FP MCCANN SEMI-MODULAR PRECAST CROSSWALL PLATFORM SYSTEM INSTALLED AT ABERDARE STATION

Project: Semi-Modular Precast Concrete Platform Construction Aberdare Railway Station

Client: Transport for Wales

Infrastructure Delivery Partner: Alun Griffiths

Products Supplied: Precast Concrete Crosswall Units; Precast Concrete Platform Slabs; Precast Concrete Stair Flight

FP McCann has supplied its semi-modular crosswall precast concrete platform units which have been installed as part of the Transport for Wales rail infrastructure development work, extending rail services between Aberdare and Hirwaun. The semi-modular crosswall and platform slab system is forming a new platform at Aberdare Station to allow for more frequent and longer trains to run. As well as platform works, signalling upgrades and station refurbishments, 170 km of track are being electrified on the South-East Wales railway network, enabling high frequency fast trains to run from 2024.

The Aberdare platform and station refurbishment contract is part of the “Metro Plus” scheme, complementing the ongoing delivery of the South Wales Metro which will see four trains an hour serving Aberdare. Specialist civil engineer and Transport for Wales Infrastructure Delivery Partner and Alun Griffiths is undertaking the work at Aberdare amongst other infrastructure projects on the network.

In consultation with transportation engineering partner Atkins, it was determined early in the project design phase that an offsite precast concrete semi-modular platform system would enable work to be undertaken in the tight 24 hour construction window. During the planned line blockade, FP McCann delivered in sequence 11 loads of precast concrete platform units from its Littleport factory in Cambridgeshire. Site offload points were extremely tight, but the skilled Alun Griffiths team craned each precast unit into position directly from the vehicles.

In total 15 no. reinforced precast crosswall sections have been installed topped out with 30 no. reinforced precast concrete platform slabs. Additionally, the final lift on the job, was an FP McCann 15 tonnes integral precast stair and landing unit to provide access down to the new platform.

Speaking on behalf of Alun Griffiths, Site Agent/Project Lead, Neil Penney says, “On this particular platform build, FP McCann’s innovative semi-modular crosswall precast concrete system combined with the precast platform table slab allowed for safe and speedy installation during the time limited line blockade. Such offsite precast concrete platform systems as an alternative to a traditional construction method, is a cost-effective means of constructing lengths of new platform. The units are simple to install, reducing programme times and they present an immediate and uniform surface to allow finishing works to be undertaken.”