construction works, the safety of our workforce and members of the public was the number one priority on the job—as it remains today.” As far as design choice and strategy, Martin knew the
project would need to marry form, function, and serve as a tribute. “Te three towers pay a compliment to the original Forth Bridge, and also add strength to the design by reducing the length of the main spans. Cable-stayed bridges are inherently much easier to maintain long-term. In the years ahead, individual strands can be replaced simply and quickly without affecting traffic flow at all. Tis is not the case with a suspension bridge. Cable-
and additional benefits through the supply chain for Scottish businesses. “When complete the FRC will significantly enhance
Photo courtesy of Transport Scotland.
stayed bridges require much less invasive construction works on land because the structure is anchored on the towers placed on the seabed—rather than massive land-based anchors, which require very significant excavations.”
As for visual satisfaction? “Well, the three fans reflect the historic (and, since 2015, the UNESCO World Heritage Site) Forth Bridge with its three cantilevers,” he noted. Additionally, “… the cables, encased in white pipes are slim and do not dominate either the bridge itself or the view of the other bridges. Te geometry of the road deck is a graceful arc, which matches closely the arc of the FRB road deck. Te three bridges, each from three different centuries, sit very well together. In short, the Queensferry Crossing is an elegant, twenty-first-century addition to one of the most famous places in the world for major bridges.” In terms of the aforementioned function, Climie
calls the new bridge a game-changer. “Te project itself is vital to the economy of Scotland and is delivering significant economic benefits with employment onsite
28 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2016 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE
the important cross-Forth transport corridor in the east of Scotland. Road-users travel from the Lothians to Fife, and vice versa, and the new bridge will operate two lanes of traffic in each direction, as well as a hard shoulder to ease the impact on traffic when accidents and breakdowns occur. Additionally, an Intelligent Transport System is being installed to smooth traffic flow, ease congestion, and give priority to public transport.” One might expect an undertaking of this scale and scope to come with its fair share of challenges—both expected and unforeseen. “Unplanned? Tere were none,” assured Martin. “All principal challenges were clearly identified at the bid stage. But obviously you don’t know quite what you will encounter until you start work on the ground. Every construction project, large or small, is about how you overcome the challenges (the ‘known unknowns’) encountered during construction.” He listed a few examples as: “Te weather—working in the middle of a marine estuary on the East Coast of Scotland; installation—the caisson installation operations in 2012/13 were probably the highest risk part of the entire construction program; and marine traffic on the Forth—FCBC is contractually required to keep the busy sea lanes up and down the Firth of Forth open at all times, which included during construction of the Queensferry Crossing.” Martin also pointed out that, while the technology and civil engineering involved in constructing the bridge is largely tried and tested, every bridge is unique. “With this project, we are building on what has been achieved before elsewhere and taking it forward. For example, one unique aspect of this bridge is that the stay-cables coming from the towers will cross over in mid-span. Tis has not been done before and is designed to increase the stability and strength of the bridge.” Undoubtedly, the unveiling of the new bridge in early
2017 will represent a momentous occasion for Scotland, the region, and the many teams and individuals involved. Climie, who grew up about 30 miles north of the FRB, never imagined he’d be involved in its replacement. “Every person who has been involved in the design and construction of the new crossing and approach roads shares a sense of pride in delivering a world class project,” he affirmed. “We have also put a lot of time and effort in hosting visits for schools to our Contact and Education Centre—to ensure that we inspire the next generation of engineers for the future.” Martin agreed, “For any civil engineer, a project of this significance is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” y
For more information, visit
www.forth-bridges.co.uk/ queensferry-crossing.html.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84