Hanson puts Silverstone on track

As the TV cameras focus on the UK’s 1600 Silverstone racing circuit for the British Grand Prix this weekend, they will no doubt put the redeveloped pits, paddock and gravel traps centre stage. 1343 Hanson has just completed work to supply 24,000tonnes of aggregates and 15,000m³ of concrete as part of the £27million redevelopment work.

The aggregates from Hanson’s Shardlow quarry in Debyshire have been used for the circuits gravel traps and to improve drainage, while the concrete from the company’s Milton Keynes plant was used for track alterations and construction of the new pits.

RC50 concrete was required for the pit and retaining walls and an on-site precast factory was also set up to produce the vallelunga kerbs (rumble strips) using C50 10mm concrete. Trials were carried out to achieve the exacting standards for the surface finish of the concrete before the work to alter the track and construct the pit walls was carried out while the circuit was closed for three months.

Hanson district sales manager Chris Pink said, “The gravel used for the traps needed to be naturally rounded to ensure that it provides the most efficient way of slowing the cars and preventing damage should they run off the track.

“Our 14mm natural rounded Shardlow aggregate provides the perfect solution. Its shape will reduce the chance of injury to the drivers and help to prevent punctures and damage to the cars.”