Menu
23/01/2015
QUB Engineers Develop World's Longest 'Flat Pack' Bridge
Civil Engineers at Queen’s University Belfast have collaborated on a project to develop the world’s longest 'flat pack' arch bridge.
Developed through a partnership with pre-cast concrete specialists Macrete Ireland, the bridge is based on the 'FlexiArch' system and is unique in that it will be transported to site in flat-pack form. When lifted, it will transform under gravity into an arch.
The bridge is due to be installed near Portsmouth in coming months and will span 16 metres (53 feet) over the Wallington River in Waterlooville, Hampshire. Made up of 17 units (1m wide) of pre-cast concrete, each weighing 16 tons, the bridge will take less than a day to install using a 200-300 ton crane in association with a lifting beam also designed and built in Northern Ireland.
There are over 50 FlexiArch bridges now in the UK and Ireland, including the three footbridges in parkland surrounding Newtownabbey Council building.
Professor Adrian Long, from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering at Queen’s University, who patented the FlexiArch concept in 2004, said: "This is a real milestone which has been reached as a result of the hard work, effective collaboration and the combined expertise of the Queen’s and Macrete team. We are delighted with this latest development and of how successful the FlexiArch system has become. Over 50 FlexiArch bridges have now been installed in the UK and Ireland where it has been found to be even more versatile than anticipated."
(IT/CD)
Developed through a partnership with pre-cast concrete specialists Macrete Ireland, the bridge is based on the 'FlexiArch' system and is unique in that it will be transported to site in flat-pack form. When lifted, it will transform under gravity into an arch.
The bridge is due to be installed near Portsmouth in coming months and will span 16 metres (53 feet) over the Wallington River in Waterlooville, Hampshire. Made up of 17 units (1m wide) of pre-cast concrete, each weighing 16 tons, the bridge will take less than a day to install using a 200-300 ton crane in association with a lifting beam also designed and built in Northern Ireland.
There are over 50 FlexiArch bridges now in the UK and Ireland, including the three footbridges in parkland surrounding Newtownabbey Council building.
Professor Adrian Long, from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering at Queen’s University, who patented the FlexiArch concept in 2004, said: "This is a real milestone which has been reached as a result of the hard work, effective collaboration and the combined expertise of the Queen’s and Macrete team. We are delighted with this latest development and of how successful the FlexiArch system has become. Over 50 FlexiArch bridges have now been installed in the UK and Ireland where it has been found to be even more versatile than anticipated."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 June 2016
NI Executive And Irish Govt To Review Narrow Water Bridge Project
The NI Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project, the Finance Minister has confirmed. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visited the site and met with local representatives to discuss the project.
NI Executive And Irish Govt To Review Narrow Water Bridge Project
The NI Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project, the Finance Minister has confirmed. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visited the site and met with local representatives to discuss the project.
12 January 2005
Bridge experts to investigate lorry death plunge
A leading bridge consultancy firm has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident in which a lorry plunged 150 feet from the deck of the Foyle Bridge in Londonderry on Tuesday.
Bridge experts to investigate lorry death plunge
A leading bridge consultancy firm has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident in which a lorry plunged 150 feet from the deck of the Foyle Bridge in Londonderry on Tuesday.
27 June 2011
Foyle Footway 'A Bridge To Peace'
Londonderry's new 'Peace Bridge' has been celebrated with a weekend of festivities marking the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday. While it is six months behind the original schedule for completion, the £14m cycle and footbridge remains one of the biggest projects undertaken in the area in years.
Foyle Footway 'A Bridge To Peace'
Londonderry's new 'Peace Bridge' has been celebrated with a weekend of festivities marking the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday. While it is six months behind the original schedule for completion, the £14m cycle and footbridge remains one of the biggest projects undertaken in the area in years.
04 June 2024
Alliance Welcomes Start Of Narrow Water Bridge Project
The Narrow Water Bridge project represents a major opportunity for growth in the regional economy and enhancement of the wider Carlingford Lough area by connecting communities. This was the message of Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray as he welcomed the start of construction on the project.
Alliance Welcomes Start Of Narrow Water Bridge Project
The Narrow Water Bridge project represents a major opportunity for growth in the regional economy and enhancement of the wider Carlingford Lough area by connecting communities. This was the message of Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray as he welcomed the start of construction on the project.
26 May 2021
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Toddler Dies In Tragic Accident In Aghalee
An investigation has launched after a three-year-old boy died following an accident involving a car near his home in Co Armagh. The collision occurred on the Boghead Bridge Road, Aghalee, just outside Lurgan on Tuesday, 25 May. The toddler was treated at the scene before being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
