Digital Engineering Under The Spotlight For President’s Visit

WINVIC Construction highlighted the growing influence of innovative digital systems upon the delivery of major projects when the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers visited SEGRO Logistics Park at East Midlands Gateway.

David Ward, our Managing Director, made a presentation to ICE President Professor Tim Broyd and other influential figures about the work being undertaken on a three-year project to create a massive new rail freight terminal.

There was particular emphasis on digital engineering’s impact upon our role as Principal Contractor for Phases One and Two of this Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) which is being created next to East Midlands Airport.

In his capacity as President of ICE, Professor Broyd has a specific interest in the influence which technology, process innovations and behavioural change can all have in the development of working practices in the future.

“East Midlands Gateway has enabled us to demonstrate our capacity to undertake infrastructure projects of this size and scale and the increasing influence of digital systems is a crucial factor in being able to do that.”

Dave Ward, Managing Director

Our presentation followed those made by Peter Goddard representing Roxhill Developments and Simon Hilditch from BWB Consulting, all of which focused on the key aspects and the significant benefits of such a major scheme.

“The President’s visit to East Midlands Gateway presented us with an excellent opportunity to showcase to someone so committed to the digital age of engineering what impact it can have on major projects of this kind, and the significant benefits to be gained from embracing these methods,” said David Ward.

“The development and implementation of innovative systems has been an important driver in the progress we have made as a business and has been a crucial factor in our diversification into sectors such as infrastructure.

“East Midlands Gateway has enabled us to demonstrate our capacity to undertake infrastructure projects of this size and scale and the increasing influence of digital systems is a crucial factor in being able to do that.”

Initially, we have been contracted by Roxhill to deliver the first two phases of a project which has so many different elements over and above the creation of the rail freight terminal and 6 million ft²  of distribution warehouses.

The new road infrastructure to be constructed adjacent to the M1 motorway will include a roundabout on the A453 with access to the logistics park, two bridges and a by-pass road to the south of Kegworth village.

A measure of the size of the project is provided by the fact that earthworks alone will amount to 6 million m³ to prepare the site.

In addition to that, we have undertaken the diversion of the Derwent Valley Aqueduct (DVA) which is Severn Trent Water’s strategic main water supply to Leicester from Derbyshire, involving the re-routing of 1km of pipework.

“No other activities at East Midlands Gateway have embraced the use of digital systems as much as earthworks,” explained David Ward. “There are many advantages including improved quality assurance, efficiency and safety.

“We are using digital testing and reporting methods, automated GPS machine control systems and efficiency monitoring. These are just some of the ways technology is helping us to meet the technical challenges of this project.

“We are currently trialling an A60 Dumper, the largest articulated hauler, to compare its efficiency with the A30 and A40 Dumpers and see whether its higher output is worth the extra cost for a project of this scale.”

He added: “Another significant advantage of these digital systems is that they help to maintain a co-ordinated approach which is so important when you are dealing with so many interfaces, as we are in this instance.”

The opportunity to visit East Midlands Gateway was warmly received by both Professor Broyd and members of ICE’s East Midlands region.

Molly McKenzie, Regional Director East and West Midlands, said: “Our President and regional chair were delighted to have the opportunity to visit the site.

“The range of speakers and presentations were very informative; we were all fascinated by the work taking place and are looking forward to seeing the finished product.”