Bridge Structural Engineering Services
We offer a full structural and civil design service for new bridges, and can undertake existing bridge assessments, including scour assessments and underwater structural surveys for bridges over water, e.g. aqueducts, viaducts, and pontoon bridges.
What is Bridge Design and Assessment?
Bridge design and assessment involves a meticulous process starting with the evaluation of the necessity of a new bridge versus assessing an existing one or finding alternative routes.
Engineers who assess and design bridges must fully understand the problem that needs to be solved, including the complexities of the site and the customer’s needs. To ensure safety and longevity, our structural engineers consider the various types of loads, how they are applied, and their points of impact. Our goal is to create designs that are both strong and lightweight, achieving the highest strength-to-weight ratio possible.
Do You Need a Bridge Assessment?
Assessing existing bridges is crucial to ensuring their safety and integrity. Our process begins with a visual inspection, followed by detailed assessments like load capacity calculations. In the UK, highways document CS 450 mandates periodic inspections to identify deficiencies and plan remedial works. Techniques range from visual surveys to intrusive methods like concrete core sampling and non-intrusive methods like ultrasonic thickness gauging.
The process required to obtain stakeholder approval on bridge projects can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the process. Fortunately, we have considerable experience in this regard and are happy to undertake this role. Stakeholders can be slow at responding, so it is important that the initial applications are diligently completed to minimise time in the system.
Unlike building structures, architects are rarely involved, and the design is led by a Civil or Structural Engineer. Although the physics behind the design of buildings and bridges is the same, the design can often be detail or approval driven, which is where experience of our previous projects is invaluable.
Choosing AWA Structural Engineers ensures a meticulous and compliant approach to your bridge design and assessment needs.
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