The project involved constructing two stock bays/drying bays and a wedge pit within a live yard at Tarmac Aggregates, part of the CRH company. The stock bays/drying bays were built using high-grade steel columns placed around the perimeter, with a concrete push wall cast around the steel columns up to 1 metre high and 600mm wide. Railway grade sleepers were slotted between the columns to a height of 3 metres, including the push wall. The wedge pit, approximately 1.5 metres deep, was connected to the mains drainage after a series of catch pits had filtered any silts. The main challenge of this project was to keep the yard operational throughout the construction process, requiring daily coordination with the yard manager.
These improvements contributed to increased operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and potential long-term cost savings.
How we implemented the works and solved the challenges we were asked to resolve:
To implement the project successfully and address the challenge of maintaining the yard's operation, several strategies were employed:
Daily briefings with the yard manager: Regular communication ensured that construction activities were synchronized with yard operations.
Precise planning: Careful scheduling ensured that construction tasks were carried out with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Expertise in live yard projects: Vision Groundworks specialized in managing construction activities within operational yards, allowing for efficient project execution.
Construction techniques: High-grade steels, concrete push walls, and railway grade sleepers were used in accordance with industry best practices to ensure the project's quality and durability.
What the outcome of the project was and what the outcome was for the client:
The project's successful outcome included the completion of the two stock bays/drying bays and the wedge pit. These facilities provided enhanced storage and waste management capabilities within the yard. For Tarmac Aggregates, the client, the project's outcome yielded several advantages, such as improved material storage, efficient waste management, and the ability to maintain uninterrupted yard operations.
These improvements contributed to increased operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and potential long-term cost savings. In summary, the project was successfully completed, meeting the client's objectives and improving their operational capabilities.