Requirements

Scope of works included the replacement of over 10,000m2 of fire-proof insulated cladding panels, and structural steel fire protection measures whilst the occupied buildings were maintained fully operational.

Our Role

Being engaged by our Client at the early stages of the project, we worked collaboratively with Osprey Contracts to develop a site-wide access & logistics strategy that would; meet the needs of the working at height access needs, limit interfaces with Network Rail assets, and meet the ASPRO assurance requirements in line with the BAPA.

CIL’s experienced Engineer’s were appointed to the roles of Contractors Engineering Manager (CEM), and Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE) Construction to provide specialist advice and coordinate all Network Rail assurances associated with the third-party works.

Our proposed temporary works solutions and safe working methodologies were then presented to Network Rail ahead of the physical works to gain buy-in to the proposed principles. With this approach established we developed a series of high-quality temporary works Form C designs and Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) to meet the exacting Network Rail engineering standards, and ASPRO assurance guidelines. Technical submissions were developed and assurances secured in a timely manner to suit the Contractor’s programme of works, allowing for the Network Rail service level agreement timescales for review & acceptance.

Technical Challenges

Very limited as-built and condition information was available for the underground railway tunnel which splits the accommodation buildings occupying the site. Following discussions with Network Rail, it was agreed that a robust approach was needed to avoid imposing additional ground loadings that would impact upon the buried assets. To achieve this, we developed temporary works solutions using mast climbers and access scaffolding, along with detailed analysis to evidence that increases in ground pressures did not detrimentally affect the tunnel structure beneath.

Outcome

The project was able to celebrate great success considering a complex mix of both underground and overground rail infrastructure, within close proximity of high-rise building cladding remediation works. Establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships with both our Client team, and Network Rail’s ASPRO members was critical to our successful delivery.