London Underground - Anchor Posts for Hand Rails

Requirement

Anchor Systems (Int) Ltd (ASIL) have previously collaborated with SPCM/Arbourtech in the development of the Cable Stiles solutions where the patented Anchor Post has now been adopted as the foundation of choice in the construction of Cable Stiles. SPCM in their undertaking of maintenance to structures on the London Underground (LU) network have seen the value added advantages in the use of this form of foundation.

SPCM approached ASIL with a view to use the Anchor Post as a foundation to a modular handrail solution which could be used on the slopes of wing walls for edge protection and safe access. The S1 gate access to the site opens onto a potentially hazardous area onto an embankment, at height next to live rails. A foundation solution was required that was modular in construction, quick to install, utilise light equipment and is demountable.

Solution

ASIL worked with SPCM to trial the Handrail solution and designed and developed an interface plate that used a quick method of connecting to the modular Kee Klamp system utilised in the construction of the handrail. Testing was completed to understand interfacing issues that would be encountered on site. No significant problems were encountered during the testing.

The advantages of the light equipment utilised in the installation of the Anchor Post was proven when installing the foundation on top of an embankment.

Vegetation that may have hindered installation and potentially required removal for conventionally installed foundations were simply bypassed when installing the Anchor Post foundation.

There was a significant amount of time saved in onsite activities due to the non-use of wet trades to create a foundation. This reduced programme timescales and ultimately reduced the risks on site to labour.