Ground screw as an innovation in rail

Many of the UK’s railway stations have either undergone or are currently undergoing facelifts – and let’s face it, it’s about time. This post discusses why ground screw could be solution to refurbishment challenges in rail.

With over 2,500 stations on the national railway network, the majority of which over 100 years old, not to mention around 2.6 billion passengers passing through every year, the facilities at many stations are simply no longer fit for purpose.*

The UK Government has put in place a £37.5 billion plan to improve Britain’s railways, which is a fantastic opportunity not only for the construction and maintenance industry, but also for Train Operating Companies (TOCs).

Yet the high volume of trains and passengers can present challenges. Ensuring the safety of all passengers and station employees, keeping disruption to a minimum, restricted site access, and possessions with limited working windows must be considered when undertaking refurbishment works in the rail environment.

As well as buildings and platform surfaces, station furniture, including benches, shelters, ticket machines and bins, also need to be maintained and upgraded.

This is where ground screw comes in. A concrete-free foundation system, it is perfect solution for the railway refurbishment market. Ground screw is a robust foundation system and a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete for modular platform extensions, platform and track furniture, and signage. The system removes the need for excavation and concreting, so where you would usually cast small concrete pads ground screw can be used instead.

With the previous Form A and Form B approval for use as a ground foundation in location cabinet stagings, small ground signals, and small trackside signage, ground screw allows signs, fencing, benches and other structures to be positioned quickly and easily – a significant advantage during possessions. Because it reduces time on site, it also minimises disruption and improves safety on site.

For more information, please visit our rail section.

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* Figures from 2009 report on Better Railway Stations http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/better-rail-stations/report.pdf