, allowing the mix design and placement characteristics to be validated under site-representative conditions prior to commencement of the works.

Construction commenced in July 2025 and progressed through to completion in December 2025. This project demonstrates Grange’s collaborative approach with clients and consulting engineers, using early-stage technical development, laboratory testing, and site simulation to de-risk complex pours and ensure predictable, high-quality outcomes on challenging civil engineering projects.