FLI Structures has helped with the installation of advanced message indicator (AMI) signs on the M62.
The company helped secure the foundations at two sites on Junction 29 of the M62 for Bam Nuttall Morgan Sindall Joint Venture (BMJV), on behalf of the Highways Agency.
The foundation design was carried out by FLI’s in house engineers, who developed a leaner and more efficient screw piled design compared to traditional designs used to support similar highways structures. The AMI sign foundations require a pair of 219mm screw piles, taking tension and compression loads to support the structures, which weigh approximately 100kg. The piles were then fitted with a cap plate to interface directly with the structure.
Site works were carried out by FLI’s own in-house installers, at each site the installation of the screw piles, the structures being lifted into place and connected was complete in one single shift. Due to limited site access, installation took place at night, with temporary lane closures to minimise impact on motorists.
This proved to be an efficient method and helped in the prompt completion of the project, compared to traditional foundation methods. There was no daytime lane disruption. Concrete curing time was avoided, enabling the works to be completed quicker than usual. Also, there was no spoil to remove from site.
This contract has provided FLI with more experience in the highways market, as well an opportunity to work closely with BMJV.
FLI is successfully designing helical pile solutions for a vast array of structures widely used by the Highways Agency including passively safe highways structures, portal gantries, cantilever gantries, signs and cabinets.
Tony Parker, sales manager at FLI, said: “Our success with Network Rail, the Highways Agency and now the Welsh Assembly Government is based on understanding and solving site problems efficiently, with safe solutions in mind for our installers. With a strong focus on innovation, we are able to supply foundation solutions to support a wide range of structures in both railway and highways markets. We take experience from each site and use this knowledge to continue to lead the way in the screw pile foundations sector.”
