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FastTrack
is a unique platform resurfacing product that is
low in cost, quick to install,
improves performance and is kinder to the environment
The FastTrack system comprises three components:
Platform surfacing,
TrackTile blister units (for edge demarcation)
Text / platform marking |
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It’s
not often a company comes up with a solution that’s
better on all fronts and up to 40% cheaper. But that’s
the claim made by Kemper for their new FastTrack platform
re-surfacing product. Drawing on their
expertise in aggregate-resin technology, and working
closely with one of London Underground’s main refurbishment
contractors, Kemper have developed a product that is
lower cost, quicker to install, improves performance
and far kinder to the environment. So what’s the
catch? Mark Bruchez, Kemper’s FastTrack product
manager explains that this really is a win, win product
all round... UV Resistant Top-coat FastTrack Surface
New or Existing Substrate Kemperol Primer FastTrack comprises
a primer and resin-impregnated reinforcing fleece with
a uv-resistant topcoat. FastTrack is a high-performance
waterproof surfacing for platform repair that saves time,
saves money and offers enhanced performance.
A technical
solution
Kemper’s
experience in cold liquid-applied waterproofing and surfacing
is well known, and it was the company’s unique
solvent-free product, Kemperol V210, that first attracted
London Underground to the benefits of Kemper products,
it being first specified to repair a failed roof on the
Covent Garden Control Centre. Repairs to other stations
followed, using V210 as well as solvent-free Kemperol
2K-PUR, and from this arose the idea of applying the
same technology to the refurbishment of station platforms.
The
problems of traditional repair
Platforms are typically
surfaced using asphalt or tarmacadam, which over time
will be subjected to significant vehicular and pedestrian
traffic, as well as weathering, vibration and mechanical
wear. This makes deterioration inevitable, to the point
where full-scale refurbishment becomes necessary. Up
until now, this has required the mechanical removal and
disposal of the existing substrate, with the surface
then being replaced with a new material. This is not
only a relative expensive process - for both materials
and labour - but necessitates the closure of the platform
for quite lengthy periods whilst the work is carried
out. This is inconvenient and disruptive, and on certain
stations can have a significant commercial impact.
Applies
over existing substrates
One of the key benefits of Kemperol
products is that they can be applied over existing substrates.
Would it be possible to develop this principle using
a resin-based product that could withstand the severe
demands of a railway platform? Our challenge was to find
an alternative to the current process of restatement
using a resin-based application over the existing surface.
The result, appropriately named FastTrack, resulted from
extensive development and testing both in the laboratory
and using field trials. The system comprises a primer
with a resin-impregnated polyester fleece and a uvresistant
topcoat. It can be applied onto various substrates with
only limited preparation and has excellent bonding characteristics.
It’s rapidcuring performance also means disruption
is minimised, meaning platforms need be out of commission
for a fraction of the time when using conventional resurfacing
methods and can be walked on within an hour of application.
Many
added benefits
But FastTrack offers much more. The resulting
surface is easier to clean than traditional
substrates, especially for the removal of chewing gum,
and will happily accommodate the use of mechanical cleaning
equipment. It has excellent resistance to chemicals,
and with a surface roughness above 10uMRz, offers exceptional
slip-resistance even in wet conditions. FastTrack has
been independently tested to BS7976 and has passed London
Underground’s own rigorous Fire Safety performance
on flammability, toxic fume and smoke emission. Environmentally,
because FastTrack uses the existing surface as a base,
it not only avoids the use of new, hot-applied oilbased
binders and aggregates, but eliminates the need for the
disposal of the worn material.
Too good to be true...?
So what is the catch? Well, quite
simply their isn’t
one. As Mark Bruchez explains... “FastTrack is
a better-performing platform surfacing material that
not only saves time, but it is also around 40% cheaper
than using traditional repair techniques. It’s
versatile too, for the surface finish can be specified
in a range of decorative colours, including platform
marking or text, and the system also includes a blister
tile - TrackTile - to provide tactile edge warning for
the visually impaired. All are fully intercompatible
and build up to create a complete, but flexible design
system.”
A proven system
FastTrack has now been
used to repair numerous London Underground platforms
and is of course equally suitable for tram, light railway
and bus stations. It’s use on underpasses at Golders
Green station subject to groundwater, an engineering
nightmare, demonstrates it’s suitability in even
the most demanding of applications. Further information
on FastTrack- which is installed only by fully trained
operators - can be obtained by clicking here. |
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