The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group have always believed that the best delivered construction projects start with early client engagement. The ability to influence the design at an early phase is paramount and enables us, as part of direct and meaningful consideration, to de-risk the project construction phase and facilitate successful realisation on site.

It is no coincidence that the talented engineering team at Rhomberg Sersa in the UK are well versed in both the design aspects of ballastless track as well as construction planning and installation. Early engagement has led to the award of the construction phase of the works post design on many occasions, as a natural progression.

Network Rail uses a 4-phase process for infrastructure projects with 8 Engineering Stages (ES): Project Selection (ES1-ES3), Design (ES4–ES5), Delivery (ES6) and Close (ES7–ES8).

ES3, (Feasibility) is where RSRGs involvement may begin. The engineering team would assess the proposed track alignment, ground conditions, client requirements and construction constraints. The deliverable is a report in which several track-forms and transition solutions are evaluated recommendations are made to the client. Drawing on the extensive experience within the Rhomberg Sersa Group with many ballastless track systems the objective is always to recommend the optimal solution for the specific project scenario.

ES4 (Preliminary Design) ends with the outline approval of the solution following development of the design based on the ES3 proposal. Typically, RSRG would develop a fully integrated 3D model as it must be demonstratet that the solution satisfactoryly interfaces with the drainage, civil structures, electrification and signalling. It is at this point where delivery personnel are also involved and the preplanning for execution can be started. This is essential for the client to receive a suitable design, with account taken of constructability and risks identified.

ES5 is Detailed Design, in which RSRG engages and works with the design partners who prepare the structural calculations. Final drawings and reports are worked on together to prepare the scheme for full approval for construction (AFC). By the Delivery Phase, the construction team are already well versed with the design and the proposed construction methodology. RSRG engineers that have directed the solution development are also integrated into the construction team and provide on-site progressive assurance. The integration of design and delivery is key, and having engineers familiar with both, means that emerging issues are resolved efficiently and decisively. The transition between the project phases is bridged seamlessly as a result.

Experience shows that this approach is a winning formula. Good examples of this are projects such as Kings Cross Gasworks Tunnel, Barking Riverside Extension, and Mountfield Tunnel. We look forward to more examples of these to come.