Autumn 2013

Contents

Page 2 VolkerWessels awarded solent submarine cabling contract

VolkerView Page 3 MPT install two 580 tonne bridges

Proud together Page 4 VolkerFitzpatrick awarded BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for Velocity Brooklands

Page 5 VolkerInfra completes Western Power Distribution contract

Page 6 VolkerLaser gains external wall insulation standard: PAS 2030

Page 7 VolkerRail completes rail system work at Hitchin

Page 8 VolkerStevin protects Tay Road Bridge

Page 9 Innovative new alliance starts VolkerFitzpatrick win Project work of the Year at the National Rail Page 10 VolkerFitzpatrick Colas JV Awards 2013 successfully diverts the A45

VolkerFitzpatrick has been awarded the 650 operatives and staff on site every coveted Project of the Year Award at the 24 hours. It was the first blockade of its Page 11 2013 National Rail Awards. kind in 20 years and involved 100,000 VolkerStevin brings new life to man hours and significant liaison with VolkerFitzpatrick received the award for other contractors, the train operator, the Port of Southampton work completed on the Balham Blockade the local council and local residents, as Project, which is part of the Multi Asset well as with client Network Rail. Framework Agreement Package 3 works Page 12 for Network Rail. The main focus of this project was on VolkerGroundEngineering invest extending platforms 1 and 2 at Balham in new Movax impact hammers This challenging project, which was Station, by approximately 42 metres carried out within a ten day blockade eastwards towards an existing bridge during the Christmas period in 2012, saw that crosses Bedford Hill.

>cont. page 2 >cont. from page 1 To create sufficient space for this Richard Offord, managing director of environment and I am delighted they new island platform extension, VolkerFitzpatrick commented on the have received this recognition.” VolkerFitzpatrick had to re-align the award: “I’d like to congratulate the existing track through platform 1 onto team. The annual National Rail Awards an adjacent bridge structure. This meant recognise excellence and achievement that Bedford Hill Bridge also had to be “This was a truly fantastic example of within the rail industry. re-constructed. best in practice working in a rail

Significant efforts went into consulting Bedford Hill with local residents and businesses Bridge before and throughout the works, resulting in strong support from the local council.

An on site assessment management centre and regime was established that resulted in strong teamwork across the various disciplines. This aided the successful delivery of the project which had significant logistical and public “A well delivered, complex relations challenges. project, which had interface National Rail Awards judges commented: “A well delivered, complex with other major works taking project, which had interface with other place on the same route.” major works taking place on the same route.”

VolkerWessels awarded Solent submarine cabling contract

A specialist joint venture between phase is currently being undertaken and relationship between the VolkerWessels VolkerWessels sister companies will involve the installation of an 875 group of companies and SSE on this VolkerInfra and VSMC (Visser & Smit metre horizontal directional drill from important project.” Marine Contracting) has been awarded Thorness Bay, Isle of Wight, out into the a £13m contract by Southern Electric sea bed of the Solent. This project represents a significant Power Distribution (SEPD) to design, capital investment in the maintenance supply, install, connect and pre- The second phase will commence in April of the electricity infrastructure to the commission test approximately 5.7km of 2014, following manufacture of a single Isle of Wight by SEPD. 132kV, XLPE electricity submarine cable length of bespoke cable, which will be across the Solent. transported and installed between the Chandra Trikha, head of Capital Project two locations under the Solent using Delivery for SEPD explains more about This project, the first subsea electrical specialist divers and marine installation the background to the project: “We installation in this area for around 40 vessels. This phase also involves want to provide our customers with years, will replace one of the three excavations to install the cable on land the best possible service and the subsea cables which supplies residents and to pre-locate the existing fluid filled installation of this new cable will help and businesses on the Isle of Wight. The cables, which will be connected using us achieve this aim, as it will make the present cable, which sits on the seabed, fluid/XLPE transition joints. electricity network to Isle of Wight will be replaced with this new cable, more robust and less prone to external which will sit below the seabed. Jonathon Humphries, managing director damage by anchors and marine actions of VolkerInfra, said: “Calling on the very which, in turn, reduces the risk of power The project will involve laying the cable significant resources at our disposal cuts. from Lepe in Hampshire to Thorness within the VolkerWessels group our Bay on the Isle of Wight using a variety integrated project teams work together of installation techniques including on many projects to provide end to end This project represents a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) on project management and delivery to our the island, specialist marine vessels and clients. significant capital investment equipment to cross the Solent and open in the maintenance of the cut techniques at Lepe. “This particular project has been in the planning stage for a considerable time electricity infrastructure to the The specialist marine team will complete and we look forward to the continuation the project in two phases, the first of the successful collaborative Isle of Wight.

2 First bridge being installed over the M60

MPT install two 580 tonne bridges

After months of planning VolkerRail, From the start MPT’s design and The bridge was transported out into as part of the MPT joint venture at construction teams worked in close position using the SPMTs and placed Manchester Metrolink, has successfully liaison with Transport for Greater on the abutments during a full positioned two new 580 tonne bridges Manchester, the Highways Agency, motorway closure. over Manchester’s M60 and M56 local authorities and key stakeholders motorway. to ensure that all design and installation Both bridges were positioned eight issues were identified early and resolved hours ahead of schedule with the works These new bridges form part of the within good time. to install the bridge taking 14 hours £900m upgrade of the Manchester and the actual movement of the bridge Metrolink tram system, which will be the Both bridges were temporarily erected taking less than one hour. largest network of its type in the UK. adjacent to the motorway and bridge Installed over two separate weekends, abutments, in a staging area which Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the new bridges will carry trams on the was prepared in advance. This in itself Transport for Greater Manchester’s Manchester Metrolink extension to involved earthworks movements of Transport Committee, said: “I’d like Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport. more than 2,000 cubic metres. The to congratulate all those involved bridge deck was then cast on temporary in this impressive construction feat, VolkerRail’s involvement in the bridge trestles and allowed to cure to gain particularly the VolkerRail and Laing installation included concept and design sufficient strength prior to the lift. O’Rourke teams for getting the work management, construction management done so quickly and smoothly.” and delivery of the work. One area of focus was in maintaining the temperature of the cast deck during Steve Cocliff, managing director of Christina Kelly, senior engineer at a period of cold weather leading up VolkerRail, commented on the bridge VolkerRail, headed the team involved to the installation. An on-site lab was installation: “An enormous amount with the first bridge installation over the involved in testing and monitoring the of planning clearly went into ensuring M60 motorway: “The first bridge, which temperature of the concrete to ensure the superstructures could be installed was designed to carry the twin track that the cold weather did not affect the with the least amount of inconvenience light rail Metrolink system over the M60 structure. Once the strength gain was to road users. The installation of the motorway, took 18 months to plan and achieved, two self-propelled modular bridge was a major step for the team minimising disruption to the public was transporters (SPMTs) were assembled and the project and I pass on my one of the team’s main focuses.” under the bridge and positioned at the congratulations to everyone involved.” pick-up points ahead of installation.

3 VolkerFitzpatrick awarded BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for Velocity Brooklands VolkerFitzpatrick’s building division has completed the design and build of Velocity Brooklands. The £15 million office development in Weybridge, Surrey, has been awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’. The two, five storey buildings built for Rockspring UK and Exton Estates, span over 131,000sqft and stand out for their impressive architecture.

Construction of both buildings began in September 2011. Piled foundations were required to make the building structurally sound along with a reinforced concrete frame from the ground floor up to the fourth floor and structural steelwork from the fourth floor to the roof, including the escape staircase structures. Velocity Brooklands

The buildings façade is made up of clear The main ‘brise soleil’, a solar shading The buildings external landscaping and and fritted glazed curtain walling (a system, is made up of anodised lighting were designed to consider the glass which has had an enamel image aluminium and acts as the buildings distinctiveness of the site, the views glass fired into the surface for strength) visor, reducing glare and overheating by towards the race track and the historic and raking front elevations, which are reflecting light. route of the ‘Solomon Straight’; the aluminium fins sloping across the face of final stretch of the Brooklands Motor the structure. The development was named Velocity Racing Circuit. Brooklands due to its location within The elevations are constructed with the Old Brooklands Motor Racing Mick Rogers, VolkerFitzpatrick’s metal rainscreen panelling, which is an Circuit, the Brooklands Air Museum and business development director, said: ‘outer skin’ that forms a double wall. Airfield and the famous Mercedes World “This is a stunning development built The outer layer keeps the rain out and Museum, incorporating the theme of to very high quality standards in just the inner layer provides thermal speed and movement. 58 weeks. This was achieved through insulation. continued focus and great commitment from the team. It’s a great achievement of which we are all very proud.”

BREEAM is the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings and it sets best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation.

“This is a stunning development built to very high quality standards in just 58 weeks.”

Inside Velocity Brooklands

4 VolkerLaser wins at Construction News Specialists Award 2013

VolkerLaser was awarded the Concrete Specialist of the Year Award at the Construction News Specialists Awards 2013.

Over 600 of the country’s leading specialist contractors gathered to celebrate the achievements made throughout another tough year in the industry.

The Construction News Specialists Awards recognise and celebrate the very best specialist contractors in the UK, highlighting their outstanding From left to right: Alan Robertson, Dave Williams, Mike Weaver and Andy Weeks work across 17 categories throughout the industry. These are the only Comments from the judges include: on training and staff development, national awards where all types of “Firm delivered on a clear strategy, impressed the judges, making specialist contractors are judged face including a variety of challenging VolkerLaser a deserving winner.” to face. projects, providing innovative solutions incredibly quickly and practically.” Construction News Editor, Rebecca VolkerLaser’s strategy for 2012, Evans commented:“Construction future growth plans and passion for its “In a very competitive market they can boost the economy like no other projects all impressed the judges. One have remained very customer focused industry, and these awards are one of the aspects that really stood out and stuck to the family vision of the way that companies can shout about was the company’s ability to remain relationship-based business.” their huge achievements. With such close to its family roots, while also fierce competition, all our finalists being a successfully integrated arm of “The company’s excellent health and can feel very proud to have made the VolkerWessels UK. safety record, combined with its focus shortlist.”

VolkerInfra completes Western Power Distribution contract

VolkerInfra has successfully installed As HDD is a less intrusive installation electricity cable ducting, by means of process and necessitates less excavation Horizontal Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), works than in traditional methods, directional as part of a project for Western Power it allowed VolkerInfra to protect the drilling Distribution Ltd. VolkerInfra replaced sensitive location for this river crossing. the existing overhead electricity circuits spanning the River Cam at Ryeford, The main site compound was also Gloucester. located in private farmland, which had to be accessed via a farm track off VolkerInfra completed the 570m of the main public highway. VolkerInfra HDD 13m beneath the hard river bed. worked closely with the farmer to allow Two bores, which were pre-fabricated for vehicle movements to both rig side prior to installation, were installed and pipe side without causing damage beneath the River Cam with a horizontal to the land. separation, each containing a bundle of three 180mm diameter and two 110mm Jonathon Humphries, managing diameter electricity ducts. director of VolkerInfra commented on the contract: “This was a great project The HDD method was used due to for VolkerInfra and allowed us to the crossing being located within the showcase our in-depth knowledge of floodplain and the location for the HDD methodology as well as our vast electricity cable ducting falling within experience working alongside SSSI proximity to a Site of Special Scientific sites.” Interest (SSSI).

5 VBA Joint Venture sign contract for place on £1bn Environment Agency Framework

VolkerStevin, alongside joint venture Agencys (EA) main asset delivery successful suppliers for the Water and partners Boskalis Westminster and vehicle. The new framework has a Environment Framework. We very Atkins (VBA Joint Venture Limited), greater focus on introducing efficiencies much appreciate the time and effort have finalised the contract with the through the packaging of work as design that bidders have put into this tender Environment Agency for its Water and and build projects, as well as an aim to exercise. Environment Management (WEM) lead the way in sustainability. Framework in Lot 4: Asset Delivery. “The award was based equally on Mark Gardner, business director at price and quality and meets our The £1bn framework, which will be in VolkerStevin, said: “The companies objective of delivering the best value place between 2013 and 2017, focuses within the VBA Joint Venture have to the taxpayer. We are committed to on reducing the risk of river and coastal already demonstrated first class delivery transparent procurement and detailed flooding, as well as securing social and to the client through work in the NCF feedback has been provided to all the environmental improvements. and NEECA frameworks and we are all bidders. delighted to be continuing that work The VBA Joint Venture is one of with the Environment Agency going “Over the next four years, we will be six asset delivery partners for the forward. investing £1 billion to reduce the risk agency. Works will include early from river and coastal flooding and we contractor involvement, design, project ”VBA provides a sound engineering base are looking forward to working with the management and construction delivery. to share best practice and innovation, new suppliers to help achieve that.” which will help deal with the new The WEM framework replaces the extremes of weather creating problems current National Engineering and in our existing infrastructure.” Environmental Consultancy Agreement (NEECA) and National Contractors An Environment Agency spokesperson Framework (NCF), as the Environment said: “We are pleased to confirm the Joint Venture Limited

VolkerLaser gains external wall insulation standard: PAS 2030

VolkerLaser has achieved the PAS requirements of the PAS including 2030:12 standard for external wall undergoing an office audit to assess its insulation from the British Board of systems and procedures. In addition, energy bills attached to the property so Agreement (BBA) site visits were made by experienced that if the householder ever moves, the BBA personnel for each of the measures, new owner takes on the payments. PAS 2030:2012, which has been written to monitor the installations. by the BSI and commissioned by the Energy saving improvements include: Department of Energy and Climate VolkerLaser was also subject to on- Change (DECC), is the specification for going surveillance inspections to ensure n Insulation e.g. loft or cavity wall the management of the installation that its quality of work is maintained. insulation process and service provision for the n Heating Green Deal. It sets out the specification What is the Green Deal? n Draught-proofing for the installation of energy efficiency The Energy Act 2011 created a new n Double glazing measures in existing buildings. framework of finance in order to n Renewable energy technologies e.g. allow for the installation of fixed solar panels or wind turbines Any installer wishing to carry out work energy efficiency measures to existing under the Green Deal has to gain this properties or buildings to reduce the Mike Weaver, managing director of specific PAS approval. VolkerLaser has amount of energy used to heat and light VolkerLaser commented: “This is a great been approved for the installation of the property. achievement for VolkerLaser. With the external wall insulation. Green Deal launched we can now expand Without any up front payment by the our wall insulation capabilities and help To gain approval VolkerLaser had to householder or business owner the home owners increase their energy satisfy the BBA that it met the core installation is funded by a charge on efficiency.”

6 VolkerRail completes rail system work at Hitchin

As specialist partner to the Network Finished track and OLE works at Hitchin Rail/Hochtief alliance, VolkerRail has successfully completed all the rail system elements of the Hitchin Grade Separation Project. All work was completed five months ahead of schedule and with zero negative impact on rail infrastructure.

The main contract for VolkerRail commenced in August 2011 with the design and construction of the permanent way, signalling and overhead line works, for the new single electrified track.

The new track, which has been given the name Down Cambridge Flyover, has been built partly on the new viaduct Phil Verster, route managing director Steve Cocliff, managing director and partly over the new chalk filled for London North Eastern, commented at VolkerRail, commented: “This embankment. It is expected to cut on the project: “The Hitchin flyover will project has been a great opportunity delays down by nearly 30,000 minutes make a real difference to passengers for VolkerRail. It has allowed us to each year. who travel on the East Coast Main showcase not only our capabilities in Line, as well as people travelling to track construction and overhead line VolkerRail also constructed a new Cambridge and beyond. Improving electrification, but also our experience junction approximately 1.1km north the railway at Hitchin will solve the in collaboration and integrated project of Hitchin station, which links the East problems caused by the current track teams.” Coast Main Line (ECML) and the Down layout and help meet growing demand Cambridge Flyover. This junction allows on the railway.” Since completion this project was Cambridge bound trains from London awarded the Best Collaboration Award to pass over the top of the ECML. Prior “The new layout means trains will run at The Network Rail Partership Awards to this, First Capital Connect trains more reliably and punctually. The work 2013, due to the ‘strong evidence travelling from London King’s Cross done has cleared one of the major of collaboration and associated had to cross three other lines to switch bottlenecks on the route and is part of innovation’. between the East Coast Main Line and our wider effort to improve performance the line to Cambridge. and increase capacity on the railway.”

Aerial view of Hitchin flyover

7 VolkerStevin protects Tay Road Bridge

To help reduce the risk of ship impact damage, VolkerStevin was commissioned by the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board to complete a £17 million pier collision protection project.

Originally built in 1966, the 2.3km long Tay Road Bridge provides a crucial transport link which connects Dundee to Fife and routes to the south.

To date the bridge has been hit three times, each only causing superficial damage. However if a full impact did ever occur it is estimated that it would cost the local economy £700 million. A pre-cast reinforced concrete shell unit being placed on top of the steel tubular piles This project was split into two stages. The first stage involved the ground investigation works as well as the and connected together structurally crucial that the transport link remained development of the final design and using concrete, which was placed in open. This led to both the design and construction methodology. The second several stages. construction teams developing a marine stage comprised of the installation based installation, as the bridge deck works. The 12 pre-cast reinforced concrete could not be used as a working platform shell units were cast in a designated or access route. Forty eight steel tubular piles, up to 67 compound within the Port of Dundee meters long and 80 tonnes in weight, and transported to the bridge piers on Fergus Wilson, engineer for the Tay were installed within five metres of self-propelled modular transporters Road Bridge Joint Board, said: “This the live bridge deck. Scour protection (SPMT) and floating barges, before major construction project will protect installation was also completed using being placed on top of the piles. the most vulnerable bridge piers from thirty, 200m2,100 tonne concrete any potential impact from shipping mattresses, which were lowered Once the units were in place they were travelling to and from Perth. As to the sea bed and released hydraulically joined together and made watertight. VolkerStevin chose to sign up to the removing the need for divers. The completed shell units were then ‘Discover Opportunities Partnership’ filled with 3,000m3 concrete and T50 the project has also helped local people The fabrication and installation of the coupled reinforcement. into employment, which leads to knock- precast concrete shell units, weighing on benefits for the communities which between 250 and 300 tonnes, each, The site was operational 24 hours a day adjoin the bridge.” formed the soffit and outer perimeter of due to the nature of the work and the the pier protection structures. tidal flows in the River Tay. Delivered two months ahead of programme, RIDDOR free after 250,000 These were placed onto the piled As the Tay Road Bridge supports a hours worked and within budget, this foundations using a heavy lifting barge dual central walkway/cycleway it was project has epitomised excellence in safety, quality, design, planning, construction, innovation and community Steel tubular piles being driven into the river bed relations.

“As VolkerStevin chose to sign up to the ‘Discover Opportunities Partnership’ the project has also helped local people into employment which leads to knock-on benefits for the communities which adjoin the bridge.”

8 Innovative new alliance TfL ‘Bank’ on CVU starts work for busy junction As part of the London Highways Alliance Contract, CVU (a joint venture between VolkerHighways, Colas and URS) have been working with Transport for London (TfL) at one of London’s busiest junctions.

Bank junction is used by over 25,000 people every day and is an iconic point in the heart of the city. It houses many transport links as well as the Bank of England and being a stones throw away from St Paul’s Cathedral, Bank junction is filled with many tourists and professionals. SAIP Alliance leadership team The works are to replace the existing Work has started on the first phase of a Phase 2 – Stafford resignalling. The traffic signal infrastructure being £250m programme to improve installation of a new freight loop and the replaced. Other works include; changing performance and capacity on the replacement of life expired signalling, footway ducting, footway chambers and Stafford section of the West Coast Main telecoms and power supplies, with the Line. signalling control transferred from the all traffic poles and controllers. existing Stafford No4 and No5 signal Leading the works is the Staffordshire boxes to Rugby, plus the installation of The busy junction is not the only Alliance – a partnership of VolkerRail, bi-directional signalling for platforms 4, challenge CVU had to face. As the Atkins, Laing O’Rourke and Network 5 and 6 and an increase in the ‘slow’ line junction is on top of the Central Line, it Rail, who are working as part of a new speeds (predominantly used by local/ has a shallow infrastructure, therefore collaborative contract to transform the freight services) from 75mph to 100mph 300mm is the maximum depth allowed delivery of rail infrastructure projects in between Great Bridgeford (near Norton to dig without affecting the below the UK. Bridge) and Stafford. ground structures. Due to the shallow depth implications all work on site had With unprecedented levels of passenger Phase 3 – Proposed flyover at Norton to be carried out by hand. Twenty CVU and freight growth on the rail network Bridge. The proposed construction of operatives worked shifts to get the job and the West Coast Main Line full to a grade-separated junction, including done in time for the Lord Mayor’s show, capacity within the next 10 years, 10km of new 100mph railway, 12 new which took place on the 9th November. the Staffordshire Area Improvements bridge structures, four river diversions, Programme seeks to remove a major major environmental mitigation works, Mike Ward, senior traffic control bottleneck through the Stafford area. pipeline, road and footpath diversions engineer at TfL, said: “Thank you for all and the construction of temporary haul the hard work and planning which took Once complete, the programme will roads. place to get the traffic signals installed facilitate the introduction of new at Bank junction. I know we had a very timetables from 2015 onwards and With the linespeed improvement works tight timescale for such a high profile help to create the capacity to run; two up and running, and preparatory works site in the City of London to complete extra trains per hour (each direction) in support of the other projects taking this stage of the works and with CVU’s between London and the north west of place, the Staffordshire Alliance is help we have managed to complete England, one extra fast train per hour already rising to the multi-disciplinary within good time and to a high standard. (each direction) between Manchester challenge. The team’s efforts have been much and Birmingham and one extra freight appreciated, please pass our thanks on train per hour (each direction) through Dominic Baldwin, alliance manager to the relevant teams.” Stafford. commented: “Whilst alliancing itself is not new to the rail sector, truly The programme will deliver this through collaborative working has often proved the following three key phases: difficult due to a wide range of factors. The Staffordshire Alliance directly Phase 1 – Linespeed improvements addresses this through a new form of between Crewe and Norton Bridge, contract and a new approach, built increasing the line speed on the ‘slow’ upon common principles, shared values lines from 75mph to 100mph. Running and behaviours, which will help us to from January 2013 to April 2014, these deliver this programme efficiently and works include modifications to the effectively, whilst leaving a positive CVU at overhead line equipment and installation lasting legacy for Staffordshire.” Bank junction of four new signals.

9 VolkerFitzpatrick Colas JV successfully diverts the A45

The VolkerFitzpatrick Colas joint venture (VFC), has successfully realigned a section of dual carriageway along the A45 as part of the A45 Corridor Improvements Scheme, for joint clients Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Airport Limited.

This scheme is part of a larger contract to extend Birmingham Airport’s runway by 405m and allow aircrafts to fly direct to destinations currently out of reach, such as China, South America, South Africa and the West Coast of the USA. As the A45 ran past the end of the runway it required realignment to provide room for the runway extension.

VFC began construction of the new Construction of the A45 diversion 2km horse shoe shape ‘loop’ road in August 2012. This was a huge challenge as the A45 is a major arterial road and any closures would have affected the West Midlands greatly. The diversion was further complicated due to electrical, water, gas and telecoms lines running along the route, which had to be relocated following new ducting and cables being laid.

To overcome this challenge VFC constructed the road in sections, which allowed work to continue in stages with no overlap. All ducting and cables were relocated into a new services corridor that ran adjacent to the new road and a major watercourse.

The ‘switch’ of traffic, from the New loop switch of traffic existing A45 to the new loop, took place over nine days and was officially Along with the new runway extension Speaking on behalf of VolkerFitzpatrick opened on the 2nd October 2013. VFC will also resurface the entire runway Colas, Des Steadman, managing director (2.6km), complete major upgrade works of civil engineering at VolkerFitzpatrick, VFC firstly closed the westbound including modifications to the existing commented: “We’re delighted to have dual carriage way and opened the fuel farm, a new taxi-way, installation been contracted for this project. eastbound dual carriage way to two of new aviation ground lighting and way traffic. This then allowed for the approach lighting, construction of “We recognise and understand the excavation, rebuild and connection of a new airfield perimeter and public importance of this significant 100m of existing road at each end. Once transport roads, new drainage works infrastructure change and will continue completed traffic was diverted to the including a new pumping station and to maintain the high standards new road and similar work undertaken pollution control system and associated already shown in completing the A45 on the westbound carriage way. landscaping work. diversion.”

The redundant section of road is Construction works south of the existing The airport extension is expected to be currently being removed, with 600,000 runway have already commenced and completed by April 2014 following full tonnes of earthworks being cut and all night flights will be suspended from commissioning and flight testing. re-profiled to make way for the runway November 2013 to March 2014 to give extension. VFC full access.

10 Port of Southampton

VolkerStevin brings new life to the Port of Southampton In September 2012 VolkerStevin started The construction will consist of the constraints associated with migratory work on the £32 million, 14 month, installation of a tubular pile combi wall salmon passing along the River Test. design and build contract for the with steel sheet pile infill panels, reconstruction and deepening of berths which will be tied back to a new anchor Electrical and drainage infrastructure 201 and 202 in Southampton. wall. work has also commenced along with the 35,000m2 of new paving on the Owned and operated by Associated Associated excavation, drainage and container stack and precast coping to British Ports (ABP), the Port of concrete paving works will also be the new quay. Southampton, is the fourth largest port undertaken together with the in the UK by tonnage and handles a installation of new crane rail beams. Work on this project is due to be variety of trades including containers, completed by early December 2013 and cruise shipping, oil and petrochemicals To date, all piling work has been the first new generation vessels will use and motor vehicles. Berths 201 and 202, completed in line with environmental the new berths in early January 2014. which are the port’s original container berths, are now unable to accommodate the new breed of large container ships being brought into service by the major international shipping lines.

To rectify this, VolkerStevin has been contracted to combine the two berths, allowing the Port of Southampton the room required to accommodate a 400m long, 15.5m wide vessel.

In order to complete the works, the existing berths have to be deepened by dredging, which includes significant engineering and piling work.

VolkerStevin will construct a new quay wall, seaward of the existing wall, over the length of the two existing berths. Piling work being completed

11 VolkerFitzpatrick wins Siemens Thameslink depots contract

VolkerFitzpatrick has signed a contract The Hornsey depot, which is due Richard Offord, managing director of with Siemens to build two new train for completion in 2016, is being VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “We are maintenance depots, as part of the constructed within a live operational delighted to be working with Siemens Thameslink Rolling Stock Project. rail environment adjacent to the East on this flagship project. Our extensive Coast Mainline and the existing Hornsey experience in building state of the art As Siemens’ construction partner, depot. rail maintenance depots, coupled with VolkerFitzpatrick is designing, Siemens considerable experience in this constructing and commissioning the The project comprises the co-ordinated area, makes for a dynamic and highly two depots over the next three years redevelopment of two separate areas skilled integrated project team. The at Hornsey in north London and Three of existing infrastructure, including depots are being built with close regard Bridges near Crawley in West Sussex. the existing operational depot and the to all stakeholders and communities, derelict sidings immediately to the in a sustainable, safe and responsible The depots are being built north of the existing depot. manner.” simultaneously by two in-house specialist project teams. The Three The work involves the widening of two Ruth Humphrey, of Siemens, said: Bridges depot, which is due for existing bridges, a new three road, “VolkerFitzpatrick has been carefully completion in 2015, is split into east 12-car maintenance shed, two carriage selected for its competence and and west-side facilities either side of the washing machines, offices and all expertise in this area and has more than London to Brighton mainline, comprises associated depot infrastructure. 90 years’ experience in civil engineering construction of a five road, 12-car in the UK. We are working closely with maintenance building with associated Alterations to the existing depot are them, the train operator, Network stores, workshops and offices, eleven being undertaken in close consultation Rail and the Department for Transport train stabling and servicing roads, two with the train operating company to to finalise these facilities, which will under-bridge widenings, two carriage minimise disruption throughout the enable passengers on the Thameslink washing machines, a wheel lathe and all project. routes to benefit from new, comfortable associated depot infrastructure. and reliable trains.”

VolkerView is a publication of VolkerGround Engineering invest in new VolkerWessels UK. Movax impact hammers There are six VolkerWessels companies in the UK: VolkerGround Engineering, has invested New VolkerFitzpatrick in the newly developed Movax SG-50V Movax VolkerHighways side-grip hammer and a ID25H impact impact VolkerRail hammer. hammer VolkerStevin VolkerLaser The new impact hammer will allow VolkerInfra the company to operate in more challenging environments, expand VolkerWessels UK its portfolio, improve its capabilities Hertford Road in the UK rail sector and diversify its Hoddesdon foundation engineering and piling Hertfordshire services. EN11 9BX Tel: 01992 305 000 The new Movax hammers also enable www.volkerwessels.co.uk the company to provide more versatile solutions to pile installation by complementing the existing leader rig fleet. Chris Thomas, director of The hammers are mounted onto 24 VolkerGround Engineering, commented: tonne excavation plant, provided by “VolkerGround Engineering is the sister company VolkerBrooks and are first company in the country to have able to place and drive piles in a variety purchased the newly developed ID25H of challenging environments. impact hammer, which has recently been made available from Movax after The Movax side-grip hammer is already an extensive period of research and well-established, particularly in the rail development. Our investment in both environment, as it can be easily mounted pieces of piling equipment represents a on standard road/rail equipment. In significant step forward for our business addition to easy integration with the and will enable us to provide improved existing leader rig fleet, the equipment services in the rail sector, as well as is able to produce greater driving energy widening our portfolio of techniques for within a more compact overall size than traditional sheet piling work.” available from competitor alternatives.