Freyssinet’s pioneering masonry arch bridge jacking technique took centre stage on RSSB’s stand at the Rail Innovation Showcase in London.
In 2014, Freyssinet participated in RSSB’s Avoidance of Bridge Reconstruction scheme, a £3 million Future Railway competition to explore and develop solutions that would enable space to be created under existing bridges and tunnels that required electrification schemes, without the need for expensive reconstruction.
Freyssinet’s bridge jacking ElevArch® model
Drawing on experience as civil engineering technology specialists, Freyssinet’s winning solution ElevArch® consisted of jacking the masonry arch upwards to increase headroom beneath the bridge, then re-shaping the road above to suit the new height. The method avoids dismantling the bridge, significantly minimising cost, delays and disruption to service beneath and across the bridge.
RSSB, which supports improvements to safety and performance in the rail industry, used Freyssinet’s 1:22 scale ElevArch® model and accompanying 3D animation to demonstrate the arch lifting technique at the Rail Innovation Showcase. The exhibits created considerable interest on the day and further determines Freyssinet’s commitment to innovation.
Delegates at Rail Innovation Showcase view Freyssinet’s ElevArch® model
The event was organised by the Department of Transport, Transport Systems and RSSB, and aimed to inspire and inform those in the Rail Group and across DfT about the latest developments in rail innovation.
For more information, email john.kennils@freyssinet.co.uk or call 01952 201901.