Derriaghy Railway Platform DDA GRP Handrail

At a Glance

Relinea recently completed a significant project for Adman on the Northern Ireland Railway Network, involving the installation of a 390-meter DDA-compliant handrail. This handrail, rated at 0.74kN and standing at 1100mm high, was constructed using Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) box section stanchions fixed to a durable steel base plate foot. The entire system was meticulously designed with light grey GRP stanchions and included bespoke 3D-printed connection pieces to adapt to the varying gradients along the path.

Client

Adman

Location

Derriaghy
, Northern Ireland

Services

design and fabrication

Products

DDA Handrail

Explain your needs

Problem/Challenge

Adman required a durable and compliant handrail system for a pathway at Derriaghy within the Northern Ireland Railway Network. The primary challenge was the path’s varying gradient, which presented difficulties in ensuring that the handrail would remain consistently safe, secure, and fully compliant with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) regulations. Traditional connection methods were insufficient, as they lacked the necessary flexibility to accommodate the diverse angles and slopes present along the pathway. This called for a highly customised solution that could seamlessly integrate with the changing terrain.

Solution

Relinea addressed this challenge by leveraging the unique properties of Glass Reinforced Plastic(GRP) to construct the handrail system. GRP was chosen for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for outdoor infrastructure projects, especially in environments that may be exposed to harsh weather conditions. The handrail was designed to be 1100mm high and rated at 0.74kN, ensuring it met the stringent safety requirements necessary for DDA compliance.

The handrail was mounted on GRP box section stanchions, which were securely anchored to the ground using steel base plate feet. One of the standout features of this project was the use of 3D-printed connection pieces. These bespoke components were specifically designed to adapt to the varying gradients along the path, allowing for precise and flexible installation. The 3D printing technology enabled Relinea to create connection pieces tailored to the exact angles required, ensuring that the handrail maintained its structural integrity and safety across the entire length of the project.

The benefits of using GRP for this DDA handrail were numerous. GRP is not only lightweight, which makes it easier and more cost-effective to install, but it also offers excellent resistance to rust, UV radiation, and chemicals, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance. Naturally warm to touch, it can be comfortably used all year round, irrespective of weather conditions. This makes GRP an ideal choice for railway environments, where safety and longevity are paramount. The final result was a robust, reliable, and visually appealing handrail system that seamlessly integrated with the varying terrain, providing safe access for all users while meeting Adman’s and the Northern Ireland Railway Network’s exacting standards.

Find out more about our DDA Handrail here.

Talk to the experts:

With over 18 year experience in working with GRP, our team has a deep understanding of our customers challenges, and the expertise and specialist knowledge to design bespoke GRP solutions.

Call us today on 02894470010, email info@relinea.com or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you.