Scott Parnell Rail launches new innovative alternative to postmix concrete 

Network Rail-approved supplier Scott Parnell has launched its latest product for the rail industry. Techno-Crete is a new innovative alternative to postmix concrete used for securing fence posts, gates, elevated troughing, sign posts and marker boards.

Techno-Crete is a two part, high density Hydrophobic Polyurethane foam alternative to cementitious post foundations. It is derived from sustainably grown and recycled vegetable oils, formulated so it can be mixed without the need for mechanical plant and equipment.

It works by expanding to twenty times the size of its package volume after mixing and forms a structurally supporting foundation in approximately 10 minutes of pouring. It contains no CFC, HCFC or HFC blowing agents and has a shelf life of up to one year.

Key benefits of the product include no requirement for aggregates or water, low transport and placement costs, reduced risks of personal injury from manual handling and excellent performance levels – tested under load Techno-Crete was proven to be equal to or better than postmix concrete foundations.

The product, which is independently verified by chartered geotechnical and structural consulting engineers, will be stocked and sold exclusively by Scott Parnell and will complement its existing range of rail products. These include the rail specialist’s innovative ArcoSystem elevated troughing and Touchsafe palisade fencing.

Sharon Rice, who is National Rail Manager at Scott Parnell, said:

“The UK’s rail industry has been aware of the implications that manual handling has on its troughing installation teams for some time and huge progress has been made to improve this. At Scott Parnell we have worked tirelessly to make sure we do our best to support this movement. For example, we were one of the first to provide 6 metre length GRP troughs which sit comfortably within safe weight limits for two people, reducing not only the weight, but number of lifts required during installation.

“With the introduction of Techno-Crete, we are taking things one step further by eliminating the need for three 20kg bags of post mix, which are currently required to install each individual post. Posts are often positioned in difficult to reach locations meaning that postmix, and the large water quantities needed to mix it, causes a huge manual strain on workforces and often requires a costly RRV to get it to the installation point. One box of Techno-Crete weighs far less than a single bag of post mix meaning that one person can easily carry the material for up to 12 foundations in a single lift.

“With all this in mind, Techno-Crete has the potential to make a real difference to the rail sector and the way construction and improvements are carried out. In particular, the reduction in time to complete projects and the resulting safety benefits of quicker installation and manual handling makes it ideal for possessions.”

Scott Parnell holds the rail industry accreditation RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme), which formally recognises the company as capable providers of products and services. To get in touch with one of our experts, please complete our contact form here.