Steel and cast iron structures have supported many essential links in the national rail network from the earliest days of its construction. So it’s no surprise that some show the effects of time and use.
The question then arises about the best way to bring ageing structures up to modern standards and maintain a safe and reliable network. Replacement may not be an attractive or viable option for a number of reasons.
While refurbishment can overcome the issues posed by replacement, it doesn’t come without risks. These have to be carefully analysed and managed to ensure a successful outcome.
Why Not Simply Replace?
Replacement may seem like a clean, easy-to-manage solution to a worn out railway bridge. But rail operators, passengers and businesses rely on that bridge remaining in use. A lengthy closure while the structure is dismantled and replaced (even using offsite construction methods) will cause an unacceptable level of disruption and economic impact.
Refurbishment allows for a staged approach. Essential strengthening or replacement of elements can be completed progressively during short possessions, ideally overnight. This approach should be more economically beneficial overall and may even be the only viable choice. It also helps to preserve our rail heritage.
What Could Go Wrong?
Despite the many self-evident benefits of refurbishment, there are significant risks that have to be managed. Most of these arise from disconnects in the design and fabrication process. Tight, collaborative and integrated working is essential.
A non-conforming element that doesn’t fit precisely can result in a wasted possession and have knock-on effects to the entire schedule. You can’t assume that everything is uniform in historical structures so precise measurement and recording is essential. FTE also typically uses trials and test assemblies to prove the proposed methods before starting work onsite.
Discovering unexpected corrosion or deterioration in adjacent structural elements could throw the entire project budget and timescale off course. But sometimes you can’t see everything you need to until work platforms are in place to allow closer inspection.
FTE’s Intelligent integration process provides a more effective way to manage issues that can’t be identified from a superficial inspection. This ensures successful project delivery and provides a controlled and efficient process for managing scope changes.
These project risks all applied to our recent project to refurbish Borough Market Bridge that serves London Bridge Station. Work had to be completed within a series of tight three-hour overnight closures and detailed inspection of the structure once work platforms were installed meant that a relatively minor project became much more significant. Read the case study to find out how these complications were overcome in a tightly-managed way.
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