Uploaded November 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Catesby Tunnel houses a 2.7 kilometre long, purpose-built, straight road test track, allowing an extensive range of vehicle assessment studies to be carried out on full scale vehicles, located in the heart of the UK. Catesby Tunnel contacted Tarmac following initial investigation, and a visit to Silverstone racing circuit to review the ride quality of the surfacing we had previously undertaken. The request was simple, produce a defect free surface with the same IRI requirements as Silverstone, but within the constraints of a 3km long tunnel.
A 400 metre trial was undertaken to check that all assumptions and methodology delivered the quality needed for this unique test facility.
The track required for the surfacing to be free from transverse joints and have the lowest possible IRI. Lidar and multiplex milling were deployed to produce a defect free surface that allowed the 6metre wide paving to be undertaken without stopping. This was achieved over a 13-hour paving shift, using 5 paving crews to operate the paving train and modified delivery dumpers. All material flow was managed by BPO, our digital planning tool, and the two supply plants, mix speeds, and haulage were optimised for most efficient delivery.
The track was completed on time and achieving an IRI of less than 0.3, and free from transverse joints.
#tunnel
#racing
#tarmactech
Catesby Tunnel houses a 2.7 kilometre long, purpose-built, straight road test track, allowing an extensive range of vehicle assessment studies to be carried out on full scale vehicles, located in the heart of the UK. Catesby Tunnel contacted Tarmac following initial investigation, and a visit to Silverstone racing circuit to review the ride quality of the surfacing we had previously undertaken. The request was simple, produce a defect free surface with the same IRI requirements as Silverstone, but within the constraints of a 3km long tunnel.
A 400 metre trial was undertaken to check that all assumptions and methodology delivered the quality needed for this unique test facility.
The track required for the surfacing to be free from transverse joints and have the lowest possible IRI. Lidar and multiplex milling were deployed to produce a defect free surface that allowed the 6metre wide paving to be undertaken without stopping. This was achieved over a 13-hour paving shift, using 5 paving crews to operate the paving train and modified delivery dumpers. All material flow was managed by BPO, our digital planning tool, and the two supply plants, mix speeds, and haulage were optimised for most efficient delivery.
The track was completed on time and achieving an IRI of less than 0.3, and free from transverse joints.
#tunnel
#racing
#tarmactech
