APRIL 2014
“There are certain funding criteria we have to meet in terms of employing local people and businesses, and this is therefore encouraged through KPI incentives under the contract. As this is a regeneration scheme, it’s all about sustaining the local economy and this is something that is encouraged.”
Mabey Bridge was awarded the bridge construction sub-contract package after successfully tendering and proving its worth, not just with regards to value and quality, but also with regards to its commitment to corporate social responsibility, as Richard Skyrme, project manager at Alun Griffi ths explains, “We were already aware of the capabilities of Mabey Bridge and the company’s strong manufacturing heritage after successfully completing previous schemes together. We also continue to be impressed by the commitment to the community which Mabey Bridge shows. This resonates with us as Alun Griffi ths is also committed to community support and education.”
Designing the arch
The bridge structure, including the arch, was designed by Capita Symonds. The arch design sees it span over the bridge deck from the left side on the east abutment, to the right side on the west abutment. Mabey Bridge had an input into steelwork detailing, construction methodology, cable installation and
The arch being installed
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placed on temporary trestles and welded at three main joints to make the continuous arch. We had surveyed the site carefully, including the ‘holding down bolt positions’, so it was a smooth operation.”
stressing to improve buildability and minimise costs, as Andy Hosking, Mabey Bridge project manager explains. “The main recommendation we made was to assemble the arch offsite and swing it into position as a completed structure, which would eliminate working-at-height risks and would have environmental benefi ts as it meant we would not need to put tresseling into the fast fl owing river.”
Manufactured from 60mm thick plate, the arch features 14 80mm hangers ranging in length from 4.7 to 22.5 metres. The loading of the cables ranges from 26kN to 95kN. The bridge deck itself measures 29 metres in length and 19.8 metres wide, including cantilevers. The deck was installed prior to the arrival of the arch.
“The arch was transported as four separate sections from Mabey Bridge’s Newhouse manufacturing facility to the site 55 miles away in Merthyr Tydfi l,” continues Hosking. “They were
Erection of the arch began at 9am with the lifting of the arch into its vertical position using a 550 ton capacity crane. Crowds had gathered early to witness the spectacle and included local schools and council representatives. The arch was then swung around to the install position and lowered into place and fi xed to the abutments. The entire process took eight hours.
Work on the new River Taff Central Link Bridge project started in summer 2013 and will last approximately 18 months.
“The bridge structure is key to progressing the project going forward,” concludes Daniel Francis of Merthyr Tydfi l County Borough Council. “We are looking towards the end of this 2014 for completion of the whole scheme. And as it is such a prestigious scheme for Merthyr Town Centre, it will probably warrant a grand opening ceremony.”
The bridge will be central to the regeneration programme and will become a landmark that represents the town’s future. However, the bridge will also stand as a testament to the steel engineering, manufacturing and civil engineering heritage of South Wales.
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