A Concrete Solution for Light-Rail

JHCPB is a joint venture between John Holland and CPB Contractors, tasked with the design and construction of the light rail network in Canberra. There will be 13 stops along the Light Rail route from Gungahlin to the city centre.

The project’s track and civil works involves excavating the road and a combined services trench, constructing the track slab and the laying of rails. Concrete profiling is required so a membrane can be applied before the installation of the track.

The Background

Kennards Hire Concrete Care is a concrete specialist. We hire equipment to help contactors in a range of tasks including demolition, concrete cutting, surface preparation cleaning, finishing and maintenance.

From technical advice and consultation to trouble shooting, we pride ourselves on providing a total concrete surface solution.

The Right Tools and Timing

Finding the right tools and methods for the concrete profiling portion of the project was a challenge.

JHCPB had to take environmental factors, the quality of the finish and timeframes into consideration.

How Kennards Hire Came Up With a Solution

Kennards Hire suggested trialling a few different techniques so the JHCPB team could determine what could be achieved in the time frame in order to make an informed decision.

A Practical Demonstration

Kennards Hire conducted various demonstrations from grinding to sandblasting, and produced samples showing the results to the engineering team.

The team decided that wet sandblasting offered the outcome they wanted, including the quality of the finish and lower environmental impact.

Kennards Hire provided all the necessary equipment, including an air compressor, garnet for the blasting material, and extra parts such as seals, nozzles and hoses so they didn’t have to deal with any downtime as a result of wear and tear.

The Results

JHCPB was happy with the results that sandblasting gave them, and the Canberra Metro project is ongoing.