VolkerGround Engineering was employed by Kier Infrastructure & Overseas to work on the M6 J1619 project. Using a PVE55 CFA rig, the team installed 750mm diameter Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles to a depth of 22 metres. These installations formed several new sign gantries with various inter-site moves on the M6.
The works were part of a Highways England programme to upgrade the M6 to a smart motorway. This allows all four lanes to be open to traffic for reduced congestion and increase the area for emergency services.
Due to site constraints, VolkerGround Engineering completed all piling work at night, so other works occurring during the daytime (including Kier’s site activities) could be completed without interruption. This also kept traffic disruption to a minimum.
Using a crane in the works posed slewing risks. Therefore, VolkerGround Engineering applied a slew restrictor to the chosen crane to prevent it from
oversailing into the live carriageway on the M6.
VolkerGround Engineering worked with the client to develop an alternative solution which would suit their programme and budget constraints, whilst still delivering a safe and effective system of work. The team’s CFA piling methodology resulted in significant programme and cost savings.
Andrew Harley structures manager for Kier Infrastructure and Overseas said: “VolkerGround Engineering did an excellent job on site and got the works done in a truly professional manner.”