CIVIL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
Environmental consultancy ADAS explains more about its new surveying techniques. A
DAS has launched a new and improved way of conducting
ecological, vegetation, protected wildlife and tree risk surveys. It introduced the use of high-tech hand-held computers and a so- phisticated software program which reduces time and cuts costs.
Previously, surveyors had to rely on hand-written sketches and notes of tree conditions, taking individual photographs and then spending hours transcribing data into electrical formats, allocating photographs to specific prescrip- tions and records. This system was costly both in terms of the time needed to transcribe notes and the subsequent delays in reporting in- formation back to clients.
The consultancy implemented its new technology-aided system on a national survey of Network
new hand-held Toughbook com- puters and high resolution global positioning system (GPS) coupled with bespoke data capture soft- ware developed by the consul- tancy.
Rail’s line-side vegetation to in- form them of the highest priority sections for tree risk and to iden- tify any major vegetation manage- ment issues.
The survey provided Network Rail with an inventory of their line-side tree stock, a full understanding of the risks associated with it and the extent of future tree management work.
ADAS completed the survey using
The software was based on the effective ESRI ArcEngine system which adds a geographic infor- mation system (GIS) mapping functionality allowing for accurate spatial data.
This new technology has enabled arboriculturalists to record all surveyed trees with absolute pre- cision allowing, for the first time, work specifications and recom- mendations to be produced whilst on site. To streamline this activity, ADAS further developed a tailored web portal allowing for Tough- book data to be uploaded at the end of each survey day.
The portal has been further re- fined to provide instant access to individual tree records, sum- maries by Route, Delivery Unit and Engineering Line Reference (ELR), which can be further bro- ken down by risk category or ac- tion timescale.
Network Rail is currently using ADAS’s hardware and software to carry out a national survey of its lineside drainage infrastructure.
ADAS will be showcasing this technology at the Infrastructure Show from 17th - 19th October 2011 and can be found in the Rail Hub.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
David Middleditch T: 01954 268300 E:
david.middleditch@adas.co.uk W:
www.adas.co.uk
Toray Textiles Europe Ltd discusses its launch of innovative high visibility, heat & flame resistant fabrics for the rail industry. T
oray Textiles Europe Ltd, a world leader in textile manu- facturing, has launched an inno- vative high-visibility heat & flame resistant fabric designed for the rail industry.
With the Office of Rail Regulation reporting that there were over 5,400 major and minor workforce injuries in 2009/2010,1
it is ob-
vious that the risk to employees working in the railway industry means they must be provided with the correct personal protective clothing to ensure this figure does not rise.
ThermGuard High Visibility has been designed to ensure workers are highly conspicuous as well as protected against thermal haz- ards. This revolutionary fabric, with international patent pending, has been developed in collabora- tion with customers, laundries and end users and specifically those working in rail, utilities and construction to ensure outstand-
The fabric is breathable, comforta- ble to wear and stable to industrial washing whilst retaining excellent light, colour and wash fastness.
Mike Fisher, associate director, technical textiles, at Toray Tex- tiles Europe Ltd, explained: “We are renowned worldwide for our technical expertise and we have dedicated time and listened to our customers to produce this new innovative fabric that offers qual- ity and performance far exceeding other fabrics currently available.
ing quality and comfort is coupled with enhanced performance.
ThermGuard High Visibility can be supplied in any EN 471 high visibility colour including GO/RT 3279. The fabric conforms to in- dustry standards and in particular ISO 11612: 2008 for clothing that
protects against heat and flame, ISO 11611: 2007 clothing for use in welding and allied processes, EN 471 GO/RT 3279 high visibility work wear specifically for the rail industry and EN 61482-1-1: 2009 protection against the thermal hazards of an electric arc with an open arc rating of >8cal/cm2.
“From our fully integrated weav- ing & dyeing manufacturing plant in the UK, we offer our customers quick response and the benefits of a bespoke sampling service to facilitate targeted developments.”
References 1
www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/nrt-year- book-2010-11.pdf Page 199
FOR MORE INFORMATION
E:
sales@ttel.co.uk W:
www.ttel.co.uk
rail technology magazine Aug/Sep 11 | 43
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