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We are delighted to announce the formation of the British Precast Drainage Association (BPDA). This new association is formed from the integration of the Concrete Pipeline Systems Association (CPSA) and the Box Culvert Association (BCA) and takes its place as one of the specialist groups within the British Precast Concrete Federation to represent the interests of the precast concrete drainage industry as a whole.

The new Association draws on the expertise and heritage of its two constituent groups: while the two product types have distinct characteristics, there is much common ground in the use of concrete products in drainage applications. Bringing the two associations together allows us to combine our resources more efficiently to promote the benefits of precast concrete drainage solutions.

A distinctive new logo marks the launch of the Association and although rebranding and replacing the wealth of technical data sheets and guidance notes will be a gradual process, the new website is now live and all information from both associations can be found at www.precastdrainage.co.uk.

The concrete industry has some compelling product benefits to shout about. Our mission is to provide measured and accurate information and to counteract situations where inadequate and misleading opinions prevail. There is no doubt that bringing together these two organisations provides new strength and clarity to our campaigns.

The Forterra website now includes an online calculator service to users which enables them to calculate storage capacity and discharge rates for box culverts based on dimensions and gradients specified. The new calculator
is available at: http://forterra-precast.co.uk/culvert-specifier/

When Milton Precast started the Nottingham Tramways project in December 2012, they were aware that the project would include 17.5km of new track and 28 new tram stops so wasn’t going to be a small order. Initially four different sizes of box culverts were to be manufactured: MC18.12 (102no), MC24.12 (169no), MC24.15 (224no) and MC36.15 (59no) all with dished invert internal profiles and many special units required throughout the runs.

Construction work was being undertaken by Taylor Woodrow and Alstom, in a joint venture on behalf of Tramlink Nottingham and due to the customer requirements the box culverts were made using timber extensions covered with 6mm steel plates to take the rigours of double casting four units per day. This worked extremely well and is a testament to the guys involved in their construction and care whilst at the factory.

The manufacturing side of the project is almost complete with Milton’s now making the final stage of a Cascade unit which see’s MC33.21 and MC30.21 culverts set on their sides to form an internal step down from one to another. Again, a very tricky job to tackle but with the experience Milton’s have on site with units of this kind, all is going well.

Once the expansion is complete the tram network will consist of 51 tram stops, with the two new lines linking directly to Line One at Nottingham Station. The expanded tram network will visit 7 park and ride sites, providing service to approximately 23 million passengers a year.

The Concrete Pipe Lifter leaflet has been updated with additional information on suppliers and the new Type 2 lifter for larger size pipes. The Pipe Lifter reduces offloading and pipe laying time by around 50% and you can reduce the size of your installation gang, so construction costs are lower. If HSE Best Practice for manual handling is followed, pipes of all material types DN300 and larger should be mechanically lifted. In fact, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations require the employer to avoid the need for manual handling whenever possible. The Concrete Pipe Lifter provides a perfect answer whilst simultaneously saving time and money.

To download the Pipe Lifter leaflet please click here or visit the Concrete Pipelifter site for more information and videos.

The winner from our recent Concrete Heavyweight Competition has now been notified. Thank you to all those who took part in the competition. To find out more about why “Concrete can’t be beaten” please click here.