A project delivered by Spencer Group to safeguard the long-term structural integrity of the Humber Bridge has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award.
Works to replace load-bearing “A-frames”, which connect the main span bridge deck to the towers at either end of the bridge, have been nominated in the Civil Engineering Project of the Year (up to £10m) category in the British Construction Industry Awards 2015.
Spencer was the principal contractor the works, while global engineering and design consultancy Arup developed the design solution for Spencer to implement for client the Humber Bridge Board.
The four solid steel A-frames sited below the bridge’s 1,410-metre main span had to be replaced because the A-frame bearings, which allow them to move as the bridge contracts and expands due to the weather and traffic movements, had become worn since the bridge was built 34 years ago.
Spencer carried out all the work on site, working with supply chain partners, and designed and installed temporary “pendels” – load-bearing arms – to support the carriageway prior to transfer to permanent supports. The project saw the installation of a more robust system of pendels and “wind shoes”, which absorb wind loading on the bridge deck and reduce the associated loads on the new bearing system.
The British Construction Industry Awards seek to recognise and reward excellence in project delivery. The awards will be presented at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on October 14, 2015.
Earlier this year the Humber Bridge project was recognised at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) annual Yorkshire and Humber Awards, taking the Smeaton Award for projects worth between £500,000 and £5m. The awards judges hailed the project as “innovative” in addressing the many technical challenges involved in both the design and construction solution.
Spencer Technical Director Nick Cooper said: “We are delighted that this vital project to maintain the structural integrity of a landmark crossing has now been recognised in both regional and national awards.”
