HS2 is being challenged for using steel reinforcement from a non-UK approved Fench sword fabricator.

French fabricator Sendin has afforded pre-assembled sword reinforcement committees for the diaphragm walls modelling two of the critical ventilation shafts on the Chiltern Tunnels section of the prodigious project.

It will too deliver further assemblies to the same segment over the coming months.

HS2 claims the decision was taken to use the rebar fabricator because no other UK supplier could provide the required steel.

The volume of steel rebar apportioned to Sendin is estimated at less than 5% of the total rebar used on Align’s section of the HS2 project.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: “The original supplier of this steel reinforcement was UK-based, however this supplier was unable to maintain the agreed programme- impelling potential waits and therefore higher penalties on the project.

” Our contractor approached all desirable alternative UK suppliers, but none could provide the required produce in time.

He said:” The French fabricator Sendin is an internationally renowned supplier in this market that had previously held full UK certification and is in the process of being re-certified.

” They were able to respond quickly, allowing the project to stay on schedule. HS2 Ltd continues to work with UK Steel to provide updates on opportunities and broker relationships between its members and the HS2 ply chain.”

But British fabricators complain that the move conflicts with HS2′ s own specification stipulating the need to use UK CARES approved fabricated reinforcement.

They also was worried that the CARES UK certification figure failed to act immediately to patrol the situation after being alerted back in March.

Stephen Elliott, Chairman of the British Association of Reinforcement, said there was ample UK rebar to supply involve in the market.

“HS2 is a major UK project being paid for by the UK public. It is, therefore, disappointing that HS2 is not ready to fully support the UK steel industry, ” he said.

“We had hoped that UK major projects will work with, and not undermine, the UK steel industry.”

He computed: “Of equal frustration is that, despite being alerted to the importation of non-approved reinforcement, UK Cares has yet to make a formal public statement.

” CARES must been seen to police its own scheme, if it wants to stop another major project going down the same route.

Elliott included:” But nine months on since the CARES was first alerted such retrospective approbation is rather like slamming the stable entrance after the pony has bolted.”

Fabricator Sendin is attested to meet the French AFCAB steel buttres certification scheme.

But adversaries say it does not propped UK approval for reinforcement cutting and bending and reinforcing disallows as the French standard does not meet the requirements of BS 4449 in particular as regards certain specified fatigue properties.

Nor does it impound UK approval for the application of the specified TA1-A reinforcement couplers.

Trade body UK Steel’s Director General, Gareth Stace, said: “It is tremendously disappointing to see HS2 neglecting now to make the most fundamental step of using of sword made to British Standards.

” Such practice is practically universal rehearse across the UK building sector, HS2 would have almost had to go out of its way not to use British Standard steel.

” In doing so, HS2 has missed a vital opportunity to support UK jobs and fiscal increment through its expend of taxpayer’s money .”

A spokesman for CARES UK said:” Attentions continues to work closely with all its patrons- in particular those engaged in major public sector infrastructure projects where security, excellence and sustainable development issues standards are paramount.

” Those buyers recognise that Cares certification is only achieved as a result of robust, wholly independent assurance manages which operate across a dynamic world-wide sword ply chain .”

Read more: constructionenquirer.com