Mechanical Engineering, bridge bearings, structural engineering Specialists In Structural Movement Control
Mechanical Engineers Specialising In Structural Movement Control
Supplied & Installed: 8 no. fixed, free, & guided K series pot bearings.
Selly Oak New Road Rail Bridge - Phase 2
A £1.3 billion investment has been made available to Birmingham City Council for Selly Oak to undergo a dramatic face lift and place it at the heart of the A38 technology corridor - the dynamic centre for knowledge and medical excellence. The successful regeneration will create opportunities for residential growth, employment and bring lasting prosperity to the area.
The main programme of works for this regeneration was the development of Selly Oak New Road with the main feature including the construction of two new 230ft-long bridges to carry the Birmingham & Gloucester Railway and the Birmingham & Worcester Canal over the new road. Birse Civils was awarded the contract to carry out this scheme on behalf of Birmingham City Council, working jointly with Birse Rail who designed and constructed the new 3 span rail bridge and 3 span aqueduct.
The new road will ease traffic congestion on the A38 through Selly Oak, the vital commuting route into Birmingham city centre and Birmingham University, enabling better access to shops and other facilities essential to both locals, and staff and students of Birmingham University.
Job Brief
Background Information
Project Team
Client: Birmingam City Council
Main Contractor: Birse Rail/Birse Civils Ltd
Sub Contractor: Ekspan
Start Date: November 2010
Completion Date: 26 December 2010
Bearings
Ekspan were contracted by Birse Civils to supply mechanical bearings for both the Canal and Rail Bridges, and to install the mechanical bearings on the Selly Oak New Road Rail Bridge.
The scope of works included pre-blockade and blockade works involving the installation of temporary works (jacking equipment) on two abutments, and installation of bearings on four pre-cast piers - including grouting of mechanical bearings on two abutments and four piers. Installation was carried out during November and December 2010 with record cold overnight temperatures. Ekspan successfully planned and executed the installation to overcome the treacherous weather conditions.
The installation works carried out by Ekspan together with the installation of the actual bridge by Birse was an overwhelming success, considering the time scale given to carry out the works. The 4,000 tonne concrete structure (the largest concrete bridge in the UK to be moved on modular transporters) was slid into position over the Christmas break during a 101 hour rail possession. The structure was successfully delivered 11 hours ahead of schedule.
Ekspan's Solution
