GB2526612A

GB2526612A - Railway apparatus foundations

Info

Publication number: GB2526612A
Application number: GB1409601.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Howard; Michael Frank Ellis; Victor Handley
Original assignee: ELLE Ltd VAN
Current assignee: ELLE Ltd VAN
Priority date: 2014-05-30
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2015-12-02
Also published as: GB201409601D0

Abstract

A foundation 10 for railway apparatus 28, for example an electrification column or signal post, comprises a plurality of pre-formed blocks 12, 14, 16 in a substantially vertical stack. Each block 12, 14, 16 has an abutment surface that abuts an adjacent -formed block 12, 14, 16, and a bore extending though the block to an opening in the or each abutment surface. Corresponding bores of adjacent blocks are in registration, and a tensioning member 18, tensioned to apply a compressive force to the stack, extends through the bores of adjacent blocks and is fixed at each end relative to a corresponding end block 12, 16. Blocks 12, 14, 16 may typically each weigh between 1 tonnes and 10 tonnes, for example between 4 tonnes and 6 tonnes, and may comprise concrete with a steel wire reinforcement. Foundation 10 may be erected below the ground surface; alternatively, at least 30% of the foundation may be exposed above ground.

Description

Title -Railway Apparatus Foundations The present application relates to foundations, and in particular to foundations for use with railway apparatus.

In the field of railway construction, there are many structures that are required to be located along the length of a track in order to allow for the effective, and safe, operation of a railway network. For example, electrification columns and signals are two such structures, which are located at regular intervals along the length of a track.

Railway structures such as these are often located in a wide variety of environments, some of which are exposed to the elements, and may, for example, often encounter high winds and the like. Such components may thereby encounter a wide variety of forces, which may cause unnecessary stresses and/or strains on the structure and/or its foundation. This can in turn lead to unforeseen maintenance costs and an unnecessary waste of human resources, both for the company in charge of maintenance of a railway and for users of the railway network. It is therefore desirable to provide a secure foundation for these types of structures.

It is known in the prior art to provide foundations for railway apparatus, and these foundations are typically very similar to those used in building construction. These foundations are simply formed by excavating an area of ground, pouring wet concrete into the excavated hole, and allowing the concrete to cure.

There are however many disadvantages associated with such a procedure. For example, a significant length of time may be required to allow the concrete to cure, and the process, both installation and curing of the concrete, may be adversely affected by weather conditions. Furthermore, to avoid disruptions to a rail network, the installation of such a foundation typically takes place at night, and there are therefore severe time constraints imposed upon the installation of such a foundation.

There has now been devised an improved railway apparatus foundation, and an improved method of forming such a foundation, which overcome or substantially mitigate the aforementioned and/or other disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a railway apparatus foundation, the foundation comprising a plurality of pre-formed blocks arranged in a substantially vertical stack, with an end block at each end of the stack, each pre-formed block having at least one abutment surface that abuts an adjacent pre-formed block and at least one bore extending though the pre-formed block to an opening in each abutment surface, the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks being in registration, and at least one tensioning member extending through the bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks and being fixed at each end relative to the corresponding end block, the tensioning member being tensioned such that a compressive force is applied to the substantially vertical stack of pre-formed blocks.

The railway apparatus foundation according to the first aspect of the present invention is advantageous principally as the pre-formed nature of the plurality of blocks allows the blocks to be formed at a location which is remote from the site of installation of the foundation, thereby eliminating the effect of any adverse weather conditions, and allowing for the construction of precise and consistent blocks to be installed. The installation of pre-formed blocks is less time-consuming than the construction of traditional foundations, thereby saving human resources and lowering installation costs. Furthermore, the combination of a vertical stack of pre-formed blocks and tensioning member(s) applying a compressive force to the stack of pre-formed blocks provides a foundation that is able to resist both compressive forces, as well as rotational forces, that may be generated by the supported railway apparatus, for example caused by winds.

Each pre-formed block may be any shape that provides stable abutment with an adjacent pre-formed block, and the foundation with a sufficient strength and stability. At least one or each of the pre-formed blocks may have a width and length that are each greater than the height of the pre-formed block. At least one or each of the plurality of pre-formed blocks may have a substantially constant cross-section along its width and/or length. The upper and lower surfaces of at S least one, or each, pre-formed block may be substantially horizontally orientated, and the side surfaces of at least one, or each, pre-formed block may be substantially vertically orientated, or alternatively inclined relative to a vertical axis.

At least one or each of the pre-formed blocks may comprise a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, or may have a substantially trapezoidal cross- sectional shape, along its width and/or length. At least one or each of the pre-formed blocks may be generally cuboidal, frusto-pyramidal or frusto-conical in shape. At least one or each of the pre-formed blocks may be substantially elongate in form. At least one or each of the pre-formed blocks may be substantially planar in form. At least one or each of the pre-formed blocks may resemble a slab, or box or the like in form.

Each of the pre-formed blocks may have substantially the same shape and/or dimensions as each other. Alternatively, different pre-formed blocks in the foundation may have different shapes and/or dimensions relative to each other.

Thus, the foundation may be custom designed for a specific location. For example, the foundation may be shaped to avoid obstructions in the ground, such as services, which may take the form of cables, pipes or the like.

Each of the pre-formed blocks may have a weight in the region of 3-10 tonnes.

Each of the pre-formed blocks may have a weight in the region of 4-6 tonnes.

Thus, each of the pre-formed blocks may be moved into position via the use of a conventional crane, eq a truck-mounted crane, or the like.

The abutment surface may be substantially planar in form. Alternatively, the abutment surface may have formations that mate with corresponding formations on an adjacent pre-formed block. These mating formations may facilitate alignment of the pre-formed blocks in the vertical stack, and hence may include obliquely angled surfaces that deflect a pre-formed block being lowered, during construction, into alignment with the adjacent pre-formed block below.

Each of the pre-formed blocks may be formed of concrete, and may include S reinforcements, such as wire, a wire mesh or a wire cage, which may be formed of

steel, for example.

A railway apparatus may be fixed to the foundation, typically the upper end block of the foundation. At least one of the plurality of pre-formed blocks, and typically the upper end block, may therefore include means for fixing the railway apparatus to the foundation. The fixing means may take the form of formations that cooperate with formations on the railway apparatus to fix the railway apparatus to the foundation. The fixing formations may comprise sockets for receiving fasteners, for example threaded sockets for receiving a threaded bolt. The upper end block may comprise a recess and/or projection that is fixed to the railway apparatus. In particular, the upper end block may comprise an upstanding plinth, which may have a planar support surface and may be aligned substantially horizontally. The railway apparatus may be fixed substantially centrally relative to the foundation and/or relative to the upper end block.

The corresponding bores of adjacent pie-formed blocks through which a tensioning member extends may be substantially linear in form, such that the at least one bore of each pre-formed block may have substantially the same orientation as the corresponding bores of other pre-formed blocks. The at least one bore may extend along a substantially vertical axis, or may extend along an axis that is in a range of 0-20° from a vertical axis. The at least one bore may extend through a pre-formed block in a direction that is located within a range of 0- 5° from a vertical direction.

The at least one bore may extend through the pre-formed block from an upper surface to a lower surface, eg between openings in the upper and lower surfaces.

However, the at least one bore may extend only partly through a pre-formed block from an upper or lower surface, and may terminate before reaching the opposing surface. In particular, the lower end block may have a bore that extends from an opening in an upper abutment surface to a location within the lower end block, separated from the lower surface.

Where a bore extends only partly through a pre-formed block, eg the lower end block, the pre-formed block may be adapted to retain the tensioning member contained therein. The pre-formed block may comprise an anchor formation for engaging the tensioning member. The anchor formation may be adapted to permanently fix the tensioning member within the bore, or may be adapted to releasably engage the tensioning member. The anchor formation may comprise a projection and/or recess for engaging a corresponding recess and/or projection of the tensioning member. The anchor formation may engage a corresponding tensioning member through any conventional engagement means, for example a reciprocal threaded engagement, a latch or clip mechanism, a push or snap fit engagement, or any other such appropriate means.

The at least one bore may be shaped and/or dimensioned so as to correspond substantially to the shape and/or dimension of the corresponding tensioning member. The at least one substantially transversely extending bore may have a substantially constant circular cross-section, and may thus be substantially cylindrical in form. The cross-sectional area of the at least one bore may be up to 20%, 50% or 100% greater than the cross-sectional area of the tensioning member.

In the context of the present application, a substantially vertical stack is taken to be an arrangement in which each of the plurality of pre-formed blocks is placed one on top of each other, in a desired sequence, such that the desired foundation is formed. The plurality of pre-formed blocks in the substantially vertical stack may be arranged in a substantially regular manner, eg with pre-formed blocks of the same size and shape being stacked in registration with one another. Alternatively, the plurality of pre-formed blocks in the substantially vertical stack may be arranged in a non-regular manner, eg with pre-formed blocks of different size and/or shape being stacked, thus allowing the support structure to be formed so as to avoid obstructions such as cables and pipes or the like.

The number of pre-formed blocks in a stack may be chosen according to the form of the support structure that is desired to be constructed. The foundation may comprise at least three pre-formed blocks, and may consist of 3, 4, 5 or 6 pre-formed blocks, for example. At least one block or each block may have a length and/or width in the range of 1 to 5m or 1 to 3m, and at least one block or each block may have a height in the range of 0.2m to 1 m or 0.3m to 0.8m. The cross-sectional area of an abutment surface at least one block or each block may be between 1 and 10m2 or between 2 and 6 m2. The weight of at least one block or each block may be between 1 and 10 tonnes, between 2 and 8 tonnes, or between 3 and 6 tonnes.

At least one or each of the series of corresponding bores may extend through the entirety of the foundation, thereby defining a passageway through the foundation that is open at either end. Where this is the case, the length of each tensioning member may be greater than that of the series of corresponding bores, such that each tensioning member extends outwardly from the support structure at opposing ends. Each tensioning member may comprise at least one locking formation for locking the tensioning member relative to the end blocks. The at least one locking formation may comprise any commonplace locking formation, for example a locking nut, a clamp or the like. The at least one locking formation may be located on an external surface of the foundation, eg the upper and/or lower surface of the foundation. The locking formation may be adapted to impart tension to the tensioning member. The locking formation may be a separate component to the tensioning member and the plurality of pre-formed blocks. Alternatively, the locking formation may be mounted within a pre-formed block, eg within the lower end block.

At the upper surface of the foundation, the locking formation may comprise an adjustable fastener, such as a clamp, which may be accessible following installation to enable tightening of the tensioning member, for example as part of scheduled maintenance.

At least one or each of the series of corresponding bores may extend only partially through the support structure, eg terminating within the lower end block. Each of the series of corresponding bores may define a passageway through the foundation that is open at one end, eg an upper end, which may be an opening in the upper surface of the upper end block.

Where a passageway through the support structure is open at one end, the closed end may comprise an anchor formation, as previously discussed, and/or the open end may comprise a locking formation, as previously discussed.

Each tensioning member may be configured to prevent relative lateral and/or transverse movement of adjacent pre-formed blocks. Each tensioning member may be configured to hold adjacent pre-formed blocks in frictional engagement.

Each tensioning member may be configured to apply a compressive force along a substantially vertical axis across the foundation. Thus the plurality of pre-formed blocks may act as a unitary foundation.

Each tensioning member may be adapted to engage a corresponding anchor and/or locking formation, the anchor and/or locking formation taking the form previously discussed.

Each tensioning member may comprise a projection and/or recess engaging a corresponding recess and/or projection of an anchor and/or locking formation.

Each tensioning member may comprise any suitable conventional engagement mechanism, for example a reciprocating thread arrangement, a latch or clip mechanism, a push or snap fit engagement, or any other such appropriate means.

Each tensioning member may take the form of any conventional tensioning member known in the prior art, for example so-called "tendons" and the like.

Each tensioning member may be substantially elongate in form. Each tensioning member may be shaped and dimensioned so as to correspond substantially in size and shape to a series of substantially axially aligned bores. Each tensioning member may be substantially rigid, eg in the form of a bar, or may be substantially S flexible, eg in the form of a cable. Each tensioning member may take the form of a rod, or bar, or cable, or wire or the like.

The foundation according to the first aspect of the present invention is advantageous as it resists forces transferred to the foundation railway apparatus mounted to the foundation. Thus the foundation may be located in a wide range of different environments, without the risk of the foundation being displaced from the desired location by external forces.

The foundation may be located substantially entirely below the surface of the ground. The foundation may be located partially below the surface of the ground and partially above the ground. The proportion of the foundation exposed, above ground, may be at least 10%, at least 20% or at least 30%. The foundation may be located on substantially flat ground, or on substantially inclined or uneven ground, for example a bank or the like. The foundation according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that it is readily constructed, even where a significant proportion of the foundation is exposed above ground, which is much more difficult where concrete is cured in situ.

The foundation may also include a plurality of pre-formed blocks in a substantially horizontal arrangement, held together by tensioning members extending through substantially horizontal bores in the pre-formed blocks. This arrangement may be suitable where a larger footprint is required.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a railway apparatus foundation, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a plurality of pre-formed blocks, each pre-formed block having at least one abutment surface and at least one bore extending though the pre-formed block to an opening in at least one abutment surface; H. arranging the plurality of pre-formed blocks in a substantially vertical stack, with the abutment surfaces in abutment and an end block at each end of the stack, such that the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks are in registration; iH. inserting at least one tensioning member through the bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks; iv. fixing the at least one tensioning member at each end relative to the corresponding end block; and v. tensioning the tensioning member such that a compressive force is applied to the substantially vertical stack of pre-formed blocks.

The method may further include the step of mounting railway apparatus to the foundation, eg to the upper surface of the foundation. The method may further include the step of adjusting the tension of each tensioning member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a railway apparatus support structure, the kit comprising a plurality of pre-formed blocks adapted to be arranged in a substantially vertical stack, with an end block at each end of the stack, each pre-formed block having at least one abutment surface that abuts an adjacent pre-formed block and at least one bore extending though the pre-formed block to an opening in the at least one abutment surface, such that the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks are in registration when stacked, and at least one tensioning member for being received in the bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks, and means for fixing the at least one tensioning member at each end relative to the corresponding end block, and means for tensioning the tensioning member such that a compressive force is applied to the substantially vertical stack of pre-formed blocks.

The at least one bore of at least one, or each, pre-formed block may extend generally transversely through the pre-formed block.

Embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below, by way of illustration only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a railway apparatus support structure according to the present invention in a first usage location; S Figure 2 is a sectional schematic view of the railway apparatus support structure of Figure 1 in a second usage location; Figure 3 is a sectional schematic view of a second embodiment of a railway apparatus support structure according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a sectional schematic view of a third embodiment of a railway apparatus support structure according to the present invention; and Figure 5 is a sectional schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a railway apparatus support structure according to the present invention.

A railway apparatus support structure according to the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. The support structure comprises a base block 12, an intermediate block 14, an upper block 16, and a pair of tensioning members 18.

The base block 12 has a substantially constant rectangular cross-section, and is substantially elongate in form, such that the base block 12 has substantially the form of a slab or the like. The base block 12 is formed of concrete, and is a pre-cast block that is typically formed at a location that is remote from the location where it is to be installed. The base block 12 comprises a pair of anchoring formations 20 for releasably receiving a corresponding tensioning member 18.

Each anchoring formation 20 comprises a substantially flattened cylindrical base portion 22 and a cylindrical receiving portion 24. The cylindrical receiving portion 24 has a smaller outer diameter than that of the cylindrical base portion 22, such that each anchoring formation 20 resembles an inverted T-shape in sectional profile. The cylindrical receiving portion 24 comprises a longitudinal threaded bore for receiving a corresponding portion of a tensioning member 18.

Each anchoring formation 20 is embedded in an upper surface of the base block 12, such that each anchoring formation 20 is securely held within the base block 12, with the opening of the longitudinal threaded bore of the cylindrical receiving portion 24 substantially flush with the upper surface of the base block 12.

The intermediate block 14 has a substantially constant rectangular cross-section, and is substantially elongate in form, such that the intermediate block 14 has the form of a slab or the like. The intermediate block 14 has substantially the same shape and dimensions, and thus overall form, as those of the base block 12. The intermediate block 14 is formed of concrete, and is a pre-cast block that is typically formed at a location that is remote from the location where it is to be installed The intermediate block 14 comprises a pair of cylindrical bores, each of which extends transversely through substantially the entirety of the intermediate block 14. Each of the cylindrical bores is shaped and dimensioned so as to correspond to the external diameter of a corresponding tensioning member 18. Each of the cylindrical bores has substantially the same diameter as the longitudinal threaded bore of the cylindrical receiving portion 24.

The intermediate block 14 is aligned such that substantially the entirety of a lower surface of the intermediate block 14 is in abutment with substantially the entirety of the upper surface of the base block 12. Each of the cylindrical bores is located in a position along the intermediate block 14 such that they are in axial alignment with a corresponding longitudinal threaded bore of a cylindrical receiving portion 24.

The upper block 16 has substantially the same shape and dimension as the intermediate block 14, and also comprises a pair of cylindrical bores which extend transversely through substantially the entirety of the upper block 16. An upper surface of the upper block 16 comprises a projection 26 having a substantially planar upper surface which thereby provides a plinth for connection to any appropriate railway apparatus 28, such as signal masts or the like. The projection 26 is located in a substantially central position upon the upper surface of the upper block 16.

Each of the cylindrical bores is shaped and dimensioned so as to correspond to the external diameter of a corresponding tensioning member 18. Each of the cylindrical bores has substantially the same diameter as the cylindrical bores of the intermediate block 14, and thereby the same diameter as the longitudinal threaded bore of the cylindrical receiving portion 24.

The upper block 16 is aligned such that substantially the entirety of a lower surface of the upper block 16 is in abutment with substantially the entirety of the upper surface of the intermediate block 14. Each of the cylindrical bores is located in a position along the upper block 16 such that they are in axial alignment with a corresponding cylindrical bore of the intermediate block 14, and thus also in axial alignment with a corresponding longitudinal threaded bore of a cylindrical receiving portion 24. Thus the support structure 10 comprises a plurality of series of axially aligned, transversely extending bores.

Each of the tensioning members 18 has a substantially constant circular cross-section, and is elongate in form, such that each of the tensioning members 18 has substantially the form of a rod, or bar or the like. The tensioning members 18 have a diameter that corresponds substantially to the diameters of each of the cylindrical bores and the diameters of the longitudinal threaded bores of the cylindrical receiving portions 24, such that each tensioning member is held tightly within a corresponding series of axially aligned bores. The length of each tensioning member 18 is greater than the length of a series of axially aligned bores, such that each tensioning member 18 extends outwardly from an upper surface of the support structure 10.

A lower end of each of the tensioning members 18 comprises a threaded portion for engaging a corresponding longitudinal threaded bore of a cylindrical receiving portion 24. An upper end of each of the tensioning members 18 comprises a locking formation 30, typically a locking nut, for locking the tensioning member 30 into place within the support structure 10. The combination of the threaded engagement of the tensioning members 18 with the anchor formations 20, and the force provided by the locking formations 30, serves to provide tension between the base 12, intermediate, 14, and upper 16 blocks, thereby providing added strength to the support structure 10.

In order to form the support structure 10, the area of ground in which the support structure 10 is to be located is initially excavated based on the shape of the support structure 10 that is desired to be provided. Due to the pre-cast nature of each of the base 12, intermediate, 14, and upper 16 blocks, and the pre-determined alignment of each of the cylindrical bores and the corresponding longitudinal threaded bores of the cylindrical receiving portions 24, said blocks 12, 14, 16 may then be simply lowered into the excavated space in sequence, such that a plurality of series of axially aligned bores are formed.

A tensioning member 18 is inserted into each of the series of axially aligned bores, and a lower portion of each tensioning member 18 is threaded into a corresponding longitudinal threaded bore of a cylindrical receiving portion 24, thereby bringing each tensioning member 18 into engagement with a corresponding anchor formation 20. Each tensioning member 18 is then locked into place via the appropriate locking formation 30, thus completing the process of applying tension to the tensioning members 18.

As indicated in Figures 1 and 2, the support structure 10 of the present invention may be used in a plurality of locations due to the added strength provided by the tensioning mechanism. The support structure 10 is shown in Figure 1 as being installed such that substantially the entirety of the support structure 10, except for the projection 26, is housed within the ground 32, whereas the support structure is shown in Figure 2 as being only partially housed within the ground 32, upon, for example, a sloped bank or the like. Thus the support structure 10 may be of great benefit in railway applications, where the banks to either side of a track are commonly inclined.

The second, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention, shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 respectively, differ from the first embodiment only in the number and/or form of the blocks present in the support structure, and are simply shown of examples of the variable nature that the support structure 10 may take, depending on the circumstances required. As such corresponding components of these embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as were used in relation to the first embodiment.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the removal of the intermediate block 14, thereby providing a support structure 10 of lower height, which may be used, for example, in areas of shallower ground.

The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the provision of an additional intermediate block 15, which has the same form as the initial intermediate block 14. The additional intermediate block 15 thereby simply serves to increase the height of the support structure 10, allowing, for example, for use in areas of deeper ground.

The fourth embodiment of the support structure 10 differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the base 12 and intermediate 14 blocks. Whilst the blocks 12,14 are of the same basic elongate slab-like form, and are still aligned such that corresponding bores are aligned, the blocks 12,14 are now of differing lengths. The ability to pre-cast the blocks of the support structure in differing shapes, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4, may be of particular advantage in providing a support structure 10 which can avoid, for example, buried cables and the like, thereby avoiding the need for complete excavation ot any such cables or the like upon installation of the support structure 10.

Claims

Claims 1. A railway apparatus foundation, the foundation comprising a plurality of pre-formed blocks arranged in a substantially vertical stack, with an end block at each end of the stack, each pro-formed block having at least one abutment surface that abuts an adjacent pre-formed block and at least one bore extending though the pre-formed block to an opening in each abutment surface, the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks being in registration, and at least one tensioning member extending through the bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks and being fixed at each end relative to the corresponding end block, the tensioning member being tensioned such that a compressive force is applied to the substantially vertical stack of pre-formed blocks.
2. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one or each of the pre-formed blocks has a width and length that are each greater than the height of the pre-formed block.
3. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein at least one or each of the plurality of pre-formed blocks has a substantially constant cross-section along its width and/or length.
4. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of at least one, or each, pre-formed block are substantially horizontally orientated.
5. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one or each of the pre-formed blocks is generally cuboidal, frusto-pyramidal or frusto-conical in shape.
6. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the pre-formed blocks have substantially the same shape and/or dimensions as each other.
7. The railway apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein different pre-formed blocks in the foundation have different shapes and/or dimensions relative to each other.
8. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the abutment surface of at least one or each pre-formed block is substantially planar in form.
9. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the abutment surface of at least one or each pre-formed block has formations that mate with corresponding formations on an adjacent pre-formed block.
10. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a railway apparatus is fixed to the upper end block of the foundation.
11. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper end block includes means for fixing the railway apparatus to the foundation.
12. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper end block comprises an upstanding plinth that is fixed to the railway apparatus.
13. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the railway apparatus is fixed substantially centrally relative to the foundation and/or relative to the upper end block.
14. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks through which a tensioning member extends are substantially linear in form, such that the at least one bore of each pre-formed block has substantially the same orientation as the corresponding bores of other pre-formed blocks.
15. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one bore extends through at least one pre-formed block from an upper surface to a lower surface, between openings in the upper and lower surfaces.
16. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower end block has a bore that extends from an opening in an upper abutment surface to a location within the lower end block, separated from the lower surface.
17. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the lower end block comprises an anchor formation for engaging the tensioning member.
18. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one block or each block has a length and/or width in the range of 1 to Sm or 1 to 3m, and at least one block or each block has a height in the range of 0.2m to 1 m or 0.3m to 0.8m.
19. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sectional area of an abutment surface at least one block or each block is between 1 and 10m2 or between 2 and 6 m2.
20. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the weight of at least one block or each block is between 1 and 10 tonnes, between 2 and 8 tonnes, or between 3 and 6 tonnes.
21. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each tensioning member comprises at least one locking formation for locking the tensioning member relative to the end blocks.
22. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the at least one locking formation is located on the upper surface of the foundation.
23. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the locking formation is adapted to impart tension to the tensioning member.
24. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the locking formation comprises an adjustable fastener, such as a clamp, which is accessible following installation to enable tightening of the tensioning member.
25. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each tensioning member is configured to apply a compressive force along a substantially vertical axis across the foundation.
26. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the foundation is located substantially entirely below the surface of the ground.
27. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the foundation is located partially below the surface of the ground and partially above the ground.
28. The railway apparatus as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the proportion of the foundation exposed, above ground, is at least 10%, at least 20% or at least 30%.
29. The railway apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the foundation also includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks in a substantially horizontal arrangement, held together by tensioning members extending through substantially horizontal bores in the pre-formed blocks.
30. A method of forming a railway apparatus foundation, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a plurality of pre-formed blocks, each pre-formed block having at least one abutment surface and at least one bore extending though the pre-formed block to an opening in at least one abutment surface; ii. arranging the plurality of pre-formed blocks in a substantially vertical stack, with the abutment surfaces in abutment and an end block at each end of the stack, such that the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks are in registration; Di. inserting at least one tensioning member through the bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks; iv. fixing the at least one tensioning member at each end relative to the corresponding end block; and S v. tensioning the tensioning member such that a compressive force is applied to the substantially vertical stack of pre-formed blocks.
31. The method of forming a railway apparatus foundation as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the method further includes the step of mounting railway apparatus to the upper surface of the foundation.
32. The method of forming a railway apparatus foundation as claimed in Claim or Claim 31, wherein the method further includes the step of adjusting the tension of each tensioning member.
33. A kit for forming a railway apparatus foundation, the kit comprising a plurality of pre-formed blocks adapted to be arranged in a substantially vertical stack, with an end block at each end of the stack, each pre-formed block having at least one abutment surface that abuts an adjacent pre-formed block and at least one bore extending though the pre-formed block to an opening in the at least one abutment surface, such that the corresponding bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks are in registration when stacked, and at least one tensioning member for being received in the bores of adjacent pre-formed blocks, and means for fixing the at least one tensioning member at each end relative to the corresponding end block, and means for tensioning the tensioning member such that a compressive
34. The kit for forming a railway apparatus foundation as claimed in Claim 33, wherein at least one bore of at least one, or each, pre-formed block extends generally transversely through the pre-formed block.