Delta Junction: HS2 High-Speed Rail Project

Delta Junction is one of the most complex parts of the HS2 route, where the new high-speed railway weaves through existing infrastructure, rivers, and rural landscapes. The project required the installation of hundreds of precast segments in highly sequenced operations — with minimal tolerance for delay or waste.

The contractor required a segmental bonding adhesive that would:

• Cure in under 20 minutes, even in cold UK site conditions.
• Remain stable during vertical and overhead applications (thixotropic).
• Be supplied in exact quantities per segment to eliminate material waste.
• Arrive on a just-in-time basis, keeping pace with an aggressive schedule and avoiding site stockpiling.

THE SOLUTION

Premcrete delivered a site-optimised epoxy system and support package tailored to Delta Junction’s unique demands. This included:

• Eponite EP-T and EP-T-VFC for standard and fast-cure applications.
• Development of Eponite EP-T-VFC-ULTRA – our next-generation ultra-fast curing epoxy, formulated specifically for this project:
  • Cure time: <20 minutes at 5°C
  • Pot life: ~15 minutes
  • Thixotropic formulation – no slump or drip
  • Low-temperature performance down to -6°C
• Bespoke pack sizes, designed to perfectly match the surface area of each segment joint, eliminating waste and reducing clean-up.
• On-site training and support, ensuring correct application and optimal bond quality during every shift.
• Just-in-time logistics, delivered in sync with the segment erection schedule, reducing the need for on-site storage and minimising risk of expired materials.

Our technical presence and ability to rapidly tailor material solutions helped keep this critical phase of the HS2 infrastructure programme on track, while setting a new standard in segmental bonding performance.