The colossal construction was pushed into place in simply 10 hours throughout a precision operation that prevented two years of disruption on one of many Midlands’ key routes.
Constructed to hold HS2 trains beneath the A46 on the method to the brand new Interchange station close to the NEC, the 42m-wide concrete field was constructed off-line earlier than being slid 64m into place utilizing cutting-edge jacking expertise.
HS2 head of supply Cameron Thompson mentioned: “This record-breaking slide couldn’t have been achieved with out the years of meticulous planning and preparation that the staff put in, working carefully with our provide chain and Nationwide Highways.”
The street was reopened to visitors at midnight final night time, smashing the unique schedule. One lane will stay closed in every path till the tip of July whereas wingwalls and the central reservation are accomplished.
BBV undertaking director John McNiffe mentioned: “We’ve delivered the UK’s heaviest ever bridge slide utilizing modern strategies that considerably decreased the impression on street customers. It’s a serious achievement for our staff.”
Technical breakdown: A46 concrete field slide
| Stage | Particulars |
| Field dimensions | 42m extensive, 14,500 tonnes – heaviest in Europe |
| Preparation | 200m of street demolished; 35,000m³ of earth excavated |
| Slide technique | Autoripage jacking system by Freyssinet |
| Slide period | 10 hours whole, at 6.5 metres/hour |
| Steering system | 15 hydraulic jacks with millimetre accuracy |
| Lubrication | Bentonite clay injected beneath field by way of pre-drilled holes |
| Remaining push | 64m distance onto guiding raft |
| Highway reinstatement | Embankment rebuilt and street resurfaced inside 18 days |
