Rapid Route Conquers Tricky Topography
The lightweight and flexible Rapid Route cable management system proved invaluable when laying cabling along a steep and uneven trackside route in Scotland.
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The project was carried out on behalf of SPL Powerlines UK, the client undertaking a significant upgrade of Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) across a key stretch of the Kennishead line in Glasgow. The cable route featured steep gradients and complex intersections where several cables emerged from a substation undergoing refurbishment to join the OLE. Conventional ground troughing was therefore deemed impractical and too expensive for the job.
With a sleek and versatile elevated style of cable troughing required to deal with the difficult terrain which also restricted access, it was decided that the Rapid Route cable containment system should be employed. Rapid Route uses CCS’s composite-manufactured ARCOSYSTEM cable troughing attached to Sigma Posts atop specially designed Anchor Screws from Anchor Systems International Ltd. This modern and innovative ground-anchoring system allows for quicker accuracy during installation, replacing the need to excavate and use cast in-situ posts to support the troughing.
This swift, no-dig method was further enhanced by a streamlined approach using — for the first time — an updated Anchor Screw design for improved performance. Furthermore, in order to cope with the challenging topography, some new bracketry for the ARCOSYSTEM troughing was developed with a 60˚ up-down rake and ±15˚ swivel.
The installation was carried out by the Westlin Group, supported by engineering designers enGauged, as well as ARCOSYSTEM UK rail stockist Scott Parnell.
Faced with tight deadlines, the project delivered a robust, durable and cost-effective solution that met client objectives while adapting to the complexities presented on site, showcasing a fine example of efficient and collaborative working.
For further information about ARCOSYSTEM, please contact the technical experts at CCS, the product’s UK distributor. ARCO is manufactured in collaboration with our Swiss partners, Castioni Kabelführungssysteme GmbH.
Images of the successful Rapid Route installation at Kennishead can be seen here.
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