FP McCann Supplies Bespoke Precast Concrete Plinths to Cairngorm Funicular Railway Project
Project: Aviemore Funicular Railway – Structural Strengthening Works
Client: Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Main Contractor: Balfour Beatty
Products Supplied: Bespoke Precast Concrete Column Support PlinthsProject: Aviemore Funicular Railway – Structural Strengthening Works
FP McCann’s specialist precast concrete division is currently supplying bespoke concrete support plinths to a famous Cairngorm landmark; the Aviemore funicular railway. Due to some structural problems the railway, originally opened in 2001, was closed in 2018. In a bid to not only reinstate the railway, but to also make the highland peak an all-year-round tourist destination, the Scottish Government’s Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is investing in excess of £20 million into the project.
Following extensive structural engineering assessments, it was determined that the 2km long funicular railway needed work done to strengthen its piers, beams and foundations. In October 2020 national civil engineering specialist Balfour Beatty was appointed to undertake this work.
Fundamental to the project is the stabilisation and strengthening of the structure’s foundations onto which, additional support columns are to be added alongside some of the existing piers. Some preparatory works were carried out by Balfour Beatty in November 2020, but the main civils work including excavating around four of the main piers, only started in spring this year due to the harsh weather conditions on the Cairngorm Mountain.
FP McCann’s involvement in the project is the supply of 80 bespoke precast concrete plinths onto which the new support columns will be attached. Each plinth weighing some 750 kgs has been cast at the Company’s specialist precast manufacturing facility in Byley Cheshire. To blend in with the surrounding mountain landscape, the plinths have an exposed granite aggregate finish.
Due to the difficult and steep sided mountain terrain, the only way to access the pier foundations to install the plinths is by helicopter. The plinths are being delivered by road and then lifted by helicopter to designated stocking points from where Aviemore based environmental civil engineer McGowan is providing the equipment for the foundation excavation and installation of the plinths prior to them being concrete stitched and backfilled. Once in place the additional support structures will then be attached.
The off-site manufactured precast plinths significantly reduced construction time on the foundation enabling works and have eliminated the requirement for shuttering and pouring of concrete challenging topography. Additionally, the exposed aggregate surface on the plinths means no further finishing work is required.
On completion, the refurbished funicular railway along with improvements to the site buildings, car park, paths and tow infrastructure will provide access to the mountain to not only skiers but a broad range of visitors, helping to boost the local economy.
For sales and technical enquiries, contact our Uddingston depot 01698803300 or email sales@fpmccann.co.uk
