19.02.10
Technology on track
Network Rail has awarded a multi-million pound contract to AmeyColas to undertake track renewals delivered by high output plant over the next few years. The contract entails both the planning and delivery of plain line track renewals using high output plant as well as the operation and maintenance of the Network Rail fleet of high output and support plant, reports Richard Mackillican
“The principle of high output plant can be assimilated to a ‘travelling factory’ which will deliver 75 per cent of track renewals on nominated routes through CP4 and beyond, representing circa 30 per cent of the overall plain line volume,” says AmeyColas director Jean-Louis Trovo.
“The UK high output plant fleet is the most modern and fastest growing in the world. It currently comprises two high output ballast cleaners and one track relaying system plus support plant i.e. tamper/DTS’s and regulators, totaling one hundred and seventy five vehicles in the fleet (machines and wagons).
“Two new systems, one high output ballast cleaner and one track relaying machine together with their support plant, will also be delivered during the course of next year to complement and augment the current high output capacity.”
Track renewals delivered by high output is one of Network Rail’s “world class initiatives” playing a key part in their commitment towards a seven-day railway.
To do this, Network Rail needed a contractor who could understand their needs and deliver to their requirements.
“Colas Rail has been involved in the conception and construction of almost every European high speed line and has for many years been a major player on the continent with regards to high output activities,” says Jean-Louis. “Recently, RFF (Réseau Ferré de France), the French equivalent of NWR, awarded Colas Rail a four-year contract to undertake, on a national scale, the complete replacement of the ballast, track and sleepers using high output plant and also a contract spanning a six-year period for high output ballast cleaning on the high speed Paris-Lyon line.
“The rail services department of Colas Rail already provides an extensive range of services to Network Rail with the on-track machine operation being a core element of its business. Colas Rail Services has the largest modern on-track plant fleet in the UK and also operates on behalf of Network Rail a fleet of MPV’s and EM-SAT machines.
“Amey is a leading provider of specialist, end-to-end railway infrastructure services in the UK across all railway disciplines. Their experienced professionals deliver innovative and versatile solutions to rail networks, train operating companies and government agencies throughout the UK.
“Amey’s logistics business efficiently manages the provision of plant (both small and large) and specialist on-track machine into delivery projects. They currently own and operate tamping on-track machines and general purpose track maintenance on-track machines (GP-TRAMM). Amey’s logistics also operate some of the Network Rail owned Stoneblowing machines.
“We have chosen to respond to this tender as the AmeyColas JV in order to offer Network Rail the best of Colas’ and Amey’s complementary competencies both local and continental.”
The AmeyColas JV has been involved in track renewals in the UK since 1998, initially operating in the Western and then in both the Western and LNW territories, starting with plain line renewals and then expanding the initial scope to include switch & crossing renewals.
AmeyColas will also be using some of the most efficient technology available to carry out its work for Network Rail.
The high-output technology delivers track renewals quicker than conventional methods by using modern machinery and efficient automation tools to allow the replacement of between 400-600m of track and ballast in eight hours..
The high-output ballast cleaning system consists of a Plasser & Theurer RM 900 ballast cleaning machine supported by material conveyor and hopper units with through-loading conveyors and slewing unloading conveyor belt.
The ballast is removed from the track beneath the central control vehicle by an excavator chain which takes the material to the screening unit where waste and re-usable ballast are separated. The waste material is then conveyed to dedicated wagons located at the end of the train while the cleaned ballast is mixed with new ballast to compensate for the lost material and returned to the formation.
The track relaying train is capable of replacing sleepers and rails in a single process. New sleepers are brought in and old sleepers removed by gantry cranes which carry 30 sleepers on each trip. The machine can handle wood, concrete and steel sleepers.
The track relaying system evacuates sleepers, levels ballast and lays and positions new sleepers totally independently providing full flexibility for different track conditions.
The track relaying system is electronically controlled and ensures longitudinal track leveling in relation with pre-defined data input in the on-board processor and required cant. The laying unit can reach a very fast pace whilst guarantying the spacing and sleeper squaring within very tight tolerances.
“Significant synergy exists between conventional and high output track renewals,” says Jean-Louis. “Our ‘one track renewals organisation’ removes all duplication of roles and provides a robust, unified and cost effective track renewals solution to Network Rail.”
“High output delivery focuses on selected routes with significant renewals demand and limited track access,” says Jean-Louis. “Fundamental elements will include midweek work in short duration possessions with adjacent lines open to operation and a requirement for high hand-back line speeds.
“We fully appreciate the big challenges ahead especially with regards to the need for increased efficiency and are determined to work together with Network Rail within a collaborative “one team” delivery environment to improve the overall rail service in the most cost effective and affordable way.
“We recognise that reliability, financial efficiency and asset stewardship are key to the contract success. In the delivery of high output works, our commitment will be to deliver high quality track in terms of track geometry and durability, generate efficiencies that reduce the unit cost of renewals and whole-life cost of the asset; plan, manage and execute works to minimise delay and temporary speed restrictions.
“Our plan for the future is to continue supporting Network Rail in developing an effective transport infrastructure that is vital for UK growth. We want to play a key role in the development of a railway that contributes positively to productivity, quality of life and the environment.”
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