A significant milestone has been reached in the HS2 construction project, with over a million cubic metres of concrete set for the West Midlands stretch.
- Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) celebrated the delivery of the millionth cubic metre of concrete at Chattle Hill.
- The concrete is part of the extensive infrastructure required for the 90km HS2 railway between Leamington Spa and Birmingham.
- A network of local suppliers has been instrumental, with innovative materials reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
- The completion of the road diversion at Chattle Hill marks further progress in this ambitious engineering endeavour.
The HS2 project has recently marked a major milestone with the setting of over a million cubic metres of concrete in the West Midlands. This achievement is part of the extensive building work required for the HS2 railway, with Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) overseeing the northernmost section of the line between Leamington Spa and Birmingham, spanning 90 kilometres. With this achievement, more than half of the 1.9 million cubic metres needed has been set, showing significant progress in the project’s construction phase.
BBV, working alongside three main suppliers—Aggregate Industries, Tarmac, and Cemex—has reached this milestone at the Chattle Hill structure within the Delta Junction in North Warwickshire. These suppliers have not only met the massive requirements but also ensured that the concrete delivered meets environmental standards by incorporating high proportions of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).
In order to support the construction needs of the HS2 in the West Midlands, a network of 11 batching plants, including five on HS2 sites, has been pivotal. The concrete mix used is diverse, accommodating deep foundations and large structural elements, as well as components for tunnel lining and viaduct spans. The use of GGBS helps in maintaining a lower carbon footprint, aligning with modern sustainable building practices.
The logistical complexity of managing concrete delivery across such a vast project has been streamlined with BBV’s digital monitoring system, VERIFI. This system allows for real-time tracking of the concrete’s condition during transport, enhancing efficiency and reliability in the construction process. BBV’s commitment to reducing the carbon impact is evident in its strategic planning and coordination with its supply chain to minimise cementitious content.
The Chattle Hill structure, which now bears the millionth cubic metre of concrete, is a key part of the infrastructure, designed to carry four HS2 tracks over the A446 Lichfield Road. This structure, measuring 165 metres in length, 8.3 metres in height and 23 metres wide, has used over 4,100 cubic metres of concrete so far. The completion of a road diversion to accommodate this structure signals the ongoing development and innovation driving the HS2 project.
The contribution of different suppliers highlights a collaborative effort in ensuring the delivery of concrete to various parts of the project. Aggregate Industries focuses on the Delta Junction, while Tarmac and Cemex provide materials for stretches through Warwickshire and Birmingham, extending to Staffordshire. Such coordination is crucial for maintaining the pace of HS2’s construction schedule.
The successful delivery of a million cubic metres of concrete underscores the significant advancement in the HS2 project through a collaborative and eco-focused approach.
