News: Rotherham design engineers helping bridge get back into full swing

A 1920s bridge is getting back into the swing of things thanks to Rotherham engineering consultancy, Eadon Consultanting.

Last month, the Bristol Dock Junction Lock Swing Bridge swung across the Cumberland Basin in Bristol after being out of commission for approximately four months.

The highway bridge weighs 650 tonnes and dates from 1925. It is a riveted construction and has two carriageways, each with a pedestrian walkway. As part of the Bristol City Docks Operating Infrastructure Project, the operating mechanism has been upgraded. The existing system, which uses water hydraulics, is being replaced by a modern oil hydraulic system.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, Eadon Consulting designed the new mechanical operating equipment and bearings, working as sub-consultant for fellow Rotherham company, Atkins Bennett Ltd.

The old operating mechanism dates back to when the bridge was installed and requires frequent costly maintenance. The new system will be more robust and will mean that the operating mechanism requires less maintenance, and will therefore be more cost effective.

A unique and novel pintle design met the key challenge of dealing with the massive horizontal forces that were being applied to the central pintle support.

The pressure to move the bridge last month was recorded at 7 bar, equivalent to a force of less than 70kN, compared to the previously recorded normal force of over 200kN.

The BAM Nuttal Limited project for Bristol City Council is now nearing the final stages of completion.

Eadon Consulting website
Atkins Bennett website
Rotherham

Images: eadonconsulting.co.uk