The recent completion of the Wendover Dean deck slide marks a significant milestone in the HS2 project. This ingeniously engineered undertaking involved moving a massive bridge section, further progressing the UK’s high-speed rail ambitions.
- Over a 20-hour period, a 3,130-tonne structure was strategically manoeuvred into its position above the Buckinghamshire’s Misbourne Valley.
- Utilising Teflon pads to diminish friction, the deck was smoothly pushed 270 metres, showcasing the innovative approach of EKFB.
- The Wendover Dean Viaduct, spanning 450 metres in total, is being constructed in stages, each increasing the weight and complexity of the task.
- This double composite structure approach is notable for its reduction in material usage, promising substantial environmental and efficiency benefits.
In a substantial engineering feat, the HS2 contractor EKFB accomplished the challenging task of sliding a 3,130-tonne bridge deck over a 20-hour operation period. This remarkable activity occurred above the picturesque Misbourne Valley in Buckinghamshire, highlighting the effectiveness of modern construction techniques.
A critical component of this undertaking was the utilization of Teflon pads, which significantly reduced friction. This allowed the deck to be pushed 270 metres towards its final destination with precision and control. It is part of the larger Wendover Dean Viaduct project, which when completed, will extend for 450 metres.
The assembly process of the Wendover Dean Viaduct involves distinct stages, with each segment ranging from 90 to 180 metres. Each section is pushed out from the northern abutment, and subsequent sections are attached behind, incrementally increasing the deck’s weight from 590 tonnes initially to a projected 3,700 tonnes by the year’s end.
At this specific Chilterns location, the railway’s gradient emerges as a noteworthy challenge. Engineers are addressing this by pushing the deck slightly uphill, resulting in a finish point that is 1.8 metres higher than the starting location.
HS2 Ltd’s senior project manager, Ben Sebastian-Green, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting, ‘It’s great to see so much progress at Wendover Dean Viaduct – with all the piers and the first three slides now done.’ His comments underline the coordination and commitment of all parties involved in this demanding endeavour.
The Wendover Dean Viaduct distinguishes itself as the UK’s first major railway bridge constructed with a double composite structure. This method employs two steel beams enclosed in reinforced concrete layers to form more efficient spans, reducing the use of concrete and steel compared to traditional methods. This innovative design cuts the carbon footprint by about half, aligning with HS2’s sustainability objectives.
This construction technique, also slated for deployment in other HS2 viaducts such as Small Dean and Lower Thorpe, is facilitated by the EKFB joint venture alongside Eiffage Metal specialists. Double composite constructions reflect an environmentally conscious approach inspired by similar structures on European high-speed rail networks.
The bridge’s visual harmony with its environment is ensured through the use of ‘weathering steel,’ which acquires a protective dark brown patina, eliminating the need for regular maintenance.
Construction progress also extends to other HS2 structures; developments include the completion of approach viaduct sections at Birmingham Curzon Street station and significant advancements at the Delta Junction in North Warwickshire.
The Wendover Dean deck slide epitomises innovative engineering, marking a major advance in the HS2 project and reinforcing sustainable construction practices.
