TPI April 2011

Civi l engineer ing products

Single source supply helps pipeline construction finish ahead of programme

A specialist team from Drain Center, part of Wolseley UK, has helped Bartlett Contractors to successfully divert a section of a strategic iron water main for Southern Water, nine days ahead of programme. The construction of a new relief road to bypass the busy A299 in Kent, England, meant that Southern Water needed to divert one of its 500mm diameter ductile iron water mains. Bartlett Contractors was chosen to manage and implement all aspects of the pipeline construction and installation from initial land consultation through to supply and the delivery of the commissioned pipeline. As part of the SouthernWater Framework Agreement, Drain Center’s specialist utility team provided ductile iron pipe, fittings and sluice valves to Bartlett. As part of the Wolseley Group, as well as supplying the materials, Drain Center was able to provide equipment hire and training, offering a complete single source supply. Neil Elliott, project manager for Bartlett Contractors, commented, “The option to hire the McElroy 630 TracStar welding machine was an added advantage as

The project was completed nine days ahead of schedule

Drain Center was able to offer on-site training and back up from a dedicated team of technicians. “The team at Drain Center was able to offer a very high standard of technical support and back up, as well as being able to supply the specially fabricated pipes and fittings at short notice without causing delay to our programme. In fact, with their assistance, we were

able to programme and complete an important section of the diversion of the water main nine days earlier, which meant that the main contractor was able to access the underpass construction ahead of programme.” Ben Dudley from Drain Center added, “I’m proud that the expertise of our specialist team helped Bartlett and the main contactor to get ahead of programme on a particularly difficult section of the scheme where timing was of paramount importance. At Drain Center, we understand the specialist nature of utilities and civil engineering projects and develop bespoke solutions to meet our customers’ needs.” Drain Center has 80 branches across the UK, 15 of which are specialist utility branches. Bartlett Contractors has over 35 years of practical experience of delivering cost effective contracts varying from small civil projects to large pipelines, coupled with soil rehabilitation to offer a complete package.

The water main diversion utilised the McElroy 630 TracStar

Wolseley UK www.wolseley.co.uk

Drain Center – UK www.draincenter.co.uk/ civil-engineering-utilities.aspx

56

Tube Products International April 2011

www.read-tpi.com