Rhino Doors, the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-performance engineered doors, has nearly completed work on a complex £1 million-plus contract on the London Underground network. 

The project, which involved designing, manufacturing and installing 20 self-closing fire doors in the cross passages at Bank Station, presented a number of logistical challenges.

“As well as the demands of working at one of London’s busiest interchange stations over a year, we had to deal with several technical challenges,” said Dr Chris Norris, Rhino Doors’ Chief Engineer. 

“Site installation had to be carried out within restricted hours, including engineering hours when no trains were running, to ensure the safety of passengers, operational railway and our engineers.” 

In addition, the irregular tunnel geometry meant that cladding systems for the door surrounds had to be adapted to fit, while unexpected structural loads meant that doors had to be modified. 

“We have had to be responsive to the demands of this installation – it has been very much a bespoke solution,” said Dr Norris. 

Working alongside leading engineering and construction contractor, Dragados S.A, Rhino has installed 18 double leaf and two single-leaf, oversized latchless fire doors which self-close to provide a barrier against smoke and 60 minutes of integrity fire resistance from either side.

The stainless-steel doors, held in the open position by electromagnets, provide protected escape routes and places of refuge for passengers passing through one of London’s busiest interchange stations on the underground network in an emergency.

Stuart Moss, Sales Manager – Major Projects at Rhino Doors, said: “Working closely with the team at Dragados, we’ve been able to meet the challenging performance requirements set. 

“We see this project as a testament to the high level of design and manufacturing expertise we provide to the transport sector.” 

Bobby Pyne, Agent at Dragados, added: “Tackling the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project in partnership with Rhino Doors has been demanding, technically challenging, but equally rewarding from start to finish. 

“From a challenging sequence of fire testing to the final installation of the doors, it’s rewarding to see this project coming together, and the Rhino team have been great to work with, overcoming challenges that the interfaces with the existing station and new works.” 

The Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project, in the heart of London’s financial district, will increase capacity by 40% and include new passenger tunnels, a new southbound running tunnel and a new southbound platform for the Northern Line.

Find out more about Rhino’s work with London Underground here.