Mabey unveils new bridge lifting technique

Mabey, the leading bridge and engineering specialist, has trialled a new technique for bridge lifting.

A first of its kind for the UK, the solution was developed in conjunction with Alun Griffiths Ltd, Cass Hayward and Network Rail IP Engineering. The unique system was trialled on a project for Network Rail, which saw essential works carried out to a 150 year old viaduct safely and quickly.

Trialling the project in a live environment saw the timber viaduct crossing the River Artro in Gwynedd repaired. The new system allows the repairs to be carried out without the need to strip the track and deck structures – saving time and minimising disruption to Network Rail’s Pensarn to Llanbedr line.

The new system was so successful, it will be considered for other projects, such as the upcoming refurbishment of Barmouth viaduct, the longest viaduct in Wales.

Mabey’s new approach involves a combination of proprietary steel supports and jacking, designed to be built remotely and transported into position. The innovative system allows the repair or complete replacement of timber crossheads or support piers without having to strip the track and deck structures, enabling the repairs to be carried out more quickly, safely and efficiently. If applied to larger timber viaducts, such as the one in Barmouth, the saving in time and cost would be significant.

The £1.4M project forms part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to help accommodate for growing passenger numbers.

Steve Richardson, Contracts Manager, Rail, Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd, commented: “We approached Mabey because of their expertise in delivering bespoke, smart engineering solutions in a short time-frame. As a long-term partner of ours, the team clearly understood our unique engineering requirements and the importance of developing a system that will bring significant benefits when adopted and applied to larger projects in the future. The successful trial over the River Artro will change the way we approach and programme these repairs.”

Andrew Sperring, Programme Manager for Network Rail in Wales and the borders, said: “The railway is vital to economic growth. Our essential renewal work to the River Artro viaduct will ensure it remains safe and reliable long into the future. This project will play a key role in our improvement work to Barmouth viaduct, allowing us to use our new bridge lift techniques on a similar structure.”

Gordon MacDonald, CEO, Mabey UK Hire commented: “The River Artro viaduct is a vital crossing for passengers travelling on the route from Pensarn to Llanbedr, so trialling the replacing of the timber crosshead in the quickest, safest and most efficient way possible was key. Our innovative new jacking system was a momentous success, and the new bridge lifting techniques are being considered for wider Network Rail improvement works to the nearby Barmouth viaduct.”

 

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