Business Profiles

Award winning HS2 support and delivery from BAM Ritchies

BAM Ritchies deliver geotechnical engineering and investigation to your standards. The use of digital construction underpins the quality of our work today and in the future

We are your partner in helping you achieve project excellence using the best people in the industry. We deliver best value solutions through continuous improvement of all our operations to solve your problems.

We are focused on the UK’s Net Zero journey and are delivering on our vision of Building a Sustainable tomorrow. We actively engage and deliver our services in the renewable energy sector and believe that delivery of HS2 is paramount to a Net Zero future. Supporting new sustainable infrastructure like HS2 will unlock opportunity and support growth and the economy.

Over 60 years, we’ve built a reputation as the go-to ground engineering team for complex problem solving and best-value, sustainable delivery – with no surprises. Whether we’re testing earthworks, investigating the ground or stabilising slopes, we use industry-leading digital construction methods to build it before we build it. So, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your project, and we’ll get it right first time.

Collaboration on all projects is based upon trust, it’s through early dialogue with HS2 contractors that we build that relationship prior to the project commencing. Having that mutual trust is where successful projects start. We then build on that initial phase by engaging with and supporting the project team to help them achieve their goals by delivering predictably, safely and to budget.

Our broader range of services are starting to be utilised on HS2. After successfully delivering in excess of £25 million of Ground Investigation we continue to provide focused additional GI designed to suit the needs of the main work contractors. Growing our Instrumentation and Monitoring capability means we can marry our drilling expertise with our digital leadership to deliver cutting edge tools to monitor and measure the impact of the HS2 earthworks programme. Early engagement to assist in identifying the optimal slope stabilisation solution can ensure informed right first time decisions are made to meet the needs of HS2 and avoid the frequent problem of review and revision at the construction stage.

Grouting works can provide essential ancillary solutions to poor ground conditions and water ingress, utilising plant, people, and expertise already deployed onto HS2. Ground anchors provide a robust and flexible solution to reducing the carbon footprint of retaining structures and provide prop free excavations to support offsite manufacture of underground components to be installed when ready. An array of piling

techniques is being used on HS2 and we have the in-house capability to supplement the challenges around resource availability and expertise. From mini piling to complex bored piling, we have the capacity to support the full range. All of these ground engineering disciplines need quality control and validation, this is where our UKAS Laboratory comes into play, it provides assurance, control, and challenge to the specifiers to make sure that the correct checks are done and no unnecessary controls are in place, wasting time and money. We are already established on site for the EKFB main works JV.

We pride ourselves on the way we do business and it’s all about partnering with HS2 and their contractors to deliver their outcomes that provides the best value for money, delivers the greatest opportunities, and ensures a Net Zero future for all.

Everything we do is focused around giving our people the greatest opportunity to deliver exceptional projects for our customers which is based on the four following pillars:

Integrated solutions – one team, eight specialisms We harness talent from eight ground engineering disciplines to create a fully integrated team. A team equipped to manage all moving parts of the construction process to increase value, lower risk and reduce waste in ground engineering.

Digital – build it before you build it From pre-construction to delivery, we use forward-thinking digital tools that minimise risk and help us collaborate more successfully, with you, our supply chain, and the community. It helps us deliver safe, efficient projects every time.

Your deadlines, our guarantee We don’t do surprises. That’s why we arm our team with digital techniques to keep well ahead of the construction process. So, we can stay in control of our performance and fix problems before they cause delays.

Sustainable and engineered for the future At BAM Ritchies, reducing our carbon footprint is a fundamental. Not only do we invest in energy efficient plant, fossil fuel alternatives, materials, and construction processes. We also upskill the companies we work with, to instil sustainability through the supply chain.

Digital construction is ‘built in’ not ‘bolt on’. This means that digital solutions developed by our pre-construction teams can be shared with the operations team for risk mitigation in clash detection and digital rehearsals.

Digital construction starts as the production of 3D model to allow projects to be clearly visualised and better understood early in the process by both our customers and our delivery teams. The models can be produced more quickly with a degree of automation and contain more information that can be altered or updated without requiring complete rebuilding. This means that changes can be accommodated more easily, the cost is reduced, and we can therefore produce models for projects that are relatively small or short duration.

The models are used to plan and sequence operations, ensure that the correct plant is selected, produce priced and resourced programmes, and monitor and demonstrate the impact of change. We also continue to use the models as part of our risk reduction and activity planning to identify future hazards and mitigation measures to reduce the potential for safety or quality incidents.

Sustainability is much more than just environmental. As for any business we have an obligation to our employees and shareholders to ensure that we remain commercially sustainable so that we can grow and continue to invest in our people. Looking to the future we have an obligation to reduce our impact on the planet for future generations. By using lean working and investing in research and development we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and carbon intensive materials, while simultaneously minimising waste and use of virgin materials.

We continue to develop equipment and techniques to support innovation and more efficient design solutions. With a willingness to invest in our people and equipment and embrace new technologies for better outcomes. In 2021 we have introduced 10 new drilling rigs and associated equipment to provide more reliable, efficient and carbon reducing delivery.

We can deliver your work as a specialist sub-contractor or as a main contractor. We operate and deliver our work to the same exacting and accredited standards as you. We excel in regulated and constrained environments and all our projects are delivered as if we are always in those environments, our standards never drop.

There are no other Ground Engineering / Geotechnical contractors in the market place that can offer such a rounded and integrated service. No others that can match our standards and accreditations. We are the digital leader in Ground / Geotechnical Engineering.

We are BAM Ritchies and we will support your delivery of exceptional geotechnical infrastructure on HS2.

Tel: 07740 771075 Email: matt.ewing@bam.com Visit: www.bamritchies.co.uk

Tackling climate disruption on the rail network through technology

James Fox, Commercial Director and Co-Founder, 3Squared explains how rail can help to build a more sustainable rail network

As we head into a new year, it is a natural time to take stock and reflect on what lessons we can learn from the previous year. What is apparent is the need for a more sustainable way of life, supported by a green, digital rail network.

There is no denying that rail is the most sustainable way to travel and transport cross country goods. According to the Rail Delivery Group’s Levelling Up Britain report, each tonne of freight transport by rail produces 76 per cent less carbon emissions when compared to road, and rail freight cuts Britain’s carbon footprint by preventing seven million HGV journeys per year. In the We Mean Green report produced by the Rail Delivery Group, it was revealed that whilst rail accounted for ten per cent of passenger miles travelled in 2019, it accounted for just one per cent of transport-related emissions. In addition, one single train journey can remove up to 500 cars off the roads, a powerful statistic.

Measures such as electrification, investing in hydrogen and battery technology and decarbonisation will radically improve the railway for a more sustainable future. However, these tactics may take some time to implement due to time and resource constraints. To tackle both the legacy and emerging issues of today, embracing the innovative solutions that are available today is key.

Climatic changes across the network Extreme weather events such as flooding and landslides to heatwaves and cold snaps, are far more commonplace now than they were a few years ago. These events wreak havoc across the network, day-in-day-out for both passengers and operators.

According to Network Rail, over the course of the past twelve years adverse weather conditions have resulted in an average of two to three per cent reduction in PPM (Public Performance Measure) achievement across the railway network. Weather impacts are estimated to cost Network Rail £50 to £100 million per year due to delays and cancellations, and if the wider costs to the railway and the economy are included (for example missed targets, repairs, and socio-economic impacts) this rises to a staggering £200 to £300 million per year.

The age old ‘Leaves on the line’ problem We often hear the term ‘low rail adhesion’ or colloquially ‘leaves on the line’ cited across the industry but precisely what is it and why is it so problematic?

Slippery rail, or low railhead adhesion, is a condition where contamination of the railhead causes trains to experience less grip or adhesion. Potentially leading to wheel slip or wheel slide issues, the most common cause of contamination is the fallen moist leaves that lie on and cling to the top surface of the rails of railway tracks, also known as the infamous ‘leaves on the line’. This results in a significant reduction in friction between train wheels and rails, causing significant operational impacts and potentially safety issues for operators.

According to the Met Office, while other contaminants such as rust and grease can also reduce adhesion, it is leaf fall and low moisture that are mainly responsible. Passing trains trap and crush leaves onto the rail surface, forming a hard, black, slippery layer that is estimated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to cost the industry £355 million annually.

Making a meaningful change through the power of technology Here at 3Squared, we pride ourselves in our commitment to sustainability and playing our part in achieving a zero-carbon railway and creating solutions that tackle legacy issues head on. There are clear system-wide initiatives that will make a huge difference

to the impact we have on the environment, such as electrification and the use of alternative fuels, but long-term projects and initiatives also exist.

An example of this in action can be seen in our RailSmart Adhesion Digital Solution (ADS) product. Developed with the support of RSSB and the Met Office, the software aims to provide a digital approach to adhesion management and help operators to model, capture and disseminate accurate adhesion forecasts to enable train drivers to regulate trains accordingly.

RailSmart ADS employs several features to tackle issues such as leaves on the line, including: • Actional insight: Detailed route-specific adhesion information delivered direct to drivers. • Relevant updates: Drivers can report rail head conditions directly within the ADS app, enabling near-live time reports to be disseminated across the network. • Better train regulation: Providing the right information at the right time to drivers, helping them to determine how best to regulate the train. • Damage prevention: Helps to reduce wheel flats, rail head damage and other adhesion-related defects. • Weather warnings: National severe weather warnings service provides details on the potential impact or likelihood of severe weather.

The tool provides a wide range of benefits to users to radically improve operations particularly during the winter months. This includes route-specific forecasting of low adhesion and better train regulation, which reduces the likelihood of wheel flats and the impact of delays caused by low adhesion.

Looking ahead Predicting the challenges climate change will have on the network in the future is a complicated one but what we do know for certain is that they exist. Whilst fresh solutions are under development, it is vital that the industry acknowledges the innovative technologies that currently exist to tackle the problems of today, for the benefit of the railway of the future.

About 3Squared 3Squared is an award-winning Sheffieldbased rail technology and software development consultancy, founded in 2002. Specialising in the development of mobile and web apps for major clients across the construction, rail, and manufacturing sectors, 3Squared operates both in the UK and on an international level, delivering innovative and ground-breaking technological solutions that aim to propel the rail industry forward.

Email: hello@3squared.com Visit: www.3squared.com Social: @3Squared

Make smart choices for display options

Transport systems use multiple displays in a variety of settings. Specialist design support can ensure each one is ideally suited for its purpose, says Mathew Rehm of Relec Electronics

According to the Department for Transport, there were 1.8 billion journeys in Great Britain in 2018/19, more than any other European country, with the exception of Germany. Today, the worldwide pandemic has altered the nature of train travel for the foreseeable future but while the number of passengers may have reduced, they expect to access information services via displays that are readily updated, accessible and hygienic.

In public transport systems, displays are accessed by passengers for fare purchases as well as in information kiosks to plan routes. These may be situated outside of the station and therefore subject to the elements as well as vulnerable to damage from malevolent users. Other displays, of varying sizes may be located inside the terminus or station, on platforms and inside train carriages for information. There are also sealed displays in drivers’ cabs providing information on the route, conditions and other data relevant to the journey, relayed from a central hub.

The different locations necessitate different housings and screen types, to ensure a readable screen in all levels of light conditions. When located inside the train carriages, the displays have to provide information about passenger capacity, route information, accessibility and any other data for passengers. This could include safety announcements, information of hygiene and public service messages, for example reminding passengers of Covid guidelines. As well as changing displayed information – possibly a mix of graphics, characters and numbers – these displays are required to be always readable despite the rolling motion of the carriages in which they are installed.

Display decisions Interactive displays are used in ticket machines. These require different menu options and ones located in international stations will have icons and a menu of language options to assist visitors. The challenge for the design of these displays is that they have to be rugged with short response times, even when used by travellers wearing gloves on cold platforms. In the driver’s cab, displays have to be readable in all light conditions. When specifying displays for maintenance vehicles and trackside equipment, bear in mind that they might be subjected to extremes of temperatures and a variety of weather conditions, so must be protected from the ingress of water, dust and dirt.

Just these examples, show that the same display cannot be specified for use in different applications – the widely varying design criteria mean each application has to be considered on its own design merits.

Reading options One of the principal considerations when specifying a display is the readability levels required. System integrators need to consider whether daylight-only readability is required, or if they will be used by passengers and staff wearing polarised sunglasses. Sourcing displays from a specialist will help establish the specific needs of a project and the demands of the railway application.

Relec Electronics offers a comprehensive range of TFT display sizes, with options that include the latest in-plane switching (IPS) technology which offers superior colour quality and a wide range of viewing angles. These displays can also be mounted in portrait or landscape orientation to meet the demands of space constraints in different locations and applications.

The TFT displays also include an integrated backlight system for improved visibility, 16.7M colours, high contrast ratios and brightness levels from 600 cd/m² to 1500 cd/m². Resolution is from 128x160 to full high-definition (FHD) 1920x1080, and extended operating temperatures, up to -40°C to +85°C.

In addition to standard products, Relec’s team of design engineers can work with a customer to find the best display solution.

For example, the company can provide a fully integrated touch panel which can be projected capacitive (PCAP) or resistive technology. Other screen enhancements available include anti-glare, reduced reflections (via optical bonding) and ruggedised panels with either thicker glass panels or optical bonding.

Company Profile Specialist Relec Electronics has a proud 40 year history in the displays’ business. It is able to listen, advise and recommend the best products sourced from a wide range of display technologies. The company has supplied custom mono displays, standard mono displays and modules to many industries and types of customer.

The company’s range of TFT panels and touch panels, is combined with its dedicated customer service. Working closely with specialist partners, Relec can provide the panel or monitor the customer needs and is happy to develop custom solutions for whatever the application, be it light industrial or heavily ruggedised for the harshest of environments.

Relec’s standard TFT display products are available in a wide range of sizes, from small (1.77”) to 21.5”. They cover all industry standard resolutions, sizes and interfaces. Standard units are available with brightness levels exceeding 1500 cd/m².

In addition to supplying standard panels, Relec has the ability to offer a range of enhancements to improve the optical, mechanical and environmental performance of a display.

Since December 2020, Relec Electronics has been a UK subsidiary of Gresham Worldwide.

Design teams can help engineers develop compact, highly integrated, rugged TFT displays for information systems within carriages.

Bringing colour to life

Discover the natural beauty within the updated Marmoleum FR2 & Striato FR floor covering collections

Marmoleum FR² is a linoleum floor covering for rail vehicles, made from natural materials. A floor covering associated with sustainability, durability, high quality and innovative design. The Marmoleum FR2 collection creates a bright, fresh and modern look, enhancing any passenger experience. It is also fully certified to meet rail industry standards (EN45545-2). In the recently updated Marmoleum FR2 collection you will now find the Piano FR2 design alongside the Real FR2, Fresco FR2, Vivace FR2, Walton FR2 and Concrete FR2 designs.

A floor covering collection that offers the most amazing spectrum of colours to complement any rail interior design colour scheme. The different designs and colourways can be effortlessly mixed or used alone.

Our Marmoleum Striato FR linear designed floor coverings have also been recently updated, enabling designers to create a contemporary environment with a warm and welcoming feel for rail passengers.

With an intuitive reference to nature, the neutral, rich colours have the ability to adapt easily and come to life in combination with other materials as well as with each other. With Marmoleum Striato FR, the floor can act as a canvas offering endless possibilities.

Forbo’s Marmoleum FR² Striato FR floor coverings have been independently confirmed as a CO₂ neutral floor covering in the cradle to gate phase of the product’s life cycle, without the need for offsetting. In simple terms, the CO₂ produced in the extraction, transportation and manufacturing process, is balanced by the removal of CO₂ through the growing of its natural ingredients such as flax, jute and rosin. Marmoleum FR2 and Striato FR also have a unique suitability for a diverse range of environments where hygiene and the control of bacteria are important. The ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria stems from the natural raw materials that go into its production, namely linseed oil. The bacteriostatic qualities are an inherent property of the product and won’t diminish over time, providing peace of mind and constant protection from the moment it is installed.

A floor covering solution that is easy to clean and maintain as well as durable, safe and comfortable for both wheeled and foot traffic. Awarded the prestigious Allergy UK Seal of Approval as, with the correct cleaning and maintenance regime, it won’t harbour dust mites, contributing to a better indoor environment for all. Because it lasts for so long and is so easy to clean, Marmoleum FR2 has a low cost of ownership.

Other benefits include: •Homogeneous durable construction. •A truly sustainable flloor covering. •Low life cycle costs. •Naturally bacteriostatic. •Easy to clean. •Lightweight at 2.9kg/m2 . •Wide range of designs and colourways. •Cut to size/shape option available. •Suitable for use with underfl oor hearing.

Marmoleum FR2/ Striato FR is the best flooring choice for every sustainable interior. By using sustainable and durable materials in your rail projects, you can also contribute to a better environment.

To find out more about the full range of Forbo Flooring Systems’ floor and wall covering solutions available to the rail industry please contact us on:

Tel: 01773 744121 Email: transport@forbo.com Visit: www.forbo-flooring.com/rail

RIA Innovation Conference 2022

This 26 – 27 April, at DeVere East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, the number one event for innovators in the UK rail industry is back with a 2-day in person programme!

RIA’s innovation events have built an impressive track record over the last decade; they have become key diary dates for innovators in the UK railway industry, in both the supply chain and in client / government organisations, offering a mix of information, networking and interaction to make innovation happen.

This year the RIA Innovation conference will explore the theme: Getting ready for Great British Railways and the programme will be developed around some of the key topics included in an Innovation Report that RIA will be launching before the Innovation Conference.

These are: 1. Innovation Funding – Recent funding settlements have enabled the client side of the industry to implement the structure for a successful and capable pipeline of innovation. Continued investment will now bring greater benefits, sooner. The supply chain needs clarity and certainty in this funding to enable privately backed innovation to succeed. 2. Bringing Innovations to Market –

Innovation funding does not deliver positive change and value to the taxpayer unless a clear route to market is provided.

This requires resource, and long-term commitment to innovation throughout the rollout phase. Enabling routes to market with clear financial return will increase the appetite for innovation. 3. Overcoming the Barriers to Innovation – On that path to market, adoption is often prevented by policy, procurement, cultural or industry issues which are beyond the control of private sector innovators and investors. Enabling a stronger collaboration with a shared goal will give confidence to the private sector to invest in the skills, facilities, supply chain, and product/service development necessary for success. 4. Enabling Radical Innovation – The UK has a proud history of radical rail innovation, but the current industry and financial structure effectively blocks any such changes. Can the move to GBR enable

this, and if so, how? Radical innovation creates greater economic value, nurtures personnel development, and creates export opportunities, all to the benefit of a higher productivity and better skilled economy. We should be prepared to focus a percentage of any innovation portfolio on really radical and challenging innovations, and we should accept that many of them will fail but the few that succeed will amply reward us. 5. Whole System Innovation – Incremental changes to problem areas - for instance those identified in challenge statements created with the assistance of frontline staff - are great for adapting the railway to perform better for customers in the short term. However, we need to remember that the railway is a system, and a guiding mind needs to take a whole-system view to steer its future direction in an ever-changing customer and commercial landscape. 6. Skills and Culture of Continuous

Learning – Rail suppliers recognise the value of diversity, equality and inclusion and the benefits it brings in terms of innovation, diversity of thought and productivity. There is a need to encourage and support innovators on the individual level and promote the culture of continuous learning, bringing innovation into business as usual.

The RIA Innovation Conference provides a unique opportunity for engagement between RIA Members and invited representatives from the wider rail industry, as well as from academia and innovation bodies. Regular participants include Network Rail, London Underground, HS2, Department for Transport, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Office of Rail and Road, Train Operating Companies, Rail Delivery Group, RSSB, UKTram, UK Rail Research & Innovation Network, Transport Systems Catapult, and InnovateUK. Key speakers from within and beyond the industry address important themes surrounding innovation to provoke and inspire.

We are proud that our Innovation

Conference has won the Trade Association Forum’s Best Conference Award 2018 and MEMCOM’s Best Membership Event of the Year 2020!

Speaker’s programme The conference will have a mix of thought-provoking sessions, including panel discussions and keynote speeches. Confirmed speakers include: • Robert Ampomah, Chief

Technology Officer,

Network Rail. • Thomas Ableman, Director of Innovation, Transport for London. • Howard Mitchell, Head of

Innovation, HS2. • Sarah Sharples, Chief

Scientific Advisor,

Department of Transport. • Keith Williams, Chair of the

Williams Review.

The conference programme will also include workshops to allow delegates to influence thinking on innovation strategies. Some topics being discussed include funding, Rail Technical Strategy, how to overcome barriers to innovation, and much more.

‘It felt like great value for money and its was good to see so many influential people talking about innovation. The agenda was on-point and consistent, not feeling ‘forced’ at all.’ – Ben Blackwall, Solution Architect, Capgemini (Conference Sponsor 2021).

Exhibition Featuring the biggest exhibition area since the first Innovation Conference, 35+ industry innovators, including clients and supply chain companies, will be presenting their innovative solutions and also sharing their challenges to find ways of collaborating to overcome these through innovation.

‘Congratulations on a great conference – well organised, top speakers and excellent networking. An opportunity to meet innovative SMEs as well as key players in the OEMs and Tier 1 networks. We got 15 really good leads which I am now following up – looking forward to the next RIA event!’ – Sam Stephens, Director, TBAT Innovation (Conference exhibitor 2019).

Network Rail R&D Showcase This year the event will be hosting a dedicated Network Rail Research and Development Showcase to promote the emerging outcomes from NR’s £245 million R&D Programme. It will include demonstrations of many of its projects and how they are to be deployed across Routes & Regions. For more information and registrations please visit www.riagb.org.uk/RIC2022