Efficient Culvert Upgrade: Aquaspira’s Low-Carbon Solution Enhances Rail Infrastructure at Hook, Hampshire
20%
Reduction in footprint
96%
Reduction in weight
50%
Fewer delivery vehicles
Low carbon solution for Network Rail
The main contractor, Balfour Beatty, approached Aquaspira with a request to provide a proposal for an efficient, low carbon solution for a Network Rail culvert alongside a rail embankment at Hook in Hampshire.
Challenge
Working within a constrained area, the initial challenge for the subcontractor DDL, was to create a dam at each end of the 40m long workspace required to install the new 26m long section of buried culvert. The existing open culvert was relatively narrow, so maximising the capacity of the new piped culvert within the available width was crucial. Once the dams and system for over-pumping were in place, the objective was to clear the 1m depth of silt and then install the new culvert pipes within the shortest possible timeframe.
Solution
To optimise use of the available space, the minimal 43mm thick wall of the Composite Steel Reinforced Aquaspira pipes enabled a twin run of 1650mmØ pipes to be installed within a total footprint width of less than 3.8m. Weighing less than 250kg, each pipe could be handled and installed using standard small site machines. The combined benefits of light weight and push-fit joints with integral seals enabled quick and simple joining of the pipes within a limited working space.
Outcome
The twin culvert pipes were safely and efficiently installed well within the planned program time, enabling the next phase of the overall project to commence without delay.
The product and service from Aquaspira was excellent. The 1650mmØ pipes are the largest I have installed, but the design of the product, together with the installation guide and support from the Aquaspira team enabled the project to run very smoothly from start to finish. Looking forward to working with them again!
Josh Moore
Works Manager | DDL
