Malvern Midlands Project: Ballast Retention

Requirement

The Malvern Midlands railway experienced structural issues with the track’s shoulder and slope, causing speed restrictions for passing trains. These safety risks and operational inefficiencies highlighted the urgent need to restore track stability and ensure safe, unrestricted train operations.

Testing:

Although Anchor Systems did not conduct direct testing, the project’s consultant, Atkins, assessed the site conditions. Their evaluation identified critical areas needing reinforcement to handle load conditions and environmental factors. This assessment guided the selection of suitable anchoring solutions, even though specific load tests and soil resistance analyses were not performed by Anchor Systems.

Solution

Anchor Systems provided a comprehensive anchoring solution, including:

• 20 x 1795 mm x Anchor Screws

• 111 x 1800 mm x Anchor Screws

• 30 x 2300 mm x Anchor Screws

• 150 x Ballast Boards

• 141 x Ballast Board Posts

• 20 x Domed Signposts

• 6 x Handrails

The installation process involved a machine-mounted torque head (600x). A night shift team focused on installing the anchor screws, while a day shift team assembled the ballast boards and posts to create a durable retaining wall. This method effectively addressed the structural issues.

Result:

The project achieved all performance goals. The newly installed anchoring system reinforced the track shoulder, removed speed restrictions, and restored full operational efficiency. Despite challenging site conditions such as poor access and bad weather, the project was completed on time without any unexpected issues. This success highlights the reliability of Anchor Systems’ solutions, with the Anchor Screw and Ballast Board systems playing a crucial role in enhancing railway infrastructure.