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the rail engineer • February 2014
MegaTech
success W
ith Network Rail and the train operators constantly striving to provide more capacity, several programmes have been introduced nationwide to lengthen trains on various routes. These longer trains naturally require longer platforms, so a number of stations are being remodelled with both extended platforms and repositioned trackwork and signalling. To avoid disruption to existing services, as much of the work as possible is being carried out overnight and on short weekend possessions. Network Rail has encouraged innovation in this area, looking for more modular forms of construction to cut down on handling costs and time. In May 2008, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) commissioned a report on the MegaTech system in use in the Netherlands, gathering the views of ProRail, the Dutch infrastructure maintainer, which has used the system for ten years. The ORR’s report demonstrated that, when compared to traditional methods of platform construction in the UK, the MegaTech Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) system could save as much as 30% on the direct cost and also significantly reduce the duration of proposed possessions for platform construction. In simple terms the MegaTech EPS system is a precast concrete slab on top of an EPS block on a sand screed bed. MegaTech Projects Ltd undertook to introduce the MegaTech EPS
system into the UK market and demonstrate, through a trial site with Network Rail, that the system could offer the anticipated programme and financial benefits.
Network Rail Forward Thinking A trial site at Sanderstead in Surrey was selected as part of the East Grinstead platform extension programme. The works would require extensions to two platforms of 43 metres and 57 metres respectively, giving an overall length of 100 metres. Prior to awarding the trial contract to MegaTech Projects in January 2010, Network Rail sent three representatives to the Netherlands to visit some completed stations. They met with ProRail and discussed all aspects of the platforms from design through to installation, including public liaison and any maintenance issues, so they could get a feel for the whole-life cost. Following this positive research, MegaTech Projects and its
designers had to demonstrate to Network Rail that the MegaTech EPS system complied with Railway, British and European Standards. It also had to be shown to meet all the requirements of chemical damage, fire resistance, vandal protection and, where appropriate, any stipulated Local Authority planning conditions.
Benefits of System As the system was being utilised for the first time in the UK it was important to ensure that all standards, etc were fully met. This involved translating Dutch documents into English and further demonstrating, through design and calculations, the technology and science behind the system. The system approved for the trial
site offered the following benefits: »» On a site with Road-Rail Vehicle (RRV) access to only one side, the ease of construction reduced the time needed on site and the associated requirement for possessions and isolations; »» The lightweight nature of the system lends itself perfectly to sites with poor or problematic ground conditions; »» There is no requirement for concrete foundations and/or piling - even on sites built on an embankment where the EPS is used to level off the bank with no piling required; »» Existing cables and troughs can be incorporated into, under or behind the platform while access chambers can be incorporated into the structure;