Smart Monitoring Technology Supports Rapid HS2 Bridge Installation in Warkwickshire

 


In a remarkable feat of engineering and coordination, the A46 Bypass Bridge near Kenilworth was installed in just 18 days as part of the UK’s High Speed 2 (HS2) programme. The project, led by Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can overcome complex construction challenges, especially when time, safety, and precision are critical.

The A46 is a vital transport corridor linking Coventry, Kenilworth, and Leamington Spa to the M40. To minimize disruption to road users, the 14,500-t, 4,300-m3 concrete box structure was built offline and then slid into place across a newly excavated section of the highway.

Once positioned, the structure required approximately 400 m3 of concrete infill on either side to secure it. However, the design, featuring tall, enclosed voids and no direct line of sight, posed a significant challenge: how to ensure complete and accurate concrete placement without the ability to visually inspect the pour.

To address this, the project team turned to a real-time monitoring solution developed in collaboration with PERI UK and Vemaventuri. Using 24 PHONO sensors connected wirelessly to a central hub and cloud platform, the team was able to track the flow of self-compacting concrete live on site. This allowed them to confirm full coverage, switch pump lines as needed, and maintain the required rate of rise, approximately 0.9 m/h, across a 3-day pour involving more than 800 m3 of material.

“The PERI/Vemaventuri void sensors proved to be an invaluable addition to our quality assurance and control processes during the A46 bridge slide and associated pours,” said Maurice Dowling, Works manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI. “They gave us the confidence, control, and traceability needed for a critical and complex operation.”

The result was a flawless installation completed ahead of schedule, with minimal disruption to the public and a validated digital record of the concrete placement, supporting both structural integrity and long-term compliance.

This project not only marks a milestone in the HS2 programme but also sets a new benchmark for how smart construction technologies can enhance safety, efficiency, and quality in infrastructure delivery.

Vemaventuri, a subsidiary of PERI, is at the forefront of concrete sensor innovation. By combining advanced technology with practical construction insights, the company delivers solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Source: PERI UK 

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