Cat® 637K scrapers with push/pull attachment purchased as part of new equipment investment Earthmoving professionals Collins Earthworks has invested in several new Caterpillar machines, including four new Cat® 637K Coal Bowl Scrapers with push/pull systems. Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat products, dispatched the new additions to the fleet,
South Dock Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge in London’s Docklands, has received substantial public backing at recent consultation. Designed by Knight Architects, Arcadis, and Kgal for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH), the proposed bridge will support increased volumes of pedestrian traffic which are predicted with the expansion of
UK-based bridge design experts, Knight Architects, alongside a world-leading team of experts, reveal their innovative rail design for Network Rail’s ‘Flow’ Bridge; an innovative modular bridge which will have a wide range of applications across the network, including as a replacement to level-crossings. The new design builds upon Network Rail’s
Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale is to take the pioneering step of carrying out a set of simultaneous pipejacks from a single shaft at the North London Heat & Power Project in Edmonton. Two Iseki 1200 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) named after two deities – the Norse goddess Freya
Specialist contractor North Piling is celebrating the successful completion of a 248-pile design, supply and installation project on behalf of sustainable developers Citu at its award-winning Climate Innovation District, Leeds. North Piling used a Junttan PM20 driven piling rig to install the 300sq & 250sq pre-cast concrete piles, overseen by
Aptus Utilities, a leading multi utility connections provider is reporting an impressive start to 2021 despite the ongoing challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Bolton headquartered business secured 42 contracts with over 2900 plots in the month of January alone. This represents work with 25 clients across all 5
A few seconds footage are all that’s needed to convey the size and scale of the UK’s heaviest single-span bridge, being moved into place by Osprey at Gipsy Patch Lane, Bristol. Super-structure upgrades improve the quality of life On behalf of South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail has been putting in
Leading wet civil engineering specialists, Land & Water, has been appointed by Merton Council to build a new road bridge over the River Wandle in Mitcham. The new Bishopsford Bridge will replace the previous structure, which had to be demolished for safety reasons after partially collapsing following heavy rainfall in
Trenchless technology is a type of construction done underground which involves only little or no trenches at surface level or street level. This type of technology, crafted by engineering experts, is new, and makes use of new inventions and technology to ensure that there is less disruption to the ground.
Engineering specialist Spencer Group has filed accounts for the business year ending 31st March, reflecting a period of significant growth. Spencer Group is one of the UK’s leading privately-owned multi-disciplinary engineering businesses and delivers innovative solutions in the energy, transport, infrastructure, materials handling and industrial sectors, specialising in complex and
Cat® 637K scrapers with push/pull attachment purchased as part of new equipment investment Earthmoving professionals Collins Earthworks has invested in several new Caterpillar machines, including four new Cat® 637K Coal Bowl Scrapers with push/pull systems. Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat products, dispatched the new additions to the fleet, including a Cat D7, D9 and several D6 XEs to the company, to support the earthmover’s work around the Midlands. Collins Earthworks, based in Ripley, Derbyshire, has been managing earthworks projects for 20 years, developing a strong working relationship with Finning for the last 10–15. Due to this, Collins came to Finning with a need for machines to support its project on the Northampton Gateway and opted for the Cat 637 scrapers — machines rarely seen in the UK. Adding to the uncommon nature of these machines, Collins has also opted for push/pull systems, negating the use of trucks and excavators. The push/pull system concentrates the combined horsepower of the tractor and scraper onto one cutting edge, allowing two individual scrapers to act as a self-loading system — typically loading both machines in less than a minute, one after the other. “As we are continuing to work on various projects — big and small — throughout the UK, having the 637K scrapers in our fleet gives us the flexibility to fulfil any project efficiently” said David Collins, Managing Director of Collins Earthworks. “Earthmoving work comes in all shapes and sizes, and there is no “one fix for all” solution. Having a mixed fleet including the 637Ks, excavators and articulated dump trucks (ADTs) means that we have the versatility to complete any job, setting us apart from our competitors.” “It is amazing to see an investment into Cat 637Ks here in the UK — scrapers fill a niche in earthmoving that no other machine can compete with, and we haven’t seen these kinds of machines in the UK for a number of years” said Jake Wright, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “A good fleet of scrapers can make it much cheaper than the number of excavators and trucks that would need to be used to move the same amount of dirt. “Convenience is also key here. An efficient groundworks operation with excavators and trucks will often take several people, whereas at a moment’s notice, one operator can get on the scraper and do the same job. For short distance bulk earthmoving they are lower cost and faster than any other haulage unit. I don’t think any other setup can compete with a push/pull tandem scraper setup in sand, gravel, clay or topsoil.” To get the most out of the new investment, Finning will also be providing Collins with machine familiarisation training on the wheeled-tractor scrapers, as well as operator efficiency training during a revisit in the next six months. The machines also benefit from an extended warranty and a full preventative maintenance program, so that Collins is safe in the knowledge that Finning experts will be on hand at any time of the day. To find out more about the Cat 637K Coal Bowl Scrapers or how Finning can assist with operator training and preventative maintenance, visit the Finning UK & Ireland website.
South Dock Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge in London’s Docklands, has received substantial public backing at recent consultation. Designed by Knight Architects, Arcadis, and Kgal for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH), the proposed bridge will support increased volumes of pedestrian traffic which are predicted with the expansion of the Isle of Dogs. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the busiest pedestrian bridges in London. The Isle of Dogs in east London has been a major trading centre beside the River Thames for almost two hundred years, with Canary Wharf – one of the UK’s main financial centres – located here since 1980. The South Dock is one of two surviving docks and acts as a boundary between Canary Wharf and South Quay. The large volume of new development on the Isle of Dogs will increase predicted pedestrian traffic above levels that can be comfortably accommodated with existing infrastructure and the new pedestrian bridge has been proposed to support this expansion. The new bridge will improve walkable connections between existing public open spaces, like Jubilee Park, with proposed development in the area and local public transport interchanges such as the new Elizabeth line station (Crossrail) and the South Quay DLR station. It is also anticipated to improve access to jobs, retail, and other services at Canary Wharf. Following feedback from the RIBA Stage 2 Public Consultation (in 2018), a six-week second Public Consultation was held on the developed design for South Dock Bridge, between August and October 2020. The purpose of this new consultation, led by Knight Architects in close collaboration with LBTH, was to present the new design of the bridge and how it responded to the feedback from the previous consultation, before submitting a planning application. The consultation, to guarantee everyone interested would have the opportunity to provide their feedback during the Covid-19 pandemic, combined online events, public exhibitions and a specifically created website. The new design painstakingly builds on the feedback received in the Stage 2 consultation, which sought for a bridge that was elegant, unobtrusive, contemporary, with a neutral finish, and that somehow responded to the industrial heritage of the area. The proposed bridge has been excellently received and supported by a clear majority of the respondents who praised the bridge design and felt their earlier feedback had been addressed and responded to. The bridge has been designed as a sculpted two-span variable-depth steel beam with a single central pier in the dock. Each of these spans is approximately 35m long. The bridge provides a permanent 15m-wide and 3m-high navigable channel for smaller boats to pass underneath and, thanks to a movable (bascule) north span, a 25m wide channel without height restriction for taller ships. The deck width varies from 7.8m at the south end to 15.4m at the north one. A triangular void in the movable span directs people away from an existing emergency staircase serving the buildings located on axis at the north end of the crossing. The north abutment hosts the drive mechanism and a concealed counterweight that balances the structure to minimise the energy needed to open the bridge. The design is slender, understated, and visually compact. The void created on the main span deck not only guides users and provides an enjoyable crossing experience, but makes the structure more transparent, distinctive and memorable, allowing views through the deck when the bridge is raised. Paying tribute to the history of Canary Wharf, the bridge’s sculptural geometry echoes the curved base of the historic cranes that were once sited along the quays when the site was a commercial port. The main aspirations for the new bridge are for it to improve inclusive transport to support sustainable growth in the Isle of Dogs, contribute to local placemaking and provide a striking, elegant landmark in the area. The planning application has been submitted, and a decision is expected this month. The bridge is expected to start on site in 2022 and open in 2023.
UK-based bridge design experts, Knight Architects, alongside a world-leading team of experts, reveal their innovative rail design for Network Rail’s ‘Flow’ Bridge; an innovative modular bridge which will have a wide range of applications across the network, including as a replacement to level-crossings. The new design builds upon Network Rail’s expanding catalogue of signature footbridges and follows their ‘Principles of Good Design’. The ‘Flow’ Bridge is designed in high-strength composite materials, providing freedom in design and cost effectiveness, amongst numerous other benefits. Knight Architects were appointed to develop a concept design in Spring 2020, and have developed the design almost entirely remotely with Network Rail, Jacobs, Flo Flo, KS Composites, Sui Generis, Q-Railing, Rapid Root, Epsilon Optics, Sentry Systems and Mabey Bridge. Using Composite Materials Knight Architects’ ‘Flow’ Bridge design uses modern composite materials which have numerous benefits – they are light weight, cost-effective, and strong. They also offer a great deal of freedom in design – a wide-range of forms are achievable. Given this flexibility, the team wanted to develop a solution which significantly enhanced the user experience of crossing the railway, starting first by thinking about people using the bridges, rather than the objects themselves. This approach is echoed in Network Rail’s ‘Principles of Good Design’ which set out the ambitions for new structures across the network. People First Design Network Rail’s bridges play a vital role as part of a holistic end-to-end passenger journey. They have to provide a safe crossing of the tracks, yet often the safety and security requirements of the railway can lead to bridges which are unwelcoming, and are seen as a negative part of the journey. Knight Architects subsequently developed the ‘Flow’ Bridge concept, alongside the rest of the team, to focus on greatly improved user experience. It is designed to meet the required standards, whilst also creating a welcoming, enjoyable, and safe crossing for all. Key Aspects of the Innovative Rail Design The Corner – Traditionally, ramps and stairs are positioned at 90 degrees to the main span which when combined with high-containment parapets creates a ‘blind corner’ to turn around. This creates an uncomfortable moment for users, unable to see who or what is around the corner. Smoothing this corner out is important, as it creates a much safer, more welcoming user experience. However, doing so can lengthen the bridge, pushing the stairs/ramps away from the rail fence line and clearance envelope. This increases the cost, material use, and the land required for crossings. The ‘Flow’ Bridge resolves this with the addition of a structural ‘spine’. Whilst the deck turns smoothly around the corner, the supporting spine remains orthogonally aligned to the railway. This ‘disconnect’ between spine and deck allows the deck to ‘flow’ around the corner, whilst maintaining a minimalistic structural footprint. The addition of a spine also unlocks other benefits. On site, it allows deck modules to be lifted in incrementally, allowing for smaller, more manageable components to be transported and installed, or even replaced if necessary. It provides rigidity between deck modules, resulting in more refined connections, and allows precise connection to the concrete-free ‘Rapid-Root’ foundation system. The Parapet – The containment requirements of the railway often lead to solid, tall parapets, which create an oppressive, tunnel-like experience. The view from the structure is restricted, and the resulting enclosed space being poorly overlooked can even feel unsafe. In response to this, the team wanted to return bridges to being enjoyable ‘moments’ within a walk, opportunities to take in a new view, a vantage point from which to experience the surrounding environment. But this is also about safety – the view of the bridge is also opened up, and with more visibility of who is on the bridge, people can see their entire route before they embark upon it. Knowing that they can be seen on the bridge will make people feel safer when using it. Opening up these views requires transparency, and so a glazed parapet system has been developed. At low level the composite material extends up above the deck, but only as far as is necessary from a structural standpoint. Beyond this, the containment is achieved through laminated frameless glazing, held by an aluminium channel; a system designed by Q-Railing. The glazed element is one of the ‘variables’ of the scheme, with a multitude of options available to suit all site conditions. For example, a layered glass/composite solution has been developed to improve the glazing durability in sites particularly prone to vandalism. Modular Aesthetics of the Innovative Rail It is essential that any modular solution carefully considers the identity of the railway and also the identity of the specific sites in which the bridges will sit. Local stakeholders often view standardised solutions as insufficient, utilitarian and inward-looking – focusing only on the requirements of the rail, often at the expense of local objectives. The ‘Flow’ Bridges are inherently outward-looking. The crossings are designed to be assets within their communities, with each design taken as an opportunity to provide a beneficial, tangible link between the railway and the people which surround it. One of the key challenges for any ‘standard’ bridge solution is how one design can ‘fit’ a variety of sites. Standardisation is driven by consistency and repetition, yet good design traditionally seen as a specific response to context. The ‘Flow’ Bridge addresses this with contemporary, refined forms paired with careful detailing and a ‘human-scale’, all driven through enhancing the user experience. The aim is to ensure that even the ‘base’ design offers an attractive, fitting and welcomed addition to new sites. To respond to the specific characteristics of a site, the system offers a wide-variety of configurations. These extend from geometric adaptability such as altering the span or width of the deck, through to texture, pattern and colour modifications all of which are readily achievable with composites. Whilst the current prototype has been built as a stair-only version, the completed system will be capable of offering accessible crossing with the addition of ramps
Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale is to take the pioneering step of carrying out a set of simultaneous pipejacks from a single shaft at the North London Heat & Power Project in Edmonton. Two Iseki 1200 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) named after two deities – the Norse goddess Freya and the Greek goddess Artemis – will complete two pipejacks of 122m and 210m to install two new 1200mm sewers diverting the existing Chingford and Angel sewers. The TBMs’ names were adopted from suggestions put forward by children from Mountnessing Primary School in Brentwood. Although COVID 19 meant that the children could not attend a naming ceremony, the Barhale team was able to video and share the official unveiling. The opportunity for simultaneous pipejacking was spotted by the Barhale team as part of the design phase for the works. Contracts Manager Jaimie Lawson believes that identifying and adopting innovative engineering solutions has been a hallmark of the team’s approach. “It is a point of principle for us that we scrutinise every job to try to find economies and efficiencies both in the design phase and also throughout construction,” he said. “Reducing overall programme time is a key focus. “This is a hugely important project for the capital and one which is very much in the public’s eye so we are pleased to have been able to find ways of not only accelerating our programme but also adding value and minimising any potential disruption to the community and reducing environmental impact. “Carrying out both pipejacks in unison will allow subsequent contractors to access the site earlier and help to ensure that this key phase of the project is brought in ahead of schedule. “It builds on our earlier design solution of relocating one of the reception shafts to help decongest the site, generating a significant programme saving for the client.” Terry Brandon, Senior Project Manager for North London Waste Authority welcomed Barhale’s innovative approach and paid tribute to the children for their imaginative names. “It’s a real testament to the Barhale team that they have decided to undertake both pipejacks at the same time,” he said. “This is an ambitious project with tight build parameters so we are keen to embrace all ideas and approaches which can accelerate the programme. “We also felt that the names the children came up with were particularly resonant. Artemis is the Greek goddess of the wilderness and a protector which links to NLHPP’s role to protect the environment and treat waste in the most sustainable way; while Freya’s Norse origins tie in with our ambition to build an Energy from Waste facility influenced by the best Nordic examples in Denmark and Sweden.” The new energy recovery facility at the Edmonton EcoPark is being built on behalf of North London Waste Authority, will deal with up to 700,000 tonnes of waste from the seven north London boroughs per year. It will generate around 70 megawatts of electricity – enough to power around 127,000 homes.
Specialist contractor North Piling is celebrating the successful completion of a 248-pile design, supply and installation project on behalf of sustainable developers Citu at its award-winning Climate Innovation District, Leeds. North Piling used a Junttan PM20 driven piling rig to install the 300sq & 250sq pre-cast concrete piles, overseen by Director of Operations Gary Weir. The team were onsite a total of 3 weeks. The riverside site, on the edge of Leeds city centre, was not without its challenges with unforeseen ground obstructions and poor weather conditions, including lengthy snow periods, having to be overcome so the final schedule was unaffected. The piles are supporting Citu’s “Aire Lofts”, consisting of 108 mainly one and two-bedroom apartments, with a handful of penthouses, due to complete in 2022. The Climate Innovation District is the largest sustainable development currently underway in the UK with 1,000 homes being built on car-free streets on the former brownfield site which straddles the north and south banks of the River Aire. These are connected by an iconic bridge, installed by Citu, to serve both sides of the community. Citu is an award-winning vertically integrated developer that designs and wholly manages the construction of a range of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes and apartments, based around a Scandinavian model of medium density urban housing. All the homes are uniquely manufactured at Citu’s factory, Citu Works, again reducing the carbon footprint of the overall build. Said North Piling Managing Director Adam Silverwood: “North Piling prides itself on accurate quoting and complete transparency from the outset and throughout the project in order the gain trust, build relationships and allow for effective communication. Feedback from Citu was that they were delighted with the communications throughout the project and our fast response times meant for a streamlined delivery of service. “I am thrilled that North Piling was involved in what is turning into an iconic development for Leeds city centre. It is even more personal to me as this is my home city and where North Piling began its journey,” added Adam. “I am extremely proud of my team for their consistent hard work and dedication in very testing circumstances due to the Pandemic. I pass this site regularly and look forward to watching the site progress and deliver a development that is leading the way in sustainable living.” Leeds-based Citu was set up in 2004 by Chris Thompson, who continues to lead the business today. Citu aims to tackle climate change through developing exemplar and innovative developments that help create a ripple effect in the industry and lead to more widespread adoption of sustainable methodologies. Always brownfield, urban, connected and embodying a sense of community, Citu has been developing a framework of what sustainable development looks like and believes the wider benefits around health and wellbeing, air quality, ecology, fuel poverty, economic development, connectivity and tackling the housing shortage – all mean that the net effect is a very positive one. Chris added: “We were delighted with the work undertaken by the North Piling team which was delivered on time, despite some challenging conditions. The communication was excellent, site inspections were undertaken at very short notice to ensure we could go ahead with the planned date for the piling works, nothing was too much trouble.” Note to Editors: North Piling is a specialist piling company based in Leeds, Yorkshire and operates nationwide offering reliable cost-effective piling solutions. The team has 15 years’ experience in the piling industry, can undertake all methods of piling, offer a personalised and transparent service. North Piling install piled foundations for house extensions to large housing developments, commercial buildings, flood lights, wind turbines and many more. www.northpiling.co.uk Climate Innovation District: Citu is developing over 1,000 new low carbon homes alongside manufacturing, leisure, offices, a primary school, care home and climate resilient public facilities in Leeds. The homes will be a mix of 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments, and 3 and 4 bedroom ‘family’ houses based around a European model of medium density urban housing with high architectural and design standards that create homes that feel light, bright and well designed. Each home will have access to large amounts of outdoor space and the district creates a series of inter-linked pieces of high-quality public realm designed to encourage community interaction.
Aptus Utilities, a leading multi utility connections provider is reporting an impressive start to 2021 despite the ongoing challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Bolton headquartered business secured 42 contracts with over 2900 plots in the month of January alone. This represents work with 25 clients across all 5 regions that they operate it. The month was also further bolstered by 5 new client wins. To support this continued success the company continues to grow and has recruited 14 additional members to the team during January. The Aptus Utilities operations team also delivered 100% of the months 700+ plot connections within the 10 day call off period. The stellar start to 2021 follows a solid performance in 2020 which saw the company secure 279 contracts, 89 new clients and delivering more than 9000 plot connections across the year. Lisa Kerford, Managing Director, from Aptus Utilities says “2020 was a challenging year but thanks to the hard work and commitment of all of our colleagues we continued to grow. Our advanced multi utility capability and exceptional customer service sets us apart from competitors and has been pivotal to the company’s success, helping to cement Aptus Utilities’ position as a leading multi utility provider within the UK housebuilding industry.” During a decade in the industry Aptus has built strong working relationships with local highway authorities and existing utility network owners, enabling them to consistently provide clients with a first-rate streamlined service. By providing excellent customer service and ensuring that all tenders are issued with a fully inclusive scope of works, clients can be assured of an end-to-end fully-managed project. For more information on Aptus Utilities visit www.aptusutilities.co.uk.
A few seconds footage are all that’s needed to convey the size and scale of the UK’s heaviest single-span bridge, being moved into place by Osprey at Gipsy Patch Lane, Bristol. Super-structure upgrades improve the quality of life On behalf of South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail has been putting in a new railway bridge at Gipsy Patch Lane – a single-span superstructure that’s part of the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension scheme. This £57m investment should reduce congestion in the area and improve journey times for all road users with a new public transport system and an alternative to travelling by car. Supporting Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, Osprey was asked to deliver a full suite of specialist logistics that could move the UK’s heaviest, single-span, reinforced concrete ‘portal’ structure. The approach was challenging. The video shows the single-span in transit on a 144-axle self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) unit with 576 individual wheels – and Osprey also used heavy-lift cranes and an innovative arrangement of hydraulic jacks and longitudinal beams. In all, the portal structure and the installation equipment weighed 5200 tonnes, over half the weight of the Eiffel Tower. Editors can view and share the video here: Removing the existing bridge, installing a new asset With a span of almost 25m, the new bridge at Gipsy Patch Lane replaces an existing single-arch brick structure. The installation needed a closure of the railway. During the replacement, teams removed overhead railway line equipment, dismantled and removed the existing railway track and ballast, demolished and removed the existing bridge and excavated over 30,000 tonnes of earth. Using our in-house experience of transporting and installing other giant assets – everything from the same kind of railway engines that will use the Bristol line, to renewable wind farm turbines or nuclear power plant components – Osprey used a wide range of equipment to complete the move. The project experienced challenges but the SPMTs manoeuvred the entire portal into position, while the bracing effectively ‘held the walls apart’ to maintain its structural integrity during the move. Assets of this immense strength have flexibility built into them, which is a challenge that needs to be overcome during installation. Working collaboratively delivers innovation This way of working significantly reduced the amount of time our team needed to be on site, which is of instant benefit to project planning. However, it is also a benefit to the local community – it means their lives are disrupted far less. Osprey’s project manager, Mitchell Smith: “Our short video clip puts things into perspective. The Gipsy Patch Lane bridge is one of several in this programme of work for Network Rail, but it’s the largest and the heaviest. The project did face challenges, but we quickly found ways to adapt and, in fact, improve our health and safety approaches – making it possible to work very collaboratively with our suppliers, and move the single-span superstructure into place in the shortest amount of time possible.” The new bridge will bring communities together, reduce commuter times, and provide a boost to the business environment that helps the local economy. Mitchell continues: “The Gipsy Patch Lane bridge will reduce commuter times for several major employers. We’re proud to play our part in preparing for the future, helping our local Bristol community to re-establish even better connections with an improved transport network. What’s more, many of our team live in the local area, so it’s been very rewarding to be working on something that will have such a long-term impact – this new bridge should be here for at least the next 125 years.” The importance of upgrading infrastructure Efficient road and rail networks are crucial for the economy and renewed investment in transport and communication links is essential. Traditionally, a project like this might involve many months of disruption. In all, Gipsy Patch Lane itself has to be closed for around eight months, but we’re delighted to say the overall disruption is being reduced by the work we’ve been doing – working closely with our client, Alun Griffiths, to remove Network Rail’s older and narrower bridge and replace it with an impressive piece of smart, modern engineering.
Leading wet civil engineering specialists, Land & Water, has been appointed by Merton Council to build a new road bridge over the River Wandle in Mitcham. The new Bishopsford Bridge will replace the previous structure, which had to be demolished for safety reasons after partially collapsing following heavy rainfall in June 2019. Land & Water was contracted by Merton Council to carry out the demolition work last spring. Replacing the bridge is a particularly complex task because it influences river flow and has a range of utilities running through its structure. During the project, a temporary cofferdam to the north and south side of the bridge will be installed, while work takes place underwater. The new river crossing, along the A217, will be wider than the previous bridge, to include a northbound segregated cycle lane and a wider shared southbound pavement and cycle space. The new design has a single span, rather than three arches like the old bridge. Land & Water’s ongoing environmental commitment has been reflected in its choice of specialist plant, which minimises noise. The river banks border Watermeads Nature reserve and the plans will help promote biodiversity in the river and on its banks. Construction Director at Land & Water, Kevin Kirkland said: “We are looking forward to returning to Mitcham to build a new bridge at this key river crossing. “It is a particularly challenging project because the bridge influences river flow and has a range of utilities running through its structure. We will be working closely with Merton Council to safely build a new bridge to replace the 200-year-old previous structure. The new bridge is designed both to meet the demands of today’s traffic and to encourage people to make more journeys by bike or on foot. “Land and Water is committed to improving the environment around its engineering works.”
Trenchless technology is a type of construction done underground which involves only little or no trenches at surface level or street level. This type of technology, crafted by engineering experts, is new, and makes use of new inventions and technology to ensure that there is less disruption to the ground. This makes engineering easier and more environment-friendly as it avoids further damage caused by the usual equipment used to achieve the same goal. What Is a Trench? Generally, a trench is a depression in the ground, also known as an excavation, which is deep and wide. However, the measurements for its deepness vary from how wide it’s supposed to be. It’s important to note that trenches are more deep and narrower. In the world of engineering, trenches are created to keep easily damaged materials underground. An example of this is an oil tank. Oil tanks are usually placed underground to directly provide oil to be pumped to the surface. The tanks are buried because, if kept outside, they’re more susceptible to damage from natural elements like air, fire, and water. Some other infrastructure kept in trenches are telephone wires and water pipes. Trenches can also be used to serve as a foundation for a building. Beams and concrete will be erected deeply into the ground to help support the weight of the building. Sometimes, trenches can also be used for underground transport like railway systems to shorten the travel time of people living in congested cities. Three Types of Trenchless Technology As more people create innovations that help improve different engineering processes, the work becomes easier to handle. This will not only aid engineers in speeding up production time, but construction workers who are directly in charge of all the digging and cementing will benefit from them the most. There are three types of trenchless technology you need to know about. Pipe lining. This type of trenchless technology is famous for replacing old sewer drains. It’s a way of restoring your pipes and making them free from corrosion, cracks, and leaks. With your old pipes being buried deep into the ground, it became susceptible to different natural irritants which include metal, minerals, oxygen, and water as well as chemicals that have seeped into the ground. By using the best trenchless equipment for pipe lining, your sewers will finally remain intact and work best to regulate your home’s drainage system. Sliplining. In sliplining, the purpose is to fix. To further explain, it’s used to repair existing pipelines by pulling or pushing a new pipe into an existing pipe. In this way, you don’t have to extract the old pipe by digging it up again. You can just insert a new pipe within and wait for the rest of the materials from the old pipe to break down. In doing so, a lot of time and effort will be saved, and workers can do more tasks. Directional boring. In directional boring, you can install underground pipes directly by boring into the ground. Unlike trenches which are very deep in nature, the process of directional boring involves installing underground utilities using only a shallow arc to minimize impact to the ground. As such, this can also help protect the environment because the hole will not be too deep, and there will be less chances for chemicals to seep into the cracks of the hole. Advantages of Trenchless Technology Trenchless technology offers many advantages to people involved in the process. Aside from making it easier to replace old pipes, it also reduces the possibility of cave ins. Workers do not need to dig deep holes and put their lives in a lot of danger because trenchless technology will ensure that everything will be replaced and improved at lesser cost and amount of time. Also, using trenchless technology reduces congestion and road traffic because there won’t be any open trenches. This also proves safe for car owners and motorists because the possibility of driving into a manhole will be significantly reduced. Installation in trenchless technology allows shorter working schedules. Also, it helps in lessening destruction of the environment, as open trenches were very prone to natural elements. In the case of trenchless technology, aside from doing away with deep excavations on the ground, the requirements to have projects that use the technology can be approved faster than in the traditional way of doing things. Hire an Expert Whether you’re an owner of a huge firm that needs services involving trenchless technology or someone needing to fix up a few pipes at home, you need to hire an expert that can help you with your needs. Experts have a lot of experience and can do the job faster. Likewise, considering the use of trenchless technology will be a good step in improving the planet’s life.
Engineering specialist Spencer Group has filed accounts for the business year ending 31st March, reflecting a period of significant growth. Spencer Group is one of the UK’s leading privately-owned multi-disciplinary engineering businesses and delivers innovative solutions in the energy, transport, infrastructure, materials handling and industrial sectors, specialising in complex and business-critical schemes. In the year to March 31st 2020, Spencer Group increased turnover by £9m, from £54m the previous year to £63m (an increase of 17.5%). Pre-tax profits also grew by 17.5% o £2.2m, from £1.8m in the year to March 31st, 2019. Hull-based Spencer Group also reported an exceptional strike rate of almost 50% of tenders won and entered the current financial year with secured work with a value of £55m. The year saw Spencer Group build on its acknowledged expertise and industry leadership in fields such as rail infrastructure, depot maintenance and improvements, and complex bridge renovations. Spencer Group’s flagship works over the course of the financial year included a major rail capacity enhancement project at Stevenage Station in Hertfordshire. The complex £30m project involved constructing a 130m-long platform, complete with approximately two kilometres of new electrified track and signalling, to enable additional services into London King’s Cross from Stevenage. It was completed a year ahead of the scheduled opening by working in close collaboration with immediate client Network Rail, end user Govia Thameslink Railway and other stakeholders. Spencer Group was also appointed during the year to carry out a long-term maintenance programme on Scotland’s Erskine Bridge. More recently, Spencer Group began work to refurbish and rebuild the 200-year-old Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland. The company was appointed by Northumberland County Council to dismantle the historic crossing over the River Tweed and carry out a complete refurbishment and rebuild to mark its bicentenary. Executive Chairman Charlie Spencer OBE said: “These encouraging results reflect our focus on our core strength of delivering challenging engineering projects. We’ve continued to do this by utilising our exceptional in-house design and construction expertise across multiple sectors to provide competitive advantage. “Our growth strategy has been to target projects that specifically match our capabilities and specialist knowledge. “We have a strong order book going forward and we are confident of exciting future opportunities, particularly in rail infrastructure and maintenance facilities and the repair, refurbishment and maintenance of bridges, two fields in which we are acknowledged industry leaders. “The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges to every business but we remain in robust financial health and move forward from a position of strength.”
