- Sector: Infrastructure
- Service: Construction
- Completion Date: 1944
Historical Projects
Construction of Mulberry Harbours to support the D-Day landings
A military engineering project of unprecedented size and complexity, we played a significant role in the construction of two artificial port facilities to support the allied forces following the D-Day landings in Normandy.
We played a significant role in the construction of Mulberry Harbours, a military engineering project of unprecedented size and complexity.
The two artificial port facilities were designed to supply and support the allied forces following the D-Day landings in Normandy. We constructed part of the concrete breakwaters and built 10 of the 80 largest caissons that created Mulberry Harbours.
The breakwaters were formed from a series of 200ft-long floating concrete caissons which were constructed in docks and harbours along the south coast. These were then towed across the Channel and sunk in position to provide secure deep-water port facilities where none existed. Sir Malcolm McAlpine was chairman of the contractor’s committee responsible for the design and supply of the breakwaters.
Eight of the caissons were constructed in East India Dock but before the Wet Basin could be used, it had to be dammed across the dock entrance and dewatered. More than 81,000 tonnes of rubble from bomb-damaged buildings was used to form a bed on which the caissons were built. A further two caissons were part-built on the banks of the Thames at Erith and towed upstream for completion. Almost 100,000 tonnes of reinforced concrete were used in the construction of the caissons.
Project summary
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Defence
Find out moreFor over 155 years, Sir Robert McAlpine, a UK family owned business, has been a trusted partner, delivering major civil and defence infrastructure projects, and sensitive, high security projects, across the United Kingdom.
Our projects
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![Newcastle Airport Aerial]()
Read more aboutOnward and upward for Newcastle International Airport
Over the last 40 years, we’ve helped Newcastle International Airport expand to meet growing demand.
Sectors: InfrastructureRegion: North East -
![The main entrance to Colchester Garrison, displaying a modern security gatehouse and landscaped approach]()
Read more aboutTransforming Colchester Garrison
In 2008, RMPA Services - a joint venture between Sodexo, WS Atkins and Sir Robert McAlpine - was awarded the project for the redevelopment of the garrison and the ongoing 35 year management of the facilities for the MoD.
Region: South East -
![Detailed view of the profiled metal cladding used on DSTL facilities]()
Read more aboutProject Inspire: Advancing defence infrastructure
Our team improved Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL)'s infrastructure by creating new office and lab facilities in Salisbury and Portsmouth as part of a rationalisation and relocation initiative.
Sectors: IndustrialRegion: South West
