Cardiff Freightliner Terminal

Manufacturing and installing our tallest colosseum canopy yet at a Cardiff Freightliner terminal.

Background

Freightliner Group were rolling out a new site entry process to their UK terminals. The new terminals include automatic barrier systems for drivers to digitally check in, coupled with ANPR camera systems to register lorries on arrival and direct them to the right zones.

The requirement

The idea of the new entry system is to reduce entry time at the gates from 4-5 minutes down to 30-45 seconds. The system requires overhead cover to ensure easy access for the drivers in all weathers, and to protect the touchscreen computer system from the elements.

Our Connekt canopy, colosseum style, was specified. Colosseum canopies are created using a back-to-back Connekt roof structure mounted on tall steel posts.

They are built at height with a relatively small amount of steel, creating a safe and functional canopy that is aesthetically pleasing.

Challenges

The main challenge was the need for the canopy to provide a clearance height for lorries. We overcame this with a hi-ab delivery for the posts, and our installation team lifted the heavy and long steelwork into place. The steel posts were bolted down onto a pre-cast foundation base.

The next challenge was installing the roofing beams and sheets at a 5.2m height. The use of a scissor lift made this process easier for the team to work safely at height.

The solution

The use of our Connekt colosseum canopy as a huge two-lane vehicle canopy is something we haven’t seen before. It’s the tallest colosseum canopy we have built so far.

The entry system has two traffic lanes, with an island on the left, centre and right hand side. The 6 posted canopy system fits perfectly with the requirements. Working with the project managers, Lambert Smith Hampton, the plan is to rollout the design to other sites across the country.

Results