Steel is just the ticket for new Dublin station

Construction of a new train station in Parkwest, Dublin is progressing rapidly with the entire project’s steelwork lifted into place during one weekend possession in January.

The lift, involving two large steel segments with a total weight of 75t, required the use of the largest mobile crane available in Ireland.

The steel structural frame will form the floor for a concourse and ticket office, and once in position the two connected pieces measure 21m x 31m. It straddles two railway lines, supported by concrete cores at either side and a centrally located lift shaft.

Steelwork contractor Andrew Mannion Structural Engineers (AMSE) with McNally’s Crane Hire first erected a 35t segment from the North side of the railway lines. The crane was then de-rigged, driven around the site and set up on the opposite side of the tracks to lift the second 40t piece into position.

To complete the operation, the steelwork was then balanced, trimmed and secured with bolted connections.

Prior to the lifting operation both segments were fully assembled on site with metal decking, shear studs, handrails and ducting all fitted.

“We also applied the high specification intumescent paint work, so there was no requirement to work over the live rail lines,” said Denis McNelis, AMSE Engineering Director.