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Stepney gets the edge

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Visul Systems, working with Metronet, has recently completed the installation of its flame retardant surface edge tile at Stepney Green tube station. Opened in 1902, Stepney Green is on both the District and Hammersmith & City lines and welcomes over 4,000,000 commuters every year. With that amount of foot traffic, it was clear from the outset that a very durable and effective product was needed, meeting all the relevant safety requirements.

Preferred solution   

The tiles and adhesives used by Visul have been specifically designed for use on underground stations, complying with BS Standards 476 and 6853. “There are not many companies whose products meet these understandably stringent requirements regarding, amongst other things, the surface spread of flames” says Frank Stratton, the company’s senior chemist. “We are one of only a handful to attain those BS Standards. Working from our own laboratories, we are in complete control of product development - we like to remain as self-sufficient as possible whilst striving to produce the ideal product for the particular situation. That way, we are not restricted by supplier-related constraints.”

Visul’s Fire Resistant Platform Tile - the first of its kind for a surface-mounted tactile system in the UK - was chosen as the preferred solution because it is quick and easy to install, and is fully compliant with strict regulations for underground and undercover stations. Sub-contractor USL StructureCare successfully applied over 600 of the uniquely-manufactured tiles to both platforms. Correct application is vital with this kind of product to ensure longevity, hence the use of an approved specialist. 

 

Problem solving

To overcome undulations within the bituminous platform, a 100mm wide adhesive fillet was applied to the exposed edges of the tiles - 75mm wider than standard practice - ensuring that no tripping hazard was evident within the area where the tiles were laid. USL’s Contracts Manager Bill Ewing explained that “Our ability to work closely with the client has been drawn from over 25 years knowledge and experience within the civil engineering and construction industries.”  

The constraints of the contract demanded that all works on the platform had to be carried out within a maximum three-hour overnight engineering period to minimise disruption to passengers and often involved six-man installation crews. Effective programme management meant that the works were completed on time and within budget, much to the satisfaction of the client. Visul’s Sales Manager Chris Elliott noted that “Sales for 2009 had already exceeded all previous years which is a major plus point in the current economic climate and, with this unique product now joining our product portfolio, 2010 should be another good year. Speed is of the essence on any rail project and the speed of installation for our products is always a key factor realised by consultants when specifying our surface mounted tactiles for platform refurbishments.”

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