The ‘Rapid Route’ technique of installing CCS’s ARCOSYSTEM® cable troughing via Anchor Systems’ screw piles proved to be an overwhelming success during an installation on the extensive Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
The multi-billion-pound TRU project is modernising rail travel across the north of England, boosting connectivity and economic growth between York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester.
Designed to improve passengers’ travelling experience, the substantial project is also trialling greener ways of working with innovative and sustainable equipment and products.
CCS’s elevated ARCOSYSTEM® cable containment system, manufactured from pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymers for excellent durability in all weathers, has been installed along a section of the East route in Castleford, West Yorkshire. The job began last year and the final segment, which involved fitting a 1,000-metre run of ARCO on a steep embankment close to the River Aire using Anchor Systems’ screw piles, has now been completed.
The composite design of ARCO means the troughing is light and easy to handle for on-site operatives. This played a major part in the project’s success, as the troughing can be attached to posts mounted as far as six metres apart to save on installation time and costs.
“ARCO is not just a great product to work with, it is helping TRU and Murphy achieve one of its main aims in reducing carbon. Reducing post foundations means less time needed on track, allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Additional carbon is reduced by supporting the ARCO route with the more efficient Anchor screw pile system, as opposed to using traditional concrete foundations. ‘Rapid Route’ shows how collaboration between companies and products can create innovation, and help us to improve the way we construct on the railway.”
J Murphy & Sons Ltd is the principal contractor and civil engineering partner on the TRU East Alliance, working alongside Network Rail, VolkerRail, Siemens and SYSTRA.
ARCOSYSTEM® includes a bespoke range of laser-cut steel bracketry that allows height and directional adjustments of the troughing to be made with ease, increasing flexibility when planning a challenging route.
As well as being post-mounted, the troughing can be attached to walls or clamped to trackside features such as railings, bridges, noise barriers, and rock walls.
Despite its lightweight nature, the solid construction of ARCOSYSTEM® provides long-term reliability in all environments, including areas affected by snow drifts, with a working temperature range of between -40˚C and +80˚C.
There are different sizes of ARCOSYSTEM® troughing available to cater for a range of projects and locations. Size 2, the largest cell size, was used in Castleford.
This article was originally published by Complete Composite Systems Ltd.
