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 | | BOLT-ON GIRDER CLAMPS SIMPLIFY REFURBISHMENT OF ISLE OF WIGHT BRIDGE | | | Lindapter International | | 21/06/2007 | | | Bradford, UK, June --- Bolt-on Lindapter girder clamps have helped provide a fast and flexible solution for the refurbishment of the old Cement Mills Viaduct railway bridge on the Isle of Wight. The structural upgrade creates a practical and safe new cycleway and pedestrian path to support the local community and tourism, and replaces a worn timber deck and chain link fence.
The project was designed for the Isle of Wight Council by Opus International's Fareham office. Key design considerations were cost effectiveness, durability, and maintainability - combined with the need to protect reed beds below the viaduct that form part of the nature reserve on the site of an old cement mill.
The bridge has a span of around 80 metres, and was originally constructed in the 19th century for Island's railway services. The structure is made from riveted beam sections. It was converted to a walkway following the closure of the Island's railway lines in the 1950s and 1960s.
For this refurbishment, the previous walkway surface was stripped off to get back to the original compound girders. Galvanised beams were laid crosswise onto the two primary girders, to provide a platform for the decking. These beams were attached using Lindapter's Girder Clamps, which simply bolt on - avoiding any need to modify the original structure. Epoxy-encapsulated plywood decking panels were then laid on top of these beams to provide the walkway surface, and a safety parapet.
Opus International's Project Manager, Andy Traves, explains his design:
"For economy, flexibility of implementation, and maintainability, we decided on a highly 'componentised' design for the upgrade. The Lindapter clamps meant we could attach beams simply, without welding or drilling. The modularity of the design also makes it simple to maintain
- a spare part can be made ready, and replaced easily and cost effectively using local scaffolding."
Andy Traves knew that Lindapter clamps were suitable for the project, from previous experience with the products. It was desirable not to modify the original structure, in order not to weaken it, or open up a path for corrosion. The clamps satisfied this objective, and also provided flexibility of positioning as the new surface was laid. This was important as it only became clear where the rivet heads were as the old surface was removed.
Lindapter has been producing advanced fixing products that offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods for more than 70 years. Key market sectors include structural engineering, civil engineering, building services, process plant/offshore, mechanical handling and transportation. Initially recognised as the manufacturer of the Lindapter malleable iron hook-bolt adapter, the company has diversified to cover all aspects of fixing to or suspending from structural steelwork. As well as cavity fixings, the Lindapter range includes steelwork fixings, support fixings, floor fixings and rail fixings. | |
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