New success for Tata Steel modular platforms

Tata Steel modular platforms have been used on over 80 new platforms and platform extension projects in Europe, and are unrivalled in their constructability in difficult access conditions and under strict time constraints.

 

At West Drayton Station, Tata Steel faced an extremely challenging environment. The extension was located on the top of a Victorian earth embankment with a raised ground profile due to a previous platform structure and with numerous buried services. Furthermore, there were residential properties located right on the vegetated embankment so access was very limited. Therefore, a minimal depth of construction and excavation was required.

 

Despite such difficult working conditions, all twelve units of the ´Long Span´ platform were able to be delivered to an access point five miles from West Drayton, and the main bulk of the platform structure was installed during a single shift of a weekend blockade. Then Tata Steel Projects´ installers were able to adjust the platform system to the theoretical gauge, install rear fencing, platform lighting, signage, access stairs and surfacing all during traffic hours.

 

´Long Span´ is one of Tata Steel´s innovative modular platform structures. It features the same flexibility and future adjustability as the standard platform structure, but replaces the frequent legs with a spanning ladder beam that connects the 7.32 metre gap between pairs of piles, although other spans can be developed.

 

Langley Station was another another successful platform extension project carried out by Tata Steel. The components utilized in the extension were installed without any mechanical lifting. Also, the bulk of the installation took place behind blue safety fencing while the line was still open so there was no traffic disruption.

 

Tata Steel received a STAR award from Crossrail in recognition of an excellent Health and Safety record and good site management for their projects at West Drayton and Langley Station.

 

Modular Platforms are sustainable solutions since installation incorporates steel that consists of a high degree of recycled material and offside construction minimises waste and transportation. The use of lightweight components reduces foundation impact and avoids the need for costly and time consuming ground treatment measures. In addidition, the structure has a 75 year life span.

 

Tata Steel´s patented state-of-the-art software allows a quick customised design, starting from standard modules, whatever the width, length or curvature (convex, concave or reverse). Structural resistance, shape and weight are automatically computed. Thanks to the low weight of the individual components, installation can even be manually assembled. Each component requires only a one or two person lift. Pre-surfaced modular deck panels can also be proposed or a bespoke finish can be used to enable extensions to fit in aesthetically with existing structures.