Silverstone

Hanson has helped breathe new life into Silverstone race track in Northamptonshire, which has undergone a series of improvements ahead of the 2011 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix.

The £27 million project, which includes the Silverstone Wing, the new pit and paddock complex, as well as alterations to the race track, makes Silverstone a world-class sporting venue and cements its position as the home of British motorsport.

Hanson supplied over 24,000 tonnes of aggregates for the circuit’s gravel traps and drainage, mainly from its Shardlow quarry in Derbyshire, as well as more than 15,000 cubic metres of concrete for the track alterations and construction of the new pits.

Working for main contractor Buckingham Group Contracting on behalf of Silverstone Circuits Limited, a range of concrete mixes was supplied from Hanson’s nearby Milton Keynes plant.

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.

Chris Pink, district sales manager for Hanson, 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.”

View other case studies for projects where Hanson supplied Aggregates