To have built these arches traditionally would have required the manufacture of numerous temporary arch formers. Instead precast elements were delivered to a pre-determined programme and lifted straight into place, allowing in situ brickwork to progress immediately.

Each unit weighed 4.5 tons and was secured to the reinforced concrete frame using stainless steel angle brackets with locating dowels.

A tiered mould was formed with spacers located to guarantee consistent setting out locations. The back of the mould had to be completely removed to gain access for location of the tapered brick segments.

Pre-assembled reinforcement cages were lowered into the mould once the bricks had been positioned.

Due to the tight programme restraints a single unit was cast each day, with the back of each arch being trowelled to give a fair face finish.

Arches were delivered in pairs on articulated lorries and craned straight into place to avoid double handling on site and associated storage problems.

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