Challenge

CTS produced an exciting, artist-designed, curved Vierendeel truss bridge, which involved a close working relationship with the client, Caerphilly CBC, the Contractor, Marton Civil Engineering, and the artist who derived the concept of the bridge. Together, they had to ensure that structural buildability gelled with artistic intent.

The project also required skilled and well organised sitework for safe and sound installation in a remote area with difficult access.

Solution

The parapet architectural intent was an intricate mesh of curving and raking bars, which sprang from the curved top boom. These were painstakingly set out and welded by hand in CTS Bridges' factory.

The site in Pengam, South Wales was in an extremely remote area. Installation called for close co-ordination of all members of the CTS installation team, as sightlines from the crane to the loci were limited.

Outcome

The bridge was originally designed to come to site in two halves due to the difficult access.  CTS did a site survey and realised they could install the bridge in one piece.  The complex geometry was modelled using Tekla 3D modelling software to get accurate fabrication which enabled it to be lifted in place using a 250 tonne crane and then decked out on site. This saved the client a lot of money by reducing the need for site welding.