Crossrail is a multi billion pound transport infrastructure scheme, delivering a new 118-kilometre (73-mile) railway line to London and the Home Counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex.

In 2015, BCM were awarded a prestigious contract to complete the civil engineering element of the Anglia section of project including extending platforms, along with other rail civils such as equipment and column bases, fencing and embankment stabilisation works. Working with Principal Rail Contractor Costain, BCM were faced with a challenging site with multiple contractor interfaces and a compressed delivery programme.

As a rail civil engineering contractor, BCM drew on their vast experience, self delivering much of the work scope using their in-house civil and structural engineering teams, to ensure that their contribution to the new high frequency, high capacity rail service was delivered to the highest possible standard. The works were completed in June 2017.

Introduction

SCHEME: Crossrail

LOCATION: Anglia Route

DATE: Sept 2015 – June 2017

Civils Case Study Crossrail Platform Extensions

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• demolishing and removing the existing platform structure

• installation of concrete foundations using bespoke trench sheet propping to support the open lines

• construction of block cross walls with hollow-core planks

• traditional blockwork and fill construction to tie into existing platforms

• troughing and ducting works to existing and new platforms for signalling, electrical and telecommunication services

• drainage works including water control measures

• new fencing installations

• tarmacadam surface finish to new and existing platform

• stepping and gauging works

• ATF route works

• under track crossing (UTX)

There were a number of complex challenges faced by BCM during the works.

The congested worksite with multiple contractors vying for access was the first of these. In order to overcome this potential overcrowding, BCM’s rail civil engineering design team devised a unique temporary works solution that enabled the sub-structure works for the new platforms to be constructed whilst trains were running. Using a bespoke trench support system, BCM were able to create a safe working zone that significantly reduced the requirement for possession working, which helped to reduce programme congestion - to the delight of the client.

Resourcing works to a revised programme was also managed with ease by BCM. By fastidiously planning each activity with every access, stakeholder and operational railway issue examined, BCM were able to keep the works firmly on track.

BCM’s civil engineering team also had to absorb the introduction of a number of additional Crossrail reporting mechanisms. These processes had been set up to further enhance the safe delivery of rail works in a controlled environment. Having a new set of principals introduced didn’t discourage BCM; in fact they sought to implement them quickly and effectively.

The company did so, by firstly assessing the impact of these standards and then providing and communicating these effectively throughout their workforce. This allowed the company to provide seamless integration of the requirements, without affecting the final completion date.

Project Deliverables

Challenges and Solutions

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BCM undertook all necessary preparatory works, including ground and service investigations for a full Grip 5-8 rail civil engineering work scope, in respect of the Anglia route, which included:

As a rail-contracting organisation, BCM flourishes on challenging projects – in fact they are the very keystones of the company’s offering. This project allowed the combined rail engineering talents of their design and construction teams to combine effectively to deliver a solution that is now the benchmark for platform construction.

By developing a bespoke method of working, that is no longer dependent on having track possessions, BCM have provided a system that is viable for many different railway platform construction projects.

Having multi disciplinary in-house divisions in civil and structural engineering, signalling and E&P helped BCM to work in harmony with other project disciplines. This culture of collaboration allowed BCM to work multiple stakeholders including the client, other sub-contractors, suppliers, outside parties and the public at large, to provide a precisely planned and effective service.

Benefits

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