3D laser speeds-up Balfour's viaduct repair job

09/02/2012 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Nine months after a severe blaze temporarily closed the Deans Brook Viaduct, which carries the M1 over part of north London, repair work on the structure and in the surrounding area is complete.

Most of the repair work has taken place under the viaduct with minimum disruption to traffic on the motorway above.

The viaduct was badly damaged when fire broke out in a scrapyard beneath it in April last year, and in the intervening months intensive work has been carried out to assess the damage and carry out the repairs.

Special 3D laser scans and modelling helped engineers to find the best solution and ensure the repairs could be carried out as quickly and safely as possible.

The final part included reinstating a footpath, used mainly by schoolchildren, which had to be temporarily diverted because of the effects of the fire.

Paul Robinson, Highways Agency asset manager, said: "The M1 Deans Brook Viaduct is a key part of one of England's busiest motorways and it was of utmost importance to us to firstly get the M1 open again as soon as safely possible after the fire under the viaduct temporarily closed it, and then, with our contractors, to find the best solution to carry out the repairs with the least possible disruption to road users and the local community.

"Once the motorway re-opened after the fire in April, there was still further work to do to enable us to gain full access to the structure. We then started a thorough, detailed investigation to determine the level of damage and the schedule of repairs.

"The actual repair work started in late September and while we needed some overnight lane closures on the M1, the majority of the repair has taken place under the structure, causing as little disruption as possible to road users on the M1.

"We have also reinstated a footpath used largely by school children, and this week we will hand the site under the viaduct back to its owners. We are grateful to the local community for their patience during the essential work."

The laser scanning system enabled engineers to recreate the underside of the viaduct which bore the brunt of the blaze, revealing the full extent of the damage. This was then used to build a 3D model of the affected area which helped to generate a works programme.

The work included repairs to the concrete underside of the structure, replacement of southbound parapet, bearing replacement and new bridge joints, so the structure can expand and compress with seasonal changes in temperature.

The M1 in this area is managed on behalf of the Highways Agency by Connect Plus and the repair project was managed by Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering.

Nick Boyle, technical services director for Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering, said:"The laser scanning system provided the key to the repair design and construction programming. The beauty of 3D modelling means you can try out many different options on a computer screen to see which will work best, before you actually get on to site."

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW