Gigafactory UK – Smarter Platform Design with the Naue Platform Calculator
Naue Platform Design Software
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Fig. 1: Base layer of Combigrid® & Secugrid® sandwiched between granular fill
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Fig. 2: Naue Portal - Data Input
Digital engineering – smarter design starts here
The Naue Portal offers a powerful digital toolkit designed to support engineers and contractors in creating smarter, faster and more sustainable geotechnical designs. One of the powerful digital tools is the Naue Platform Calculator intended to design temporary working platforms on weak, cohesive subgrades. Naue Platform follows the general design principles of the BR470 design guideline (Working platforms for tracked plant).
With just a few project-specific inputs – such as load and track dimension of the used equipment, subgrade and platform material properties – the Platform Calculator generates:
- tailored, validated platform designs,
- optimised geosynthetic configurations, and
- ready-to-use calculation reports for documentation and approval.
Already in use by engineers across Europe, the Platform Calculator accelerates decision-making, reduces design conservatism and helps deliver sustainable solutions – from planning to execution.
Project background – powering the future
At the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in north-east England, a £450 million electric vehicle battery gigafactory was under construction in 2022. As part of a £1 billion partnership between Envision AESC, Nissan UK and Sunderland City Council, the project is a cornerstone of the UK’s journey towards zero-emission mobility and decarbonised manufacturing.
During early construction, extensive working platforms were needed to support piling and crane operations across approximately 100,000 m² of weak subgrade. Naue joined the project to develop a value-engineered alternative. By using the Naue Platform Calculator a smarter design, greater efficiency and a more sustainable approach could be delivered.
Design results at a glance
Smarter design – less material
The original platform concept specified 600mm of granular fill and two layers of geogrid. With the help of the Naue Platform Calculator, the design was optimised:
- Piling platform: reduced to 400mm,
using 1 x Combigrid® + 1 x Secugrid® - Crane platform: reduced to 300mm,
using 1 x Combigrid® only
Result: Up to 45,000 tonnes of fill saved – conserving materials and streamlining logistics.
Less traffic – more safety
By cutting down material volumes, the revised design eliminated approximately 2,250 truck deliveries – reducing traffic on site, improving safety and accelerating construction timelines.
Cost-effective and climate-friendly
The optimised solution resulted in estimated savings of £720,000 and helped reduce CO₂ emissions – supporting the project’s ambitious net-zero targets.
“Naue’s contribution to the design was invaluable. Their lightweight, easy-to-use geogrids are simply rolled out on site – fast, clean, effective.” – Paul Barton, Groundwork Services Durham
Your next step: smarter platform design
Looking for a more efficient, more sustainable way to plan your working platforms? The Naue Platform Calculator puts precision, performance and sustainability at your fingertips.
Start now: portal.naue.com
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