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Powering a Landmark Nuclear Infrastructure Project
Few construction projects carry the same level of complexity, scrutiny, and national importance as Hinkley Point C. As the United Kingdom’s first European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) nuclear power station, the development represents a major investment in the country’s future energy security.
Every stage of construction demands meticulous planning, precise execution, and uncompromising safety standards. In an environment where multiple high-risk activities take place simultaneously, even the movement of critical equipment requires carefully engineered solutions designed to perform with absolute reliability.
One of these challenges involved the safe handling of heavy post-tensioning equipment on the nuclear dome. Operators needed to accurately maneuver 3-ton post-tensioning jacks within restricted work areas at height while maintaining productivity and protecting personnel working nearby.
To address this requirement, Infrastructure Access Solutions (IAS) designed and supplied three Gamma Trolleys engineered specifically for the application. The solution delivered the precision, control, and operational safety needed to support critical post-tensioning activities on one of Europe’s most significant infrastructure projects.
The project team required a heavy load handling solution capable of supporting demanding post-tensioning operations while ensuring operator safety and productivity.
Working on the nuclear dome presented unique challenges. Space was limited, construction activities were taking place simultaneously, and heavy equipment needed to be positioned with exceptional accuracy. The safe manipulation of 3-ton post-tensioning jacks was essential to maintaining operational efficiency while protecting personnel working in confined elevated areas.
Infrastructure Access Solutions responded by developing a purpose-built solution tailored to the project’s requirements. Three Gamma Trolleys were designed and supplied to provide controlled movement and accurate positioning of heavy post-tensioning equipment.
The system enabled operators to perform critical dome cable tensioning activities with greater confidence and control in a restricted work environment.
Each Gamma Trolley was designed to perform reliably within the demanding conditions of a major nuclear construction site.
The equipment featured a robust steel chassis combined with a curved rail system that allowed controlled movement across the work area. Three hydraulic jacks supported load manipulation while two electric motors powered movement along the rails.
Additional features included anti-tilting wheels, rain protection, and maintenance access stairs to enhance safety and operational reliability.
The result was a specialized heavy load handling system engineered to solve the project’s primary challenge: safe and accurate load movement within a restricted workspace.
By providing operators with a dependable method of positioning critical equipment, the Gamma Trolleys helped support efficient and controlled post-tensioning operations on the nuclear dome.
The equipment was supplied for a joint venture between VSL and Freyssinet, two internationally recognized leaders in post-tensioning technology.
Renowned for their engineering expertise and operational excellence, both organizations are considered among the industry’s most respected specialists. Being selected to design and supply such a critical piece of equipment reflected the confidence placed in Infrastructure Access Solutions’ engineering capabilities, manufacturing quality, project management processes, and technical documentation standards.
Infrastructure Access Solutions was selected for the project based on its competitive offering and ability to meet the client’s requirements.
The successful delivery of the Gamma Trolley system demonstrates the company’s expertise in developing specialized heavy load handling solutions for complex infrastructure environments where precision, safety, and reliability are essential to project success.
As construction progresses, Hinkley Point C will play an important role in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term electricity supply.
The project stands as a landmark development within the country’s energy sector and highlights the importance of specialized engineering solutions in supporting large-scale nuclear construction.
The successful deployment of the Gamma Trolley system demonstrates how Infrastructure Access Solutions helps clients overcome complex operational challenges through innovative heavy load handling equipment designed for demanding infrastructure environments.
The Gamma Trolleys were designed to safely handle and position heavy post-tensioning equipment used during nuclear dome construction activities at Hinkley Point C.
Infrastructure Access Solutions designed and supplied three Gamma Trolleys for the project.
The system solved the challenge of safe and accurate heavy load handling within a restricted workspace where operators were required to manipulate 3-ton post-tensioning jacks at height.
The solution incorporated a steel chassis, curved rails, three hydraulic jacks, two electric motors, anti-tilting wheels, rain protection, and maintenance access stairs.
The equipment was supplied to a joint venture between VSL and Freyssinet, two leading companies specializing in post-tensioning technology.
The Koralmbahn, a 130-kilometre railway line, is a cornerstone of European infrastructure. This high-performance route connects Graz and Klagenfurt with speeds of up to 250 km/h, reducing travel times between Vienna and Klagenfurt to just two hours and forty minutes — a saving of over an hour. As part of this transformative project, the railway line includes 50 kilometres of tunnels, notably the 33 kilometre Koralm Tunnel, over 100 bridges and underpasses, and 23 modern train stations.
At the heart of the Koralm Tunnel are two massive ventilation shafts located in Leibenfeld and Paierdorf—reaching depths of 90 and 110 metres, respectively, and boasting diameters of approximately 8 metres. These shafts play a critical role in the tunnel’s safety and functionality.
To support annual maintenance activities, Tractel designed, manufactured, delivered, and installed two cutting-edge circular maintenance platforms. These platforms feature rack-and-pinion motor systems that ensure smooth vertical movement, enabling efficient and secure access to the entire shaft.
Tractel secured this project through a public tender issued by ÖBB, Austria’s national railway company. The company’s precise technical and commercial proposal, coupled with its extensive expertise in deep motorised platforms, positioned it as the ideal partner for this challenging task.
The project highlighted the strength of Alimak Group’s multi-disciplinary capabilities. Leveraging the collaboration between Alimak Group companies, Tractel delivered a comprehensive solution tailored to the complex demands of this infrastructure. This teamwork underscores the advantages of being part of a global group with specialised expertise across multiple domains.
Adhering to Austrian railway standards was critical to the project’s success. Tractel ensured that the design, installation, and commissioning met stringent local regulations, prioritising operator safety and the functionality of the equipment during maintenance operations.
The Crown Bridge, designed by Knight Architects and constructed by KREATE and YIT, stands as Finland’s tallest bridge and an iconic structure in Helsinki. The 135-meter-tall diamond-shaped pylon and the 2 x 250-meter cable-stayed spans are key highlights of this landmark, central to the Kruunusillat (Crown Bridge) project connecting the city center to Laajasalo via sustainable public transport.
Tractel™ was selected for its technical expertise and value-engineering solutions to address the client’s need for a cost-effective deck maintenance system. Tractel designed and implemented a rotating underdeck gantry capable of passing through the V-shaped piers, enabling seamless inspection across the bridge’s entire length with a single piece of equipment, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Installation: To overcome the challenges of limited on-site space and the absence of a crane, TRACTEL developed an original installation method for the gantry.
Digital: TRACTEL worked with BIM technology, based on bridge’s digital model, to ensure accurate integration of the underdeck gantry in the bridge unique design.
This project enhances Tractel’s ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions for landmark infrastructure projects.
Point of Contact: Aurélien Guimard
