Some sophisticated engineering techniques – and a good dose of TLC – have ensured the future of an East Yorkshire rail bridge that is once again ‘open for business’.
Cottingham Station footbridge is located on the Hull Bridlington Seamer line and came back into use this month, following a major refurb by HBPW’s supply chain partner and framework supplier AmcoGiffen.
The work took several months to complete, however, if it hadn’t been for Partner Jon Livesey utilising 3d Finite Element Analysis, the ending might have been very different.
“The old cast iron rib structure – an NER standard footbridge dating back to the Victorian period – was in need of some TLC. However, when the latest assessment showed a shortfall in capacity we had to bring in a more precise method of analysis.
“3d Finite Element Analysis (FEA) enables us to glean more accurate bridge ‘capacity’, key to determining exactly what needs to happen in the short term.
And It was this approach that was a game changer at Cottingham.
“FEA applies a reverse principal to what many would regard as the norm,” said Jon, “using the least conservative assessment technique in order to glean the maximum capacity of the original structure.”
He said this had proved the most effective way to accurately represent the stresses in the original Victorian structure at Cottingham, one of only 12 of its type on the entire rail network.
“The improved analysis technique meant that to bring the bridge to current loading requirements we only required simple strengthening work, which involved taking the bridge back to its bare bones and blast cleaning the paint off the existing structure, adding some bracing and replacing the parapets with a taller replica. We also created a diversion route for passengers over a specially constructed temporary footbridge.
“Additional safety features were also added and the parapet height was increased so, quite honestly, it was a fantastic outcome with a triple win, win, win scenario. It not only looks amazing but all parties involved, did a fantastic job.”