CC4201

CASEstudy
Skipping ahead
BIM software has been used on the temporary works for HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct, which has been
designed to mimic the skipping of stones across a lake
With a tight programme schedule,
the use of Tekla custom
components proved essential
on the construction of HS2's Colne Valley
Viaduct temporary works, enabling
Taziker to navigate design changes and
modifications timely and efficiently.
Stretching for over two miles (3.4km)
between Hillingdon and the M25, the
Colne Valley Viaduct forms a critical part
of the HS2 network. Carrying the railway
around 10 metres high above a series of
lakes, the River Colne and Grand Union
Canal, the viaduct will be the longest
railway bridge of its kind in the UK once
completed. The design of the structure
was inspired by the flight of a stone
skipping across water, with a series of
elegant spans making up its
construction. The project is being led by
HS2's main works contractor Align JV - a
team made up of Bouygues Travaux
Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and
VolkerFitzpatrick.
The construction of the momentous
structure has understandably come up
against various logistical and engineering
challenges, not least the location and
tricky terrain. One of those challenges
was to construct 292 bored piles,
required to support the piers and
abutments of the bridge. In order to
enable these works and provide safe
access for plant equipment and materials
operating over the lakes, a series of
temporary steel jetties were required.
Spanning over four lakes in the South
Harefield region, this temporary
causeway was detailed, fabricated and
installed by Taziker.
Measuring at over 3,000 km in length,
the temporary jetties were constructed
from circa 3600 tonnes of steelwork. At
each pier location, the jetty was further
widened to include the whole working
area, with modular decking sections
removed as required for permanent piling
and to construct cofferdams.
18
January/February 2024