York Depot
In January 2019, VolkerGround Engineering was awarded a £60,000 package of works by VolkerFitzpatrick, to assist the team at the York Depot upgrade. The upgrade is required in preparation for the arrival of the TransPennine Express’ five carriage Nova 3 and Nova 1 trains.
Supported by VolkerRail and VolkerFitzpatrick, VolkerGround Engineering installed 12no. 610mm diameter tubular piles in two sections to provide support to a retaining wall. The piles will support two buffer stops, providing lateral restraint in case of train impact.
The team used VolkerRail’s newly purchased plant, which included two Colmar T10000s, with MOVAX SG50v vibro and BSP DX-RT25 hammer attachments, to install the piles.
VolkerGround Engineering spliced an 8m by 610 diameter pile on each of the 12no 5m bottom section piles. Now at 13m, this section was able to provide full structural support for the next phase of depot modifications.
VolkerGround Engineering approached VolkerRail to assist in this project, as their team specialises in installing tubular piles on rail for Overhead Line Electrification (OLE).
VolkerRail advised on the track support zone and developed an all lines working (ALO) safe system of work to ensure the West Coast mainline was always protected.
VolkerFitzpatrick ensured that the ramp, enabling the 40tonne machines to access the piling area, was kept at a safe distance and was useable, even when ground conditions were difficult.
This project provided an excellent opportunity for three VolkerWessels UK businesses to work together, demonstrating a true collaborative approach.
"All parties involved worked hard to ensure everything went to plan. The PALs principle is extremely important to us, and this was completely understood and accepted by all parties, who, despite the many challenges, carried out the project with zero accidents or incidents.”
Clinton Smith VolkerFitzpatrick agent
