In September 2015, Rail Civil Engineering Contractor – BCM – were awarded a significant substation civils project on Network Rail’s Great Western Electrification infrastructure project on the lines between Reading and Bristol stations.

These works form part of the wider Great Western Route Modernisation, which involves complex infrastructure works, new trains and service changes. These aim to improve services along the rail route, which connects London with West and South West England and South Wales.

Contracted by electrical systems contractor UK Power Networks (UKPNS), BCM’s substation civil engineering scope covered substation bases and associated minor civils at a multitude of sites spread over a large geographical area. Scope included both small and large-scale substations ranging in size from 200m2 up-to nearly 2000m2.

Due to programme requirements, many sites were required to be completed concurrently, which necessitated the need for BCM to set-up a number of strategic hubs, to effectively manage project logistics, specifically for the large quantum of both mechanical and self-operated plant and also construction materials.

Introduction

SCHEME: Great Western Electrification Project (GWEP)

LOCATION: Great Western Railway (Specifically Reading to Bristol)

DATE: Sept 2015 – June 2017

Civil Engineering Case Study Great Western Electrification Substations

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• surveys and site clearance, including tree felling and asbestos removal works

• excavation and groundworks

• concrete base installation including large scale formwork and reinforcement

• retaining wall installation

• troughing and ducting works for electrical and earthing services

• drainage works including water control measures

• fencing installations

• new surface finishes to compound areas

• new access roads

• earthing installations from rod to earth mats

With the majority of the sites being developed on a combination of brownfield sites and old disused rail sidings and with minimal site survey information at tender stage – both the ground and site conditions were to a certain extent unknown.

BCM sought to undertake detailed geotechnical surveys to provide the appropriate information to their design team for the works at each applicable site location. They also undertook meticulous superstructure surveys of a number of existing buildings that were due to be removed to accommodate the new substations and in doing so located and removed through their supply chain some asbestos.

Egress and access to each site was heavily restricted due to their compact size. This restricted the ability to mobilise plant and personnel directly at these locations. It also meant that storage and laydown areas could not be provided for materials at many of these sites.

With many of the sites also being constructed concurrently in addition to the access and egress restrictions, BCM devised a system of strategic geographical hubs, to effectively manage logistics.

BCM also implemented a unique ‘just in time’ delivery system and kept staff safe during delivery periods by installing exclusions zones to segregate the plant from the operatives. Plant not in use was returned to the local hub ready to remobilise at short notice.

These hubs also allowed for effective quality control of materials. With some sites over 100 miles apart, this enabled each delivery to be inspected and on approval, allocated to an appropriate holding zone in readiness for future delivery to site.

Project Deliverables

Challenges and Solutions

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By providing their client UKPNS a fully project managed, design and construct rail civil engineering service, BCM has successfully planned and delivered the following scope of works at each substation location:

BCM’s ability to deliver a solution based civil engineering approach, really helped to cement the relationship with their client UKPN. Providing answers with minimal fuss allowed the company to successfully delivering the works on time and to budget.

The company has offices throughout London, the South and South West of England and as a result is able to flex its considerable resource to compliment any railway civil engineering project.

They offer a full design and build service, which is tailored to the specific nature of any railway contracting project. Moreover having a composite rail offering helps BCM to see the bigger picture on complex rail schemes, even when they are contracted to deliver a single discipline. Having in-house divisions in civil engineering, signalling and E&P, allows the business to work harmoniously with other rail disciplines, providing a solution, which is both suitable and works for all concerned.

This flexible approach to projects, allows them to adapt their systems to suit their clients needs and provide a first class service on each and every occasion.

Benefits

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