Algarve Line Electrification
153 helical piles for the catenary pole foundations, driven from the track in night possession windows.
For the modernisation and electrification of the Algarve Line, between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, Rotopile built the catenary pole foundations with 153 helical piles.
The ground profile of made ground, alluvium and sands called for lengths between 7 and 24 metres and three different diameters, matched location by location: Ø88.9 × 9.0, Ø114.3 × 9.0 and Ø139.7 × 8.0 mm.
The whole installation was carried out from the track. An adapted rail-mounted excavator advanced along the line, with the piles towed on a wagon running on the rail, which gave the work speed and flexibility. During driving there was no interference with the existing ballast, keeping the track intact.
The work took place during line closures, in controlled possession windows and at night. This made it possible to found the poles quickly and in step with the closure windows, without disrupting rail operations.
153 helical piles · Ø88.9 / Ø114.3 / Ø139.7 mm · 7 to 24 m · installed from the track · night work in possession windows
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