As continued investment is made in London’s rail infrastructure, thoughts often turn to the complexities of choosing cost effective, attractive and sustainable retaining wall solutions. This was a consideration Transport for London had to pay close attention to when developing a new stretch of railway from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction, improving vital transport links for thousands of Londoners.
In 2011, Anderton Concrete – part of the Ibstock family – was awarded a contract with Birse Metro to supply 3,500m2 of its Keystone retaining wall solution, for application on part of the London orbital overground rail network (a major upgrade totalling more than £75m).
Reaching up to seven metres in height, the Keystone walls across this project support the railway line in a variety of situations, including a bridge spanning the Surrey Canal Road.
With aesthetics a key consideration, the walls were predominantly built in an attractive dark pewter colour, with band courses of light grey flint to truly enhance the finished product.
Utilising a combination of Keystone modular units, positive pin and comb connections and soil reinforcing geogrids, Anderton was able to deliver rock solid stability and unbeatable performance – all within a tight time-scale and budget.
