Civils and stations

A new solution for rail industry structural foundations

A new alternative to costly and frequently disruptive concrete-based structural foundations has been introduced by GroundPlug (UK). It is a patented steel foundation and anchor system based on a proven Scandinavian design and is set to significantly reduce the cost and inconvenience of meeting a wide range of rail industry foundation requirements. Typically, these would include barrier, upright and overhead signalling systems, lighting units, station identification and information signage and associated features.

With this new solution, there are no labour-intensive and disruptive digging and earthmoving activities, no concrete, no spoil management and invariably no re-surfacing requirements. The inherently simple but brilliantly engineered GroundPlug device will substitute umpteen cubic metres of reinforced concrete, not to mention the elimination of problems associated with procuring, delivering and pouring in the concrete and the removal of what can amount to a huge quantity of spoil.

The GroundPlug can be installed through a relatively small-sized aperture in the ground and as close to any existing structures as it needs to be. It is necessary only to scan the ground, carry out an experimental probe and then drive in the GroundPlug to the required depth using a Kango or hammer attachment on a digger. A nut on the top surface of the GroundPlug is then cranked to activate the anchoring blades underground ready for attachment of the steelwork to be supported. In trials involving a typical five metre-high pylon-type construction, use of the GroundPlug system resulted in a 50 per cent saving on installation time and overall cost savings in excess of one third by comparison with the traditional concrete cage method and with far less environmental impact.

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