The challenge
Running from Stanley Junction to Inverness, the HGL2 line is a key transport link between Perth and Inverness and spans roughly 117 miles. As a result, when damage was detected to two of the gabion retaining walls in separate locations along the line, a quick resolution was vital due to the risk of landslides.
Story Contracting was appointed by Network Rail to carry out the repair work, with David Hamilton, Senior Project Manager at Story Contracting saying: “We were instructed to attend both sites and install Anchor Rows and Weld Mesh to provide some much-needed stability to the two embankments. We will then remove the existing gabion walls from each site, ensuring they don’t collapse either into the river or back onto the embankment itself.
“Due to the close proximity of both sites to the rail line, and in accordance with Network Rail standards, it was essential that we closely monitored the tracks and embankment for any movement or displacement, no matter how slight. It was here that Mabey Hire’s expertise and range of monitoring systems was invaluable.”
Our solution
Our wide range of monitoring solutions are available for a variety of applications, including track and embankment monitoring. Our sensors can accurately and efficiently measure any changes to track geometry and relay this information directly to our real-time monitoring website portal, Insite, allowing contractors to access their data whenever needed.
David continued: “On a time-sensitive project such as this, it was essential that all equipment and processes were implemented quickly and efficiently. Mabey Hire understood this urgency, supplying its monitoring solutions speedily and proficiently, as well as providing us with expert assistance throughout the whole project. The team designed and installed bespoke monitoring systems on site, with the data then fed back to us in real-time through Mabey Hire’s Insite web portal, allowing us to constantly see the condition of the tracks and embankment.”
Jim Heaton, Monitoring Engineer at Mabey Hire, spoke on the project, saying: “We were first contacted by Story Contracting in early June and just two weeks later we had installed the track monitoring onto the first site, with the embankment monitoring following a week later.
“The scheme involved the installation of bi-axial wireless tilt sensors, mounted onto the sleeper ends of both lines and on ground spikes for the embankments. We also supplied void meter and track temperature monitors, as well as data loggers and UPS tools with solar panels, allowing for any changes to be observed with ease.”
