Why Value and Resilience Needs to be Built from the Ground Up
Many climate experts predict that the UK will experience more extreme weather events in the coming years. We already know from experience the disruption that extreme weather can cause to our transport network.
There are two major implications of the likelihood of more extreme weather patterns. Firstly, the industry will have to develop excellence in how we respond to events so that transport services can be quickly restored to normal. And secondly, we need to upgrade our infrastructure to be more resilient, which means designing and carrying out works that can cope with whatever future weather might throw at them.
It all starts with the foundations and groundworks. If these are not fit for purpose it doesn’t matter what you build on top of them.
Embankments Built to Last
Embankments are a common feature on many rail lines. Where they have been widened to create additional capacity, this was often done simply by tipping spoil onto natural ground. Not much thought was given to compaction, support and drainage.
Even without extreme weather, embankments are subject to problems with settlement and landslips. Extreme weather increases the chances of the embankment material being washed out and a catastrophic failure happening.
Rapid mobilisation of a specialist team is essential when an embankment fails. Remedial work has to be completed within the shortest possible closure period, while also providing a permanent solution that will stand the test of time.
The importance of having an established partnership ready for almost instant deployment was illustrated recently when the Ashmead embankment failed. The team worked together to quickly deploy the most effective solution and maintained a flexible approach to minimise the need for line closures.
Building Resilience Without Disruption
It isn’t just the users of our transport network that can be inconvenienced while infrastructure improvements are made. Homes and businesses are often found close to proposed work sites.
With a creative approach it’s sometimes possible to devise methods that allow major groundworks to be completed without closing the rail line and with minimum nuisance to nearby residents.
The Apsley road over rail bridge installation is a good example of how innovation allowed the 25m deep piles needed to support the new road bridge to be sunk. The work was carried out next to the live rail line and metres from surrounding properties. No closure was needed and there was very little disturbance to residents.
There’s no doubt that extreme weather and increasing expectations will stretch the capabilities of our transport network and the organisations that support it. But, with creativity and teamwork, we have the foundations in place to meet those demands.
