If you've ever taken the Eurostar, you'll have experienced the Channel Tunnel Rail Link at first hand. The first major new railway line laid in the UK for over 100 years, it now transports millions of passengers each year over the 68 miles between London and the Channel Tunnel.
2.4 miles of the line is elevated on viaducts, and the major rail company undertaking the project needed an alternative to concrete for the cable trough covering that runs along the viaducts.
After a thorough investigation, they identified fibreglass grating from Sui Generis as a viable, cost-effective alternative to concrete that could meet their stringent requirements.
In addition to having a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent impact resistance and an almost indefinite life expectancy, we made sure our fibreglass grating sections would meet all the client's requirements, including:
When it came to installing the fibreglass grating, a technical survey revealed numerous variations in the dimensions of the concrete cable trough recesses – which meant the covers needed to be supplied in varying widths and thicknesses.
This posed a significant challenge, but Sui Generis was up to the task.
By creating a detailed installation schedule, we were able to do almost all the resizing work at our production facility – minimising the amount of cutting required on-site and keeping our installation service on schedule.
In total, 9 miles of fibreglass grating panels were laid – acting as an important layer of protection for the essential cables running alongside the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
Hover over animation to hold
Our strong fibreglass grating was designed to act as a protective cover for the cabling troughs running alongside the section of the track elevated on viaducts – but a technical survey revealed many variations in the dimensions of the cable trough recesses.
Because the panels needed to fit snugly into each section of trough, it was agreed that it would be impractical to produce each section of panel to size – so we came up with an installation schedule that allowed us to cut each panel to size while minimising additional work on-site.
Some of the areas were also due to be used as pedestrian walkways, which meant each panel had to be secured in place with special steel plates with a countersunk fixing hole – this minimised any potential trip hazard.
In total, 9 miles of fibreglass grating trough covers were supplied to schedule, securing the vital infrastructure of one of Europe's busiest rail links – demonstrating another way fibreglass can improve on traditional concrete materials.
Our highly competitive work gives you the best quality results every time – every one of our operatives is highly skilled, well trained and takes exceptional pride in what they do. With Sui Generis, you can rely on effective, long-lasting work.
When you choose Sui Generis to undertake work on your behalf, it always complies with and exceeds the standards required by relevant legislation. We always advise you what the regulations require before we start.
We take your safety seriously, and that of all our people, whether we're at a small factory or a nuclear plant. We always adhere to stringent health and safety procedures at every stage – and comply with your own Heath and Safety policies.
Every job we undertake is completed with your satisfaction in mind. We work hard to be the best at every task we tackle – and that's why over 90% of our customers return to us time after time.