The High Speed 2 (HS2) railway is an immense and transformative infrastructure project for the UK, aiming to deliver crucial capacity and faster journey times between major conurbations. Defined by its staggering scale, escalating costs, and economic turbulence, HS2 represents a profound case study in modern megaproject complexity. .
Proscaf, through its advanced scaffolding and access solutions, is helping HS2 contractors achieve this ambitious infrastructure by addressing the critical need for safety, efficiency, and adaptability on a continuously evolving, large-scale project.
The Challenge
The HS2 project required high-level access to complex steelwork junctions where traditional scaffolding solutions could not be safely or economically applied. The challenge lay in designing and installing a self-standing scaffold structure that could reach up to 20 metres in height without intermediate ties.
The working environment also presented significant challenges:
- Limited tie points due to the steel grid design.
- Proximity to live train lines, imposing strict lifting and safety restrictions.
- Tight access and crane positioning constraints.
- High safety and compliance requirements.
Our Solution
Proscaf with its self-supporting capability thanks to higher component strength capacity and engineering flexibility can achieve the necessary height and stability.
The Proscaf Scaffold System was:
- Fully engineered to be free-standing up to 20 metres, utilising the high capacity of the Proscaf Diagonal Brace.
- Built on the ground in modular sections (four pieces per build).
- Craned into position as a complete assembly, sitting directly on the steel grid.
- Secure at the base and tied only from the top, eliminating the need for standard six-metre tie intervals.
Through advanced computer modelling, design validation, and compliance checks, the team strengthened the Proscaf Scaffold System with additional bracing and materials to ensure safety and cost efficiency.
Execution
The process required:
- Around two days to build and one day to install each scaffold system.
- Months of planning, design, and engineering coordination before delivery.
- Continuous collaboration between engineering, operations, and the client.
Because this was the first scaffold system of its kind, the team faced a steep learning curve, developing new procedures and building client confidence through safe and consistent delivery.
Despite initial challenges, the 6 craneable Proscaf system is recycled and reused across 12 bridge structures, ensuring material efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Results
- Successfully delivered the self-supporting 20m Proscaf Scaffold System structure on an HS2 project.
- Eliminated the need for costly additional steel, achievable thanks to Proscaf’s Diagonal Brace capacity.
- Maintained safety and structural integrity throughout lifting, installation, and use.
- Built a strong foundation of trust and innovation with the client and partners.
Learn more About Proscaf
The Power Of Proscaf
Proscaf is a result of listening to the market’s needs for wanting more value from their scaffolding. Want to know the value it can provide for your business? Call us on +44 (0)845 382 1000 or email [email protected] to know more.
