Background

As part of a £75 million redevelopment of Pier 5 at Gatwick Airport, Carillion was appointed to deliver major infrastructure upgrades to increase passenger capacity and improve terminal efficiency.

The works formed part of Gatwick Airport’s wider strategy to enhance utilisation of existing assets and strengthen its position as London’s airport of choice. A key element of the scheme involved the construction of a new departure corridor above the existing pier, designed to eliminate cross flows between arriving and departing passengers.

Given the scale and importance of Pier 5, the redevelopment required robust, long life below ground infrastructure capable of supporting a busy international airport environment.

The challenge

The below ground drainage solution needed to meet several demanding requirements:

  • Accommodate high hydraulic flows beneath terminal infrastructure
  • Perform reliably under heavy structural and traffic loadings
  • Deliver long term durability with minimal maintenance
  • Be installed efficiently within a live airport environment
  • Align with sustainability and whole life performance objectives

Any failure or performance degradation would carry significant operational and reputational risk, making material choice critical.

The solution

Marshalls supplied over 300 flexible jointed precast concrete pipes, each 1800 mm in diameter, to form the primary below ground drainage network supporting the Pier 5 redevelopment.

Precast concrete pipes were selected due to their proven engineering performance, including:

  • A 120 year design life
  • High resistance to corrosion, fire and deformation
  • No reduction in hydraulic efficiency over time
  • Structural performance that improves with age, unlike some alternative materials

The solution was delivered through close collaboration between Marshalls and supply chain partner W T Burdens, ensuring product availability, quality assurance and reliable delivery in line with the construction programme.

The outcome

The concrete pipeline system provided a resilient and sustainable drainage solution suited to one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs.

  • Long term, high capacity drainage beneath critical terminal infrastructure
  • Reduced maintenance and whole life cost risk
  • Environmentally responsible solution using natural and recycled materials
  • Reliable supply and delivery within a complex airport construction programme

Sally Ingall Tombs, Trading Manager at Marshalls, commented:

“By working closely with W T Burdens, we ensured that high quality, cost effective products were delivered on time – every time.”

The project demonstrates the suitability of large diameter precast concrete drainage systems for major commercial and transport infrastructure where performance, durability and sustainability are essential.