Innovative Temporary Works Designs by Richter Propel Hope Valley Railway Upgrade at Dore & Totley Station
Published: 23/07/2024 11:00
As part of the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade project, Richter was tasked with providing temporary works designs to facilitate the construction of a new platform, footbridge, and lift shafts at Dore & Totley Station. This project marked the first time the station had two platforms since the 1980s.
Richter undertook various temporary works designs, including buried service protection, site hoarding, piling platforms, lift pit excavation support, lift scaffold, and a lifting arrangement for footbridge installation.
A significant challenge revolved around the lifting arrangement for the footbridge. Structural assessment was crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of the footbridge and staircase sections during lifting. Finite element analysis software aided in structural checks during the lifting process.
For the footbridge lifting, challenges included insufficient lifting accessory capacity and the risk of structural failure. Richter addressed these by designing lifting components to Eurocode 3 standards and conducting finite element analysis to ensure structural integrity.
In the case of lift pit excavation support, risks included ground conditions varying from design assumptions and the potential collapse of the excavation. Richter mitigated these risks by selecting conservative soil parameters and designing trench sheets and manhole braces to resist soil surcharge loading.
Richter navigated challenges such as tight working areas, ground variations, and the proximity of the excavation to the railway line. Careful design and implementation ensured safety and project success.
Proprietary manhole braces and trench sheets were utilised for excavation support, highlighting Richter's commitment to sustainability. These solutions minimised material waste and environmental impact while contributing to the project's efficiency.
In summary, the Hope Valley – Dore & Totley Station AFA project showcases Richter's expertise in providing innovative solutions to complex challenges. Through meticulous design and attention to detail, Richter contributed to the successful completion of critical infrastructure upgrades while prioritising safety and sustainability.