Visitors that arrived at Rail Live on the new direct service from Birmingham alighted at PlatformZERO^TM, a unique permanent platform built within the show ground at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre.  Designed and installed by Plura Innovations in collaboration with its development partners: consulting engineers, ECSL, and rail contractor, CSM Projects, the breakthrough modular platform is a fully integrated and compliant zero track possession system* which can be used on both new build and extentsion projects.

*The term ‘possession’ in this context refers to the process of closing an operational railway line and isolating it (if electrified) for the purpose of carrying out construction or maintenance work. A possession is therefore disruptive and reduces operational line time. The PlatformZERO™ requires zero possession time.

Designed around a 2.7m wide repeating modular section, PlatformZERO^TM uses an innovative piling and sliding GRP sub-structure that allows all first-phase construction work to be completed away from a live track environment, behind a Vortok Rail Safety Barrier, ensuring complete safety and eliminating any disruption to train operations. This approach minimises costs, forward planning and construction time with Clive Marriott stating, “a typical 40m platform extension is capable of completion in under two weeks!”

“The use of pultruded composite profiles, produced by us in the UK, in the construction of the sub-base, surface deck and rear of platform fence makes the finished structure fire-resistant, extremely lightweight and strong,” says Andrew Wright, Managing Director of Plura Innovations. “PlatformZERO^TM is designed to be entirely hand installed and without the need for on-track plant or heavy lifting equipment on site. Handling and assembly are therefore straightforward compared with conventional approaches, some of which require heavy lifting equipment, and, given the durability of the materials, the system has an operational life of more than 60 years.”

With the sub-structure in place, adjustable head caps on the piles allow precise alignment of the finished platform to gauge with the Passenger Train Interface. High-strength pultruded surface deck panels complete the platform. Each surfaced with class leading GRIPfast^TM embedded grit which provides a ‘near-diamond hard’ non-slip finish, the panels are supplied with factory-finished colour graphics and tactile surfacing.

When complete, the platform fully complies with the Network Rail standard for load bearing structures (5kN/m2) with L/300 minimum deflection and passes the minimum 25-minute fire retardancy requirement. The fire integrity of the finished structure can be further enhanced by perimeter barrier panels that surround the sub-base.

“The simplicity of its modular design allows quick completion of the platform once the deck is in place,” says Andrew Wright. “Installation of fence posts during first-phase construction allows quick completion of rear and end of platform fence and end of platform gates and stairs which are incorporated seamlessly into the design using Plura’s POLYsade^TM the UK Rail industries preferred Touchsafe GRP fencing system. In addition, an integral drainage channel is installed at the rear of the platform during the deck lay, and all electrical & cable conduits are pre-installed.”

Partners, Plura Innovations, ECSL and CSM Projects offer PlatformZERO^TM as a complete UK manufactured turn-key design, supply and install solution.

To arrange your own visit and guided tour of PlatformZERO^TM at Long Marston, please get in touch.