Roger Bullivant Limited (RBL) proudly announces its involvement in vital engineering works at Yarm Viaduct, a cornerstone of British railway heritage. Tasked with the installation of 656 Steel Tubular Piles to depths of up to 13 meters, RBL brings its expertise to address the unique challenges posed by this important infrastructure project.
The Yarm Viaduct, a Grade II listed structure completed in the mid-19th century, spans the River Tees with 43 majestic arches. This vital railway link has stood the test of time but now requires advanced engineering solutions to strengthen the foundations and prevent any further movement and deterioration of this historic structure. RBL has been appointed with the technical and demanding task of installing piles to support the piers into ground conditions categorised by soft clays overlying sandstone.
The decision to employ a jack-down piling technique was driven by multiple factors, primarily the age of the structure and its surrounding environment which is close to existing properties and woodland. This piling technique offers quiet and vibrationless installation minimising any disturbance or risk of damage to the existing structure, ensuring the project’s continued progress with minimal impact on the local area or community.
Steel transverse beams will be placed through the existing brickwork piers supported on either side on reinforced concrete pile caps which transfer the structural loads from the viaduct through the piles into the more stable underlying ground. Small, powerful hydraulic rigs connected to the pile caps enable piles to be pushed into the ground by hydraulic rams using the existing structure as a reaction load. The technique offers a reliable and efficient approach that meets the needs of this diverse project.
The project, set to span approximately 15 weeks, highlights the technical capabilities and logistical expertise required for such a demanding task. Working with Main Contractor Amco Giffen, RBL’s team of engineers and specialists will utilise their extensive experience to execute the project with precision, adhering to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
“We are pleased to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Yarm Viaduct,” said Jim Hargrave, North East Regional Manager at RBL. “This project not only highlights our technical capabilities but also our commitment to safeguarding historical infrastructure while minimising the impact on the local community.”
As the project progresses, RBL remains dedicated to upholding the legacy of the Yarm Viaduct, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital link for railway transportation in the UK.
