Description
The HS2 W129 Footbridge Pier near Coventry is part of a major UK infrastructure programme. The pier foundation features a unique multi‑faceted geometry designed to reduce concrete consumption. This geometry resulted in a fully enclosed, highly complex custom formwork setup with limited visibility during concrete placement.
The project was delivered by contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI using advanced PERI formwork and digital fabrication methods. Vemaventuri concrete sensor technology was integrated to support quality assurance during the concrete pour.
Challenges
The customised foundation geometry required internal box‑outs and resulted in a closed formwork system once assembled. During concreting, visual inspection of fill level and compaction inside the form was not possible.
Key challenges included:
- Limited visibility during concrete placement in enclosed formwork
- Risk of uneven filling or insufficient compaction in complex geometry
- High quality and documentation requirements for a critical infrastructure asset
- Need to avoid rework, delays, or conservative overfilling
Solution and results
Vemaventuri provided digital concrete sensor technology to enable controlled and verifiable concrete placement in the enclosed foundation.
Wireless sensors were strategically positioned inside the formwork prior to pouring. During concreting, the sensors delivered real‑time data on concrete level and compaction, allowing the site team to monitor filling progress despite the lack of visual access.
The live sensor data supported informed decisions on pouring sequence and speed, confirming that concrete was placed and compacted as intended throughout the entire structure. This eliminated guesswork and reduced reliance on conservative assumptions.
As a result, the concrete pour was executed with a high level of confidence and control. The project team achieved consistent concrete quality, minimized the risk of defects or rework, and obtained objective documentation to support quality assurance requirements for a major infrastructure asset.
