Radlett Box Slide
VolkerFitzpatrick adopted Freyssinet’s Autoripage technique to slide a 6,000-tonne bridge box structure beneath the Midland Main Line near Radlett in Hertfordshire during a rail blockade over Christmas 2024.
Autoripage is a patented method developed by Freyssinet. It involves casting the underpass ‘offline’ on a guiding raft adjacent to the operational railway. Using bentonite liquid clay as a lubricant, the structure is slid into its final position. Once in place, backfilling is carried out to restore the route for traffic.
The Autoripage technique reduces disruption and improves safety, as it separates the construction activity from the operational railway. The method is particularly beneficial for rail and road crossings, Freyssinet says.
VolkerFitzpatrick and Freyssinet completed the Radlett sliding operation in 12.5 hours, three hours ahead of the original schedule.
Video uploaded on 14/01/2025 12:00am.
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