Comment: Why off-site is the place to be for construction

01/08/2018 |

DELTA BLOC UK's MD Tony Walker tells Highways about how his leading road barrier company is part of a new era of modular off-site construction and supply chain innovation helping major clients like Highways England meet their objectives.

The introduction of standardised, modularised, and prefabricated components through off-site construction is expected to grow, which has certainly proven to be the case with DELTA BLOC UK a manufacturer, supplier and installer of precast concrete road safety barrier systems.

Following a tough start to UK business in 2010, we have seen a significant increase in both sales and general interest in our precast concrete barrier systems over the last three years as the market has slowly adjusted to new concepts and ideas

Our recent involvement with installations on a number of projects in the Highways England Smart Motorway programme was a key milestone for us because it demonstrates very clearly that the market place now sees precast concrete as a very credible alternative to the more commonly used slipform methods of construction.

DELTA BLOC products are manufactured off-site and the modular lean construction process means a quick and efficient on-site operation, where the quality of the product can be guaranteed first time. These are both key factors, which could help achieve Highways England’s goal of reduced delivery and installation times.

There are no issues to overcome with supply of ready mixed concrete and inclement weather, both of which can be very problematic when carrying out slipform operations and it is for these reasons that many of Highways England’s delivery partners are now looking more favourably at precast barrier solutions for the central reserve.

For many contractors, to meet their construction programme, certainty of delivery all year round is a key driver. The modular, off-site construction approach also means less waste is generated in production providing a more sustainable, environmentally friendly product.

Delivery truck movements are also halved when installing the DELTA BLOC systems compared to the number of concrete truck mixers attending site for the same length of slipform barrier. This reduces traffic entering and exiting the works zone, improving safety, reducing CO² emissions, and keeps the network flowing, further demonstrating the positive benefits of the precast installation process.

The use of DELTA BLOC products on Highways England Smart Motorway projects shows that clients now have the confidence not only in the product, but also in the company to deliver schemes of this magnitude. CE marked products produced in a factory environment are delivered and installed on-site by competent and trained installers, providing maximum protection for road users, while minimising disruption.

Additionally, it also shows that DELTA BLOC UK can provide the full range of services from technical assistance up-front through to completion.

Increased productivity of precast concrete barrier systems over slipform barrier solutions;

  • Up to five times faster installation than in-situ barrier systems = reduced programme
  • Ability to change work fronts with minimal impact if critical path issues are identified at structures or there are breakdowns = more flexibility
  • No weather dependence allowing installation in cold or wet conditions = reduced risk
  • Freestanding systems can be connected to form any emergency crossing points required in the barrier chain = full compatibility
  • Easily connected to adjacent steel barrier systems through DELTA BLOC transition units
  • Useable as a temporary barrier in traffic management before incorporation into permanent works = reduced costs and minimised disruption in maintenance
  • Should a vehicle impact result in a need for replacement of barrier, pre-cast sections can be replaced in one shift as opposed to multiple shifts needed for in-situ repair = reduced costs, quicker, safer, less disruption
  • Pre-cast units can be easily lifted out to create a temporary maintenance crossover
  • Public safety – Improving travelling public safety and minimising disruption through fewer movements into and out of site
  • Site safety – 50% reduction in barrier installation personnel exposed to traffic risk
  • Better quality – Certainty of quality for materials, finishes and fit prefabricated in factory controlled conditions = right first time
  • Sustainability: No flushing / cleaning or waste concrete = reduced site waste

Precast concrete vehicle restraint systems can provide measurable benefits to all stakeholders and DELTA BLOC UK hope that their recent successes will provide further evidence to Highways England and their delivery partners that precast solutions can be advantageous when delivering Strategic Road Network projects.

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