Pyroclear Plus fire-resistant glass from Pilkington was specified in the construction of a 50-metre elevated walkway suspended above the platforms of Whitechapel station as part of refurbishment works on the Elizabeth Line.
The project included a sequence of glass panelling, held in wideset horizontal metal frames to create a smooth glazing around the elevated concourse. The glass allows for the feature to run along sloped inclines required to transport passengers from above ground to platform level.
A key hurdle for the project was accounting for the incline required for the station corridors. While Pyroclear Plus had been tested and approved for inclines of up to 10°, Whitechapel required the panel integrity to remain at 15°.
Fire resistant testing up to temperatures of 1000°C for a duration of 90 minutes was carried out to ensure the glass was fit for the application. Testing for a significantly extended period of time provided the data to demonstrate that the glass would perform its function for the required 30-minute specification, while under the greater strain of a 15° incline.
Peter Jenkins, Architect Director, Head of Transport at BDP, said: “Whitechapel station feels very different to other underground stations. The daylight, natural ventilation and open environment create a welcome ambience in this congested part of the capital.
“Pilkington UK’s efforts to go above and beyond to ensure that it’s fire resistant glass could stand up to specification requirements was essential in supporting a bright, safe and modernised design approach to commuter travel across London.”
Pilkington UK has also been involved in supporting passenger safety across other areas of the Elizabeth line, supplying four kilometres of glass passenger safety barriers at platform edges.
The glazed barriers feature on both the 240-metre-long eastbound and westbound platforms at the Paddington, Bond Street, Woolwich, Canary Wharf, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel stations Pyroclear protects passengers on the Elizabeth Line | The Glazine (the-glazine.com).
