Structure Examinations - Part 1

As part of the annual programme of Structure Examinations we have carried out several Detailed Examinations during the past week. These are done every six years for all our structures, except for Greet and Hunting Butts Tunnel Bores, which are examined every four years.

These examinations are carried out to Network Rail Standards by contractors whose staff carry the appropriate competencies. This ensures that our exams, and the recommendations arising, are carried out in accordance with ORR Regulations. This year, our contractor is Inspire Structures Ltd, who have been carrying out our examinations for the past few years.

This last week they have been onsite examining Culverts 3B, 4A, 5C, 6B, 44A & 45A and Bridge 42A (a large culvert classed as a bridge).

Some of our culverts are big enough for a person to enter with appropriate safety precautions, as they are classed as Confined Spaces.

However, some are too small, and a CCTV rig is used instead.

 

Our own engineers, John Sreeves and Peter Brown, have also been out doing Visual Exams on the bridges between Toddington and Winchcombe, as part of the annual programme.

Andrew Laycock and the Lineside Drainage Team also carry out the Visual Exams on the culverts and pipes under the railway.

The remainder of the contract exams for this year, comprising Detailed Exams on two overbridges, an underbridge and Greet Tunnel Bore will be carried out during the closed season in November as we will require an Engineering Possession to enable access to the bridge decks and the tunnel bore. Inspire also carry Visual Exams on Stanway Viaduct and Hunting Butts Tunnel.

Part 2 of this blog will follow later in the year.

 

John Fancote, Structures Examination Works Leader

Bridge 28 Stanley Pontlarge - lattice parapet repair works

  

This bridge crosses a cul-de-sac, leading to about six properties beyond the Downside / Cotswold of the bridge. There is no other form of access which has led to bridge repairs sitting within the "too difficult" pile for a while. 

          

The Cotswold side parapet of this bridge is in worse condition that that Malvern including damage to the pilaster, as shown above. It was decided that the non-deck works could be undertaken by multi-discipline / multi-skilled volunteer workforce.

The first stage was to Drill out / remove the rivets where existing vertical members attach parapets to the main girder. Then to provide temporary replacement with bolts. This was undertaken during a possession in July.

  

The second stage was to remove the capping stones & then to replace the existing parapets with temporary ones. This was completed today, using the Road Rail Vehicle & again under a possession.

    

It was a very successful morning despite the storm threat. All the preparatory work that Ian & Neal undertook paid off handsomely. Thanks to all involved.

The third stage will be another blog post in a couple of months time!

CRC - Pine tree removal

I know the pine trees at the station locations on the line cause many a volunteer annoyance / concern. Yet the historic Scots pine trees we own were originally planted by Great Western Railway to mark station locations. As such the trees are all covered by Tree Preservation Orders and there is a regime of annual inspections. As a result of these inspections a certain number of trees need to be felled every year; many are now 100+ years old and some reaching end of their life. In order to do this we have to apply to the relevant Council for permission.

With no trains running & a possession in place it was a busy day on site with the removal of 7 trees.

      

Collaboration with C&M

 

Bridge 36 - Manor Lane, Gotherington

As I am sure most who read this blog are aware money is not easily forthcoming in the Heritage Rail Sector. Yet there are numerous bridge structures on the line including a viaduct, an aqueduct, underline, overline and footbridges. We have a programme of inspections to manage these assets; annual visual inspections & 6-yearly detailed examinations. As such I have been reviewing our Structures Recommendations Register (defect list) and looking into breaking tasks down into minor works that can be carried out by our enthusiastic & skilled volunteers.  Traditionally we have always waited until a major upgrade could be undertaken but there is money to be saved by doing works in-house where possible.

 

The works at Bridge 36 - Manor Lane epitomises this. The Construction & Maintenance gang have very kindly lent their brickwork skills to replace the parapet coping stones.

Before

After

As well as undertaking the repointing of its wing walls which is beneficial preventative maintenance prolonging the life of the structure. 

They have also been proactive at responding to various fencing repair requests for which I am very grateful.

Going forward we are looking to start a multi-team approach on Bridge 28 (Stanley Pontlarge) repairs in house. This will be utilising metalwork skills in the Loco department and the RRV from PWay, as well as the C&M gang.

 

Regards, Sarah 

Cheltenham Racecourse - Bridge 43 works

 

Anyone who has been to Cheltenham Racecourse Station recently will have noted that Bridge 43 is being surrounded by scaffolding. This is to enable to Gloucestershire County Council cycleway works along the A435 Evesham Road. The works are being managed by Montel Civil Engineering. The scaffolding itself will be used to raise the parapet height (by 5 courses of brick) which is a safety requirement from introducing the cycle way. This is being done on both sides of the bridge to keep the aesthetic. Thanks to all the volunteers for accommodating this installation.

There will also be some drainage works which will involve laying new pipe through the car park and this will be closely managed with Montel to ensure minimal disruption during out peak passenger season.

Hopefully the road closure is not too inconvenient for the majority & thanks again to the warm welcome I have received since starting in March.

Best Wishes,

Sarah Clayton (Infrastructure Manager)