Event organised by ICE
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a transformative, multi-billion pound railway programme that will better connect passengers in the North between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. TRU will transform the route into a high-performing, reliable railway, bringing more frequent, more reliable, faster, greener trains.
There are significant geotechnical challenges with upgrading a busy line that runs over the Pennines, not least the topography, former coal mining risks and existing poor condition earthwork assets, but also undertaking ground investigation and construction works within the constraint of a near 24-hour rail timetable.
Full electrification of the 70 mile long route presents an efficiency challenge for geotechnical design and construction.
Focussing on TRU Project W3, a major milestone was achieved in summer 2022 with the granting of a Transport and Works Act Order for the proposed scheme.
There are several large structures proposed in W3, such as the 350m long Baker Viaduct, which has 10 piers crossing the Hebbel and Calder Navigation Canal, and the River Calder. Also proposing construction of an 8m high embankment across a former inert landfill that is 15m deep filled with inert waste and asbestos; which presents a challenge to provide a solution to limit costly contaminative arisings while also being a practical solution.
Detailed mining risk assessments have been used to develop a pragmatic solution to mitigating risk through hazard, consequence and safety considerations, applied to specific areas.
Arup
senior geotechnical engineer
Joe is a senior geotechnical engineer with 9 years of experience. He is leading the geotechnical input at GRIP5 detailed design for new bridge foundations and embedded retaining walls on TRU Project W3.
Jacobs
senior geotechnical engineer
Robert has been seconded from his home at Jacobs into a Network Rail Geotechnical Project Engineer role for the last 5 years, being involved in the progression of TRU from concept through to construction.
Arup
senior engineering geologist
Sue is a Chartered Geologist and Principal Engineering Geologist with 15 years of experience. She is leading mining assessments and mitigation design on TRU Project W3 and supporting the ongoing ground investigation works.
Aimed at students, this series of seven webinars which runs until May 2025 will enable you to learn about professional life from recent graduates from across the industry.
This is an opportunity for Technicians to gather online to discuss ways in which we can help ourselves, each other and the ICE to provide ongoing learning and experience in the wide world of civil engineering.
The last in our series of online events for new engineers and technicians starting their Initial Professional Development (IPD). It is an opportunity to learn about the level of understanding needed for to demonstrate the Knowledge (K) level on an ICE training agreement or mentor supported scheme.
