Mechanical Engineering, bridge bearings, structural engineering Specialists In Structural Movement Control
Mechanical Engineers Specialising In Structural Movement Control
Supplied: Temporary works, bridge jacking,
installation of 2 no. T-Mat 80
expansion joints, 3 no. mechanical
and 23 no. elastomeric bearings.
NORTHERN HUB - STRUCTURE DSE146 SPAN 19
T-MAT 80 JOINT & BEARING INSTALLATION
The Northern Hub, operated by Northern Hub Alliance and Network Rail, is a
programme of planned work schemes to improve the existing rail infrastructure and upgrade the railway in the north of England. The works will provide improved rail travel/services and connectivity which will stimulate economic
growth.
Skanska BAM Nuttall JV, one of the alliance partners, have been awarded the contract to deliver the Ordsall Chord - installation of a new rail link to provide
a direct connection between Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Victoria stations. All major construction and maintenance
works on the DSE146 Span 19 structure had to be completed within the 11
day Easter blockade as part of the construction for Ordsall Chord.
Job Brief
Background Information
Project Team
Client: Network Rail
Contractor: Skanska Bam Nuttall JV
Sub-Contractor: Ekspan
Start Date: 25 March 2016
Completion Date: 28 March 2016
Ekspan was contracted by Skanska BAM Nuttall JV to install 2 no. T-Mat 80
expansion joints with concurrent installation of mechanical and elastomeric
bearings on the DSE146 Span 19 structure. Ekspan installed 2 mechanical
and 11 elastomeric bearings on the west abutment, and 1 mechanical and
12 elastomeric bearings on the east abutment.
This project involved 2 teams of Ekspan operatives working alternate shifts
to provide 24 hours continuous working throughout the Easter bank holiday
weekend rail possession.
The bearings were all set, temporary jacking assemblies were located to take the load of the structure from the SPMTS once driven into position. The joints
were then installed during the weekend possession. The temporary jacking
assemblies allowed the bearings to be fully installed during the week following the possession. Finally, the structural load was transferred off the temporary
jacks and onto the permanent bearings.
Difficult weather conditions, namely Storm Katie, unexpected site issues that arose requiring a quick resolve, and working to fit with other suppliers’ programmes made these series of works even more intense and challenging.
Ekspan’s successful delivery of this project is attributed to meticulous planning and efficient communication and collaboration within its own team, and with the external contractors also present carrying out major construction/
improvements on the DSE146 Span 19 structure.
Ekspan's Workscope
T-Mat 80 expansion joint installed
Mechanical bearing installed
Elastomeric bearings installed