The Filton Bank 4 Track project is a major rail project to increase the number of tracks from 2 to 4.  This will run between Dr Days and Filton Abbey Wood Station in Bristol.  The project includes the construction of 15km of track and associated signalling and infrastructure works.

As part of the Filton Bank 4 Track scheme, CAN was contracted to undertake a number of cutting and embankment works to allow an increase in the width of the track bed.

The aim of the Horfield Cutting embankment works was to widen the cutting on one side over a length of 1,100m along the railway corridor by way of a re-grade to steepen the cutting slope.  Support to the cutting slope was achieved by installation of tied back gabion baskets.

Gabion baskets were installed at the toe of the slope and the cutting re-graded.  CAN installed over 350 no hollow bar tie back soil nails through pre-placed ducts through the gabion baskets to anchor them in position.  After acceptance testing, each head plate was installed.  Following this, the soil nail ties were pre-tensioned and a top hat detail was installed over each tie head providing additional corrosion protection.

Duration:        10 weeks

Client:            VINCI Construction UK Ltd

Location:        Filton, Bristol