Articles about Footbridge

We are busy taking bookings for our technical seminars which can be conducted at Clients offices / hybrid or on-line to suit individual requirements. The two key presentations available are:
Bridging The Gap An introduction & history of composites in construction, the feasibility / design / supply & installation of recent Lifespan resin infused FRP bridge case studies, financial & economic benefits versus traditional materials
The Lifespan Bridge Management Service Tailored to the requirements of all bridge owners and stakeholders the CPD identifies the key actions required during the life of a footbridge, from initial concept to end of service and everything in between.

Bridge design is not just structural performance but also about how a bridge looks and the social benefits that a well-designed bridge can deliver in the context of the surrounding environment. Highways England have recently published a document entitled “Principles of Good Road Design” in an initiative to improve the design process which we fully support. There is an emphasis on innovation using long lasting quality materials which we can deliver with an FRP composite bridge. At Lifespan we work with leading bridge Architects to deliver a design concept based on the brief from the Client.

We are pleased to offer a new CPD introducing our Footbridge Management Service.  To book this CPD please contact martin@lifespanstructures.com
Tailored to the requirements of all footbridge owners and stakeholders the CPD is identifies the key actions required during the life of a footbridge, from initial concept to end of service and everything in between. Through Lifespan Structures we will introduce the services that are available to develop, manage and maintain a footbridge portfolio via our group of companies, and see how we can offer a solution to wide range of footbridge management issues.

DESCRIPTION
The Client had already purchased 4 moulded FRP composite footbridges from Lifespan Structures since 2018 recognising that for a similar purchase price to a steel bridge the Lifespan bridge significantly reduces installation costs and future maintenance costs. For Albany Park Lifespan designed and delivered 2No. bridges each 12m long. One bridge was a pedestrian bridge 2m wide and the other one was for pedestrians and service vehicles 2.5m wide. Each bridge had galvanised steel, powder coated bespoke parapets to the Client’s design.

The Client had recently purchased additional land to extend an existing park and wanted two footbridges across a small stream to gain access to the new land. Lifespan Structures recommended an FRP composite bridge supported on screw piles with a timber parapet to compliment the environmental location. The Client commissioned Lifespan to undertake a topographical survey, and borehole survey for the proposed locations. Lifespan then provided an Approval in Principle (AIP) for the Client and proceeded to design the two bridges followed by manufacture and delivery to site ready for installation.

Off site production allowed us to continue with this project during the lock down.  Once restrictions were eased the existing bridge was removed and the foundations upgraded by CRL working for Kent Highways, before the new bridge was installed in June. KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, and Member for Tonbridge, Michael Payne said:
“This work was carried out to provide a strengthened and refurbished bridge to ensure it continues to be safe river crossing for the public to use. “The original deck was made from railway rails with a type of expanded metal mesh reinforcement, but unfortunately it wasn’t able to handle the number of people using it.

Very few people in the construction industry are aware of the significant commercial opportunity from identifying R&D processes and expenditure within the business. If a contractor has changed or improved a traditional process, and applied it to the project, then the resources involved may qualify as R&D expenditure and contribute to a claim. By offering an alternative construction technique using a Lifespan Structures composite deck, clients can often qualify for an R&D claim which will reduce the tendered costly of the scheme or enhance the profit margin.

The English Version of CUR96 is now available! CUR96 Recommendation describes the principles for the design of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP)
It is available for download at https://crowplatform.com/product/crow-cur-recommendation-962019/
Please do contact us directly if you would like a to understand more about the content of this document.

The DMRB was updated by Highways England just before the lockdown started. We were probably all distracted from noticing this at the time. The technical changes were substantial, especially regarding FRP bridges but the structure of the suite of documents changed. A summary of these changes can be seen at (https://standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/help#new-structure)
One key change for us is the replacement of BD90/05 with CD368. CD368 updates the approach to FRP bridges. The new approach is now quite closely aligned with current European guidance documents.

The construction industry is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities. The Construction 2025 joint strategy from the UK Government and industry, working in partnership, sets a vision, which includes 50% lower emissions, 33% lower costs and 50% faster delivery. Using FRP composites in place of steel and concrete for bridge construction will deliver this vision now. The carbon and energy embodiment is significantly reduced at the construction stage and still further during the 100-year minimum service life.