Bearing Inspection, Specialist Jacking and Bearing Replacement
Client
Network Rail
Principal Contractor
Carillion Rail
Specialist Contractor
Freyssinet
Contract Value
£65,000
Freyssinet was appointed as a specialist contractor to carry out a bearing replacement on a rail bridge on the Preston to Blackpool line.
The 12 new pot bearings were designed by Freyssinet to the latest EN1337 standard and manufactured in Freyssinet’s Telford factory.
The works were carried out under railway track possession and involved jacking the structure to remove existing bearings whilst maintaining the stability of the superstructure. The single span bridge which carries Station Road and all the usual services remained open to traffic during the work, so any interruption of service whilst lifting the bridge was kept to a minimum.
Freyssinet carried out a bearing inspection to ascertain the most appropriate bearing selection and detailed a bespoke solution. Freyssinet also designed the temporary works for the jacking and the restraint systems to ensure the stability of the bridge whilst allowing movement of the superstructure.
The installation of the bearings and temporary work involved lifting significant steelwork into place from below the bridge using specialist lifting and moving equipment, with no opportunity for craneage or external assistance.
Once the temporary works has been installed the existing bearings will be removed working on one abutment at a time. Freyssinet then installed new bespoke replacement bearings which were grouted into position.
All the works were carried out successfully at night in co-ordination with the principal contractor and agreed rail possessions.