Concrete piles are cancer-free
Concrete piles are still a strong support for any structure, despite recent reports to the contrary.
The Hammersmith Flyover was closed in late December 2011, due to structural concerns, leading to reports of ‘concrete cancer’ in its supports.
But the Mineral Products Association has pointed out that the problem was not in the concrete itself, but in the internal steel cables of the flyover.
These had corroded due to saltwater – which, in turn, had been created through gritting the road, instead of heating it from beneath as originally intended.
“It is regrettable that concrete, which is such an essential material for both existing and future infrastructure, has been misrepresented in such tabloid terms,” says MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson.
The story highlights the importance of understanding the materials used, in order to keep them in good condition for the long term.
However, it is also important to recognise that the problem was not as reported by some parts of the press – and concrete piles are still a strong and reliable option.
With pre-cast concrete piles available to bring in from off-site, construction projects can continue at a good pace, while ensuring the most important parts of the finished structure are made to a high standard by specialists.