As work ramps up on the highly controversial HS2 project, images showing the construction of a 300-metre-long viaduct that will carry the weight of the high-speed trains into Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station have been released.
To produce the first two 90-metre viaduct structures, over 2,000 cubic metres of concrete were used, while another two further deck structures are also under construction. Once the viaduct is complete, workers will have used around 11,000 cubic metres of concrete!
As you can imagine, such a massive amount of concrete requires a lot of vehicles to transport it, which could result in some very angry locals. So to help reduce the impact on local roads it was delivered and poured in the night to minimise disruption.
The much-maligned HS2 project has faced a lot of resistance since it was first announced way back in 2009. Since then, the original plan has undergone many changes, with government ministers deciding to scrap the northern section altogether.
But thankfully, it appears the project is finally starting to come together, with concrete playing a pivotal role in the creation of this infamous project.
David King, Senior Project Manager at HS2 Ltd said: “It’s fantastic to see this iconic viaduct taking shape in central Birmingham. This is one of our busiest construction sites, as we now reach peak construction on key HS2 structures across the Midlands, with over 9,750 people in the region working on the project.”
“The design of the viaduct is part of our vision to maximise social and economic development opportunities around Curzon Street Station. Widening to four separate decks near the station will maximise daylight underneath the viaduct, creating opportunities for a usable and flexible public space.”
Reduced Environmental Impact
A few weeks ago, bosses on the HS2 project revealed how they were using a state-of-the-art digital measuring system to test concrete which has helped them cut carbon emissions and make driving more efficient.
Utilising VERIFI®, which is a pioneering technology that enables real-time monitoring, measurement and management of fresh concrete properties during transportation, the testing of concrete was significantly more eco-friendly.
HS2’s Materials and Durability Lead, Jon Knights said: “This is a fantastic example of how HS2, working collaboratively with supply chain partners, can provide the ideal testbed for cutting-edge technologies. As the UK’s largest infrastructure project, it’s a great step forward for HS2 Ltd to formally supplement this digital surveillance technology with manual consistence and temperature testing of fresh concrete to reduce waste and increase safety and productivity.
“We have set big ambitions to drastically cut carbon as we build HS2, and digital surveillance solutions support us on this journey, not only bringing multiple benefits to the project, but paving the way for a new era in the construction industry.”
Both of these stories merely highlight the essential role concrete plays and prove it really is the unsung hero of the construction world.
We specialise in concrete repairs, so if you have a construction that could use some TLC, get in touch today.