February 2015
Radical Composite ‘DURA PLATFORM’
Radical Composite ‘DURA PLATFORM’ Reduces Install Time and Improves Stepping Distance at Elephant & Castle , London
P
latform 4 at major London station Elephant & Castle was treated to an ingenious new Dura Platform passenger walkway deck system this year by Dura Composites to drastically improve the passenger experience and increase safety by reducing stepping distances from platform to train. Although this task is challenging in itself, the biggest challenge for any platform replacement or refurbishment is to carry out works without causing major passenger disruption during the construction process and sticking to the agreed schedule – this is where long-time Dura installation partner, Hammond (ECS) Ltd, brought their significant expertise and experience to the table as specialist installation contractor.
Resolving Excessive Stepping Distances It was identified that Elephant & Castle platform 4 suffered from excessive stepping distances and Hammond and Dura worked together to develop a solution that allowed a stepping distance adjustment of up to 200mm to deal with varying stepping distances along the platform. Although traditional material platform material solutions could have been be employed, they were ruled out on the basis that significant platform closures and line possessions would be required which would have led to passenger disruptions for many months whereas the composite system employed was far less disruptive and quicker
to install. The innovative solution not only removes the cost and disruption of replacement with a further concrete platform but will also stand the test of time, is adjustable to suit future rolling stock and has a design life in excess of 50 years. The new-age design was approved quickly followed the highly successful installation of a similar composite fibreglass platform system solution at Tulse Hill in 2013 – the first of its kind anywhere. Using learnings from this pioneering install in South London, a number of technical revisions were made to the system for Elephant &
Castle to drive further efficiencies throughout the supply chain, most notably during installation. The specific aim was to reduce and make consistent the stepping distance from the platform to the train and to ensure that platform 4 confirmed to Network Rail standards for height and distance – X-Y dimensions. This was a huge success with full compliancy accomplished. Photographs illustrate the improvements quite clearly and it was noted regular that elderly passengers and those with luggage were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to board or alight the train once the new platform was in situ.
Innovative Substructure Using Anchors and Plates The construction of the existing platform was pre-cast concrete with deep tarmac overlay which meant that it was not realistic to utilise the concrete ground beam solution as per the first project at Tulse Hill. Extensive research and detailed technical collaborations led to the adoption of a new chemical fixing that was capable of anchoring the substructure into
32|
the existing deep tarmac. This anchor fixing was tested independently and also by the manufacturer to ensure its effectiveness in this specific type application. Another major learning versus Tulse Hill was that rather than strip the foundations, a galvanised steel pedestal mounting plate could be fixed directly to the tarmac surface with the tarmac anchors. The plate
could then pre-assembled with the requisite amount of adjustable pedestals. These plates were arranged at suitable centres and formed the primary support for the fibreglass sub-structure. This improved system allowed preparation work to begin in engineering hours. This resulted in less passenger disruption and more efficient use of possession time.