An innovative concrete product that can cut installation times ten-fold has won a UK Rail Industry Award. Concrete Canvas, which is solely distributed within the rail sector by Keyline, the UK’s largest distributor of Civils, Drainage and Specialist Rail materials, triumphed in the Cost Base Reduction category.
The product, manufactured by Concrete Canvas Ltd, is a concrete impregnated geotextile that can be installed up to 60% cheaper than traditional measures. Initially flexible like a fabric, it hardens on hydration to form a fibre reinforced, waterproof concrete layer, protecting an area from erosion, scouring and animal damage.
Richard Wade, Rail Sector Manager, Keyline, said: “As the sole distributors of Concrete Canvas, Keyline is pleased to be able to offer the rail sector one of the most innovative and quality products on the market. Concrete Canvas has already helped many rail contractors reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of construction, repair and remediation projects during a time of recession, whilst reducing impact on the environment.”
Judges were not only impressed by the speed of installation but also the added benefits, such as increasing the safety of trackside contractors by minimising time on site, as well as limiting passenger disruption. Due to the simplicity of installation there is no need for specialist contractors, while the product can be installed in wet weather, reducing potential delays and additional costs.
Concrete Canvas has proved to be significantly less expensive than traditional measures, in particular for sites with difficult access. This was evident on a recent Network Rail project in Skewen, South Wales, where the material was specified to reline a dilapidated drainage ditch running adjacent to a busy rail line. The project was completed in eight weeks, which is considerably quicker than the poured or precast concrete alternatives, resulting in less disruption for local residents.
Phillip Greer, UK Business Development Manager, Concrete Canvas Ltd, said: “Due to its speed and ease of use, rail projects that utilise Concrete Canvas are able to do so with minimal disruption to customers; several such projects have been completed without the need for line closures. Where line closures are unavoidable the product can be installed at a rate of 200sqm/hour, reducing time on site for the installation team and potential delays to passengers.”
For further information or to purchase the Concrete Canvas product, please contact the Keyline Rail Office on 0844 892 2677 or email: [email protected]
