Asset International was awarded the project to supply and install steel step barrier over the Tinsley Viaduct, M1 Sheffield. This would not only be the longest installation of steel step barrier in the UK, it also provided a host of engineering problems that would need specific innovative solutions in order to ensure the steel step barrier performed to its specification. The ageing structure consisted of a number of individual decks which moved independently of each other, the viaduct’s shallow deck meant that the normal required embedment for the anchors couldn’t be achieved, the deck was littered with manholes, gullies & anchorages from previous VRS systems, along with these obstacles the structure included a large expansion joint with more movement than the standard steel step barrier was designed to deal with.
Planning was the key and Asset worked closely with A one + and it’s designers attending regular meetings to ensure all involved were aware of what progress was being made in overcoming the problems and a programme of works began to evolve. The deck was tested using shallow anchorages and were pull tested well above the standard requirements, special connection plates were designed to allow movement at deck joints, the existing deck was surveyed locating existing anchorages & the new anchorages were pitched to eliminate any clashes, finally using the latest 3D modelling software Asset designed a bespoke expansion unit which could accommodate the viaducts own expansion movement. Asset’s lean manufacturing ethics meant that the same expansion unit design worked on Wadworth Viaduct.
Installation of the Steel Step Barrier was always programmed to be completed before the late August Bank Holiday, but delays on site prior to Asset’s arrival meant that to meet this deadline the estimated installation rate would have to increase dramatically. Once again planning was the key and from involving the installation crews from the early stages of the contract they were prepared and fully aware of the task ahead. Assisted with the long summer days installation was completed 28/08/2014 as originally programmed.
For more information on our Steel Barriers please click here or for more information on Asset International please click here.