Imported French rebar sparks HS2 steel row

HS2 has defended a decision to use non-UK-approved rebar from French fabricator Sendin on the high-speed rail project, despite criticism from the UK steel industry.

The British Association of Reinforcement (BAR) said it was “concerned and disappointed” that HS2 is using Sendin’s steel, supplied in pre-assembled steel reinforcement panels for the diaphragm walls forming two of the critical ventilation shafts on the Chiltern Tunnels section of HS2, with plans to deliver further assemblies to the same section.

The BAR complained: “The material used to manufacture these is not UK approved and the panels have not been fabricated to a UK-approved fabrication process despite the HS2 specification stipulating such approvals as a fundamental requirement.”

It went on: “Sendin do not hold UK approval for reinforcement cutting and bending and reinforcing bars as the French standard does not meet the requirements of BS 4449 particularly in respect of the specified fatigue properties. Nor does it hold UK approval for the application of the specified TA1-A reinforcement couplers.

“To meet British Standards and, therefore meet the approval requirements of UK CARES, all hot rolled and cold worked steel bars should conform to BS EN 10080 and BS 4449 Grades B500B or B500C. Reinforcement should be cut and bent in accordance with BS 8666. Similarly, the specification for welding of reinforcement is very specific BS EN ISO 17660 which calls for the demonstration of satisfactory trial joint performance. This is the assurance given by all UK accredited fabricators.”

Sendin is certified to meet the French AFCAB steel reinforcement certification scheme but the BAR argued that the AFCAB scheme is not as robust as the UK schemes. Sendin is currently working to obtain UK approval.

But a spokesperson for HS2 responded that the original supplier of the steel reinforcement needed for the project, based in the UK, was unable to maintain the agreed programme, raising the prospect of higher costs and delays.

The spokesperson said: “Our contractor [Align JV made up of Bouygues, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine] approached all suitable alternative UK suppliers, but none could provide the necessary product in time. 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 supply chain.”

Stephen Elliott, chairman of the BAR said: “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. We had hoped that UK major projects will work with, and not undermine, the UK steel industry.”

UK Steel’s director general, Gareth Stace, said: “It is hugely disappointing to see HS2 failing here to take the most basic step of using of steel made to British standards. Such practice is practically universal practice across the UK construction 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 economic growth through its spending of taxpayer’s money.”