DP World West Rail Terminal,
RMGC Beam and Apron.
Location West London
Sector Civils
Value £13M
The DP World West Rail Terminal project involved the critical construction of the Rail Mounted Gantry Crane (RMGC) Beam and Apron. This substantial infrastructure upgrade is vital for enhancing the terminal's capacity and efficiency in handling rail cargo. The project required precise civil engineering works to support the heavy demands of gantry crane operations.
Gobion Construction served as the Main Contractor, taking full responsibility for project managing the construction of this key component of the West Rail Terminal. They partnered with CGR as the design team to ensure all technical specifications were met.
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Construction of a reinforced concrete RMGC beam, forming the essential structural base for the gantry cranes.
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Installation of reinforced concrete paving across the apron area, designed to withstand heavy operational loads.
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Implementation of a comprehensive stormwater drainage system, including the collection and efficient discharge of existing railway surface water drainage.
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Installation of kerbing to define operational areas and manage water flow.
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Relevelling of existing chambers to integrate seamlessly with the new infrastructure.
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Installation of fencing and gates for site security and operational control.
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Construction of light tower foundations to support critical terminal illumination.
Relocation of existing high mast lights to optimise lighting for the expanded facility.
Contractor Designed Works
Design and installation of precast concrete driven piles, providing robust deep foundations for the RMGC beam and other heavy structures.
Execution of all associated testing to verify the integrity and performance of the piling system.
Project Challenges
High Structural Demands, constructing a reinforced concrete RMGC beam and paving designed to support massive gantry cranes and constant heavy vehicle traffic.
Integrating with Live Rail Operations, working within an active terminal environment required meticulous planning and coordination to minimise disruption to ongoing rail and port activities.
Complex Sub-surface Works, the installation of driven piles and extensive drainage systems in potentially challenging ground conditions.
Quality Control and Precision, adhering to strict specifications for concrete strength, level tolerances, and drainage gradients to ensure the longevity and functionality of the infrastructure.
Technical Expertise
Gobion Construction demonstrated significant technical expertise in handling large-scale, heavy-duty civil engineering works. Their ability to construct robust reinforced concrete structures, manage complex drainage systems, and execute precise piling operations in a demanding environment highlights their proficiency.
Project Management & Coordination
As the Main Contractor, Gobion's comprehensive project management approach was crucial. This included coordinating numerous civil elements, managing specialist piling works, and ensuring seamless integration with the existing terminal infrastructure while minimising operational impact.
Quality Assurance
The project's nature required rigorous quality control, particularly for the RMGC beam and paving, which are critical for the terminal's functionality. Gobion's execution suggests a strong commitment to delivering a high-quality, durable asset.
