Deck Scraper gets under the skin of membrane removal

24/11/2020 | CHRIS AMES

Kier Highways has designed and built a machine that it says offers a safer, more sustainable and more efficient method for removing waterproof membranes from road assets.

It said the Deck Scraper vehicle uses unique blade-technology to quietly shave membrane from structures such as bridges and underpasses without damaging the road surface underneath.

Waterproof membranes are routinely used to help protect structures against corrosive damage from salt spread as part of winter maintenance but have to be removed to undertake concrete repairs, re-waterproofing and resurfacing.

This is traditionally done with an excavator that digs into the road’s surface but Kier said its Deck Scraper offers a better alternative and significantly reduces vibration, dust and noise pollution.

The machine is also smaller than excavators and diggers and does not need an arm or a bucket, giving the operator 360-degree visibility.

It was developed with partners CLM construction and US-based National Flooring Equipment, with the first prototype unveiled to industry representatives earlier this month.

Kier Highways senior project manager Mark Sheppard said: ‘This was an interesting opportunity to develop a prototype specifically designed to make the task of waterproof membrane removal techniques more efficient, cost effective and better for the environment.

‘By working with our design partners, the project has culminated in the production of a method far removed from the existing techniques, which are quite brutal and can often introduce additional damage to bridge decks as well as being extremely noisy and dusty.

‘And with the creation of the Deck Scraper, we have been able to do that without compromising quality, output or negatively impacting on road users.’

The vehicle was developed following a successful bid for cash from Highways England’s Designated Fund for innovation.

Lisa Maric, innovations lead for the Midlands at Highways England, said: ‘Current methods to remove the waterproof layer are quite antiquated with environmental issues and some risk to the workforce. We wanted to develop a unique machine that would be more efficient and improve the safety of road workers while easing the impact on the environment and communities.

‘Instead of essentially using a steel bucket with teeth to remove the membrane, we can use a blade to simply peel it off – quietly, effectively and without damaging the road which will also save time and money.

‘It is anticipated that thanks to the Deck Scraper, this method will now set the benchmark expected for membrane removal throughout the country.’

After two years of development and having undergone testing in the US, final trials were carried out at the Kier depot in Telford and the machine can now be taken to the market by National Flooring Equipment.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Head of Service Traffic and Projects

£76,665 to £79,812
We are seeking a dynamic and highly qualified individual to lead our Traffic, Projects and Design & Construction division. Leyton, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Waltham Forest

UGO bus Coordinator

£26357.0000 - £31008.0000 per annum + pension
UGO bus CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£26,357 to £31,008 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

UGO bus Coordinator

£26357.00 - £31008.00 per annum + pension
UGO bus CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£26,357 to £31,008 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
This role is fundamental to the success of the Highways Service. Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Major Projects x 4

£45,894.00 - £54,952.00
We are looking for experienced engineers to help us progress a number of key projects and programmes Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Highways Contract Engineer

£46,731 - £49,764
The team helps provide a safe road network that operates efficiently and effectively.  Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner

£46,731 - £49,764 (pro-rata)
We are looking for an experienced professional to join us on a six-month temporary contact as a Principal Transport Planner. Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Highways Maintenance Operative Broughton, Brigg
Recruiter: Amey

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
The team includes approximately 60 directly employed HCC people Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Quality Technician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Quality Technician Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)

£42679.0000 - £50211.0000 per annum
Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)Permanent, Full Time£43,960 to £51,718 per annum*Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major Projects)

£44,711 - £47,754
Are you an experienced project professional or engineer with looking to take the next step in your career? Halifax, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Roads

£45,894 - £54,952
Are you an experienced engineer looking to support the Scottish Government’s national objectives. Scotland
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Clerk of Works

GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Assistant Projects Engineer

GRADE 06 (£29,093 - £32,654),GRADE 07 (£33,366 - £37,035), GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Traffic Management

£45,718 - £48,710 per annum
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath, Somerset
Recruiter: Bath & North East Somerset Council

Vehicle Technician - Improver

£28,624 - £30,060
Transport Services is responsible for all aspects of transport and related services Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Programme Delivery Office Administrator

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County 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