Mainmark CEO Peter Bierton Discusses Rail Asset Preservation, Innovation and the Future of Ground Engineering

In a recent interview with Rail magazine, Mainmark Ground Engineering CEO Peter Bierton discussed the company’s rail capabilities, international experience and the growing need for smarter, faster and less disruptive infrastructure remediation.

With a 40-year history in ground engineering and asset preservation, Mainmark has built its reputation on delivering practical solutions for complex ground and structural challenges. What began on the NSW Central Coast following the 1989 Newcastle earthquake has grown into an international business operating across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and the UK.

Today, Mainmark’s capabilities span resin injection, permeation grouting, computer-controlled JOG grouting, ground improvement, void filling, water control and structural re-levelling.

Why Rail Infrastructure Needs a Ground Engineering Approach

Rail infrastructure is closely linked to ground conditions. Movement beneath tracks, bridges, culverts, tunnels and embankments can lead to deflection, settlement and operational risk.

For asset owners, the challenge is not always about rebuilding. Increasingly, it is about preserving what already exists, improving performance and extending asset life with minimal disruption to live networks.

As Peter Bierton explained in the interview, Mainmark’s solutions are well suited to this environment because they are designed to work around operational constraints, limited access and tight possession windows.

“In rail, where there is deflection in track, we can correct that to the millimetre,” said Peter Bierton, CEO of Mainmark.

Supporting Rail Networks with Minimal Disruption

One of Mainmark’s key advantages is its ability to deliver targeted ground improvement and structural re-levelling works within short access windows.

Rail works are often completed during night or weekend possessions, where every available track-hour matters. Mainmark typically uses small, skilled crews and compact rigs to complete works efficiently, often through small-diameter injection points.

This approach allows Mainmark to fill voids, improve ground conditions, re-level slabs or structures, and support immediate handback without the curing delays associated with traditional methods.

Lessons from Japan and a Culture of Preventative Maintenance

Mainmark’s global experience has strongly shaped its approach to engineering, quality and innovation.

Several of the company’s proprietary technologies were engineered in Japan, where preventative maintenance and continuous improvement are deeply embedded in infrastructure management. Peter highlighted Japan’s proactive approach as a model for rail networks seeking to intervene before assets reach critical condition.

This mindset aligns closely with Mainmark’s asset preservation focus: identify the issue early, minimise disruption and extend the useful life of infrastructure wherever possible.

Bringing Proven Ground Engineering Solutions to the UK Rail Sector

Mainmark’s growing role in the UK rail sector has been driven by demand for practical, non-invasive solutions that can address complex ground and structural issues without lengthy shutdowns.

Peter described the UK market as a “long game”, where credibility is built through smaller framework projects before expanding into broader programs of work.

He also noted that transparency, efficiency and earlier contractor engagement will be critical as the UK rail sector continues to evolve.

“All we want to see is efficiency and transparency,” said Peter.

Proven Results on Complex Rail Assets

The interview also highlighted Mainmark’s work on the Kimberley Rail Bridge, a heritage-listed 1884 structure affected by scour and voiding beneath its piers.

With no road access, a live rail environment and underwater works required, the project presented several overlapping challenges. Mainmark was able to stabilise the structure by filling and binding voids in a single day, avoiding more invasive alternatives such as cofferdams, temporary river damming, sheet piling or reconstruction.

The project demonstrates how targeted ground engineering can help asset owners protect critical and heritage infrastructure while reducing disruption, cost and complexity.

Preserving Rail Assets for the Future

As infrastructure owners face increasing pressure to maintain service reliability, manage costs and extend asset life, Mainmark’s role as a specialist delivery partner continues to grow.

By combining proven technologies, experienced crews and a practical approach to live network environments, Mainmark helps rail asset owners address ground and structural challenges quickly, safely and with minimal operational impact.

Read the full interview with Peter Bierton in Rail magazine here.