Wedge wins work on innovative scheme

Citation

(1999), "Wedge wins work on innovative scheme", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846fab.004

Wedge wins work on innovative scheme

Wedge wins work on innovative scheme

Keywords: Wedge Group Galvanizing, Galvanizing

Wedge Group Galvanizing has won a contract for treating the key parts for an innovatory new-concept railway platform now being installed for the first time.

The group's Bradford plant is hot-dip galvanizing more than 35 tonnes of box section and rolled steel angle that are to form the main framework, supports, fencing and other parts of a platform being erected just outside Leeds main railway station. The platform measures 143-metres long, including ramp, by 3.25 metres wide.

Altogether, the contract involves processing hundreds of different pieces, galvanized inside and out. These are bolted together on site, Meccano fashion, when the platform is constructed, total assembly being possible within two to three weeks.

Its modular galvanized steel framing is held on boxed legs of 100mm by 100mm cross-section. The framing supports decking panels made of plywood or polypropylene composite treated with anti-slip coating. These have a perimeter rectangular surround in galvanized steelwork ensuring additional strength and stability.

Wedge's work is for Washburn Fabrications Ltd of Pool in Wharfedale, near Leeds, manufacturers for Raildeck Systems Ltd, of Leeds, which has designed and is building the structure for Railtrack.

Raildeck Systems holds a world patent on the platform that claims a number of advantages over more conventional types of platform. Adaptability and adjustability in both the horizontal and vertical planes before erection or while on site, being the most inportant of these. Adjustable jack legs provide horizontal movement to allow for gauging or re-levelling, and vertical movement is achieved by an imaginative system of adjustable horizontal telescopic arms. Such platforms can be adapted relatively easily to meet changes in rolling stock needs or to accommodate small adjustments in the track position. They can be extended, dismantled and even moved to a completely new location cheaply with minimal new components required.

Ingenuity of design means that there is minimum disruption to train services while installation takes place.Typically, Raildeck Systems engineers need perhaps two line "possessions" the time no trains are passing the site - considerably less than required for other types of platform. The platforms can be successfully installed during what are known as "interrupted possessions", with trains continuing to use the line, the men moving away to safety when necessary. The system therefore results in major savings in time and costs.

Wedge Group says that hot-dip galvanizing will give the platform's structure a long maintenance-free life-span.

The new platform, Leeds Whitehall, is being built on a freight line just to the west of Leeds main station. It will be used initially for passengers of night-time trains diverted during hours when the main station is closed to facilitate a £165 million modernisation and enlargement scheme.

It is the forerunner of a type of platform which Raildeck believes has wide potential in use on many different railway sites and locations.

Further details are available from Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1274 221555; Fax: +44 (0) 1274 221566; E-mail: info@wedge-galv.co.uk; Internet: http://www.wedge-galv.co.uk