Innovation on the M4 Chiswick Flyover
These examples of our recent experience provide you with a useful insight into
how we deliver our service, which is what sets us apart.
To view specific case studies, please select from the links below.
Mouchel, Managing Agents to the Highways Agency for Area 5, identified the need
to rehabilitate the piers supporting the M4 Elevated Motorway, which were exhibiting
the effects of accelerated chloride-induced corrosion from leaking deck joints.
To reduce risks of spalling concrete and ensure the long-term integrity of the
structure, Birse Civils under the South East Structures Framework contract, were
awarded the task of carrying out the rehabilitation work and Cathodic Protection
design.
Birse’s task was the removal of spalled and chloride contaminated concrete, grit
blasting and welding to reinforcement, spraying back repair concrete and overlay
concrete, and the installation of Cathode Protection anodes.
Simple enough work, but due to the location, (The piers of the M4 are in the
central reserve of the A4), in a residential part of West London, congestion is
taken for granted.
Neale Gale, our Site Agent, had a brilliant idea as he was about to board a plane
for a holiday in Corfu. His inspiration was the airport’s ‘scissor lift’ vehicle,
a mobile unit which can be jacked up at the side of the plane for moving passengers,
luggage and food.
“I realised that we could use that concept by modifying the unit so to create
a roofless cabin that could be jacked up under the concrete crossheads. It could
be insulated against noise but the men would be able to work from it to access
the crossheads,” he explained.
“It’s done everything we hoped of it,” he added, “and the job is progressing
very well. It sits in our compound during the day and it can be moved into position
within five minutes. Compared with the alternative of erecting scaffolding, it’s
a much safer and better solution.”
