Project background
The Tame Valley Viaduct, a vital 620m long and 25m wide structure, supports 90,000 vehicles daily across seven lanes on the A38(M) Aston Expressway between Junction 6 of the M6 and Birmingham City Centre. Built in the 1970s, it has deteriorated and requires strengthening due to increased traffic and limited loading capacity. Birmingham City Council has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick on a £56m, 4-year strengthening scheme to enhance the viaduct's superstructure with steel plates, new maintenance access hatches, reinforced structural cross boxes, internal and external blasting and painting, and concrete repairs on piers and the deck soffit.
The A38(M) in Aston, Birmingham, involves work inside four rows of longitudinal steel box girders situated 12 metres above ground, directly beneath live traffic. Each row of boxes is 620m long, 3m wide and 2m high. The project encompasses various specialisms, including steelwork and welding, scaffolding and working at height, concrete surveys and repairs, blasting and painting, and working in confined spaces. This work is conducted amidst active businesses, two live railway lines, and the River Tame.
Impact
As the Senior Engineer for VolkerFitzpatrick on the Tame Valley Viaduct Strengthening Scheme, my primary responsibility was to establish and implement the project's Quality Management System.
Project highlights included:
- Developing a digital quality assurance system that has transformed project efficiency, providing instant access to critical information across various teams.
- Integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance project efficiency and safety, including laser scanning for precise structural analysis, 360-degree photo databases for comprehensive visual records, and remote monitoring safety systems within confined spaces.
- Reinforcing the project’s role as a model for modern engineering practices.
- One of the most fascinating aspects of this project is working within the unique and rarely accessed location of the viaduct’s internal structure.
During my time on the A38 Aston Expressway project I was presented with the Engineering Champion Platinum Award at the 2023 VolkerWessels Platinum Awards Ceremony, nominated by my team, and subsequently won for the works I'd been doing on this project, something which I’m very proud of.
Challenges
- Managing and mentoring the Engineering Team - a dynamic group consisting of university placement students, apprentices, and graduates. Despite the challenges, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness their technical and professional growth.
- This is an unusual project involving four years worth of confined space working accessed via scaffolding and tight spaces, creating a huge logistical challenge.
Reflecting on NTU
How did your studies at NTU enable you to input into this project?
During my time at university, there were many opportunities for leading teams in group work, presentations etc. Developing my leadership and communications skills at university was one of the key aspects I use on my current project. I've undertaken many presentations in my career, even presenting to over 150 of the companies Senior Management on the use of the Dalux Quality Management System we had built - something that contributed to the project being awarded the Digital award at VFL's annual Platinum Awards.
What words would you share to inspire current and future students at NTU?
One of the highlights of my career so far has been presenting to over 150 senior managers on the Dalux Quality Management System that my team and I implemented. This system played a key role in improving project efficiency and ultimately contributed to the project winning the Digital Award at VolkerFitzpatrick’s annual Platinum Awards.
Beyond leadership and communication, the technical skills I gained at NTU have also been instrumental in my early career. Modules such as Surveying and practical experience with AutoCAD provided a strong foundation that I was able to apply directly to real-world engineering projects.
My time at NTU equipped me with both the technical expertise and professional skills necessary to excel in the industry, and I continue to build upon these foundations as I progress in my career.
Why did you choose NTU and your course?
I chose NTU as it had a great course structure and good job prospects in the industry.
What have you done since leaving NTU?
I have worked on a number of different projects around the country on various different disciplines from Highways, Aviation, Defence, refurbishments etc.
I have achieved professional membership with the ICE.