London SW9

Background

As part of the (TFL) Northern Line power upgrade project, we managed the whole process on behalf of our client and successfully delivered two new 30te 16 mva, 22/11kv transformers to a substation in a challenging location in central London.

The works were a major milestone and achievement in improving the existing TFL network. Appointed by Balfour Rail, Radius Group again demonstrated why we are the trusted sub-contractor of choice, and why you should hand over the whole project to our in-house team; trained and certified in safe handling, confined spaces, and abnormal loads.

Challenge & Solution

From the initial site survey, we worked closely with our client to produce detailed AutoCAD drawings, outlining each step of the delivery, with millimeter precision. Once we had the solution, we produced a delivery programme and managed every step of the process from concept to completion. Radius provided all the detailed planning elements, complete with the risk assessment & method statement, fulfilling the duties under LOLER1998 & BS7121-1+3 to ensure all deliverables were on time, within budget, and delivered safely.

We were faced with numerous site constraints and had to find bespoke solutions for each individual 30te transformer from OEM (Brush Transformers) to deliver it to the final assembly position on site. The first transformer was installed to a temporary raised foundation, which entailed collection from the OEM factory and road transport to site. Radius provided a full CPA Contract Lift for using a 200te mobile crane with Chapter 8 Traffic Management, local authority liaison for all required parking suspensions and full road closure.

Horizontal load transfer along 100m narrow roadway utilising a 120te Plant Roller, uplift and positioning to foundation by 80te Hydraulic Gantry Lift System. Radius also provided forklifts and in-house experienced teams to assist OEM with the final assembly of components for Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). The second transformer was skidded into the pen via our 350te Hydra Slide Skidding system. Again, our site teams provided all the handling for the site assembly of the transformer by OEM. The final step, was to relocate the first transformer from its temporary location to its new pen, again easy work for our in house specialist plant handling equipment and site teams.