Retail Park Development: Canal Bridge Replacement
As part of a retail park development, a new canal bridge was constructed to replace an existing masonry structure. The project required a design that accommodated a navigable waterway clearance and provided safe pedestrian access along the towpath.
The original conforming scheme specified a simply supported single-span deck on piled abutments. However, Geoquest proposed a more efficient and cost-effective alternative using a precast arch structure.
The adopted solution featured a segmental precast arch founded on a piled strip foundation. Initially erected as a three-pinned structure, the minimal fill cover over the arch crown necessitated the addition of an in-situ concrete stitch, transforming it into a two-pinned structure for enhanced stability.
The spandrel walls and wingwalls were constructed using Geoquest’s galvanised steel mesh facing system, which was later clad in brickwork to meet the aesthetic requirements of the project.
The arch units were erected in just two days, demonstrating the efficiency of the solution. The combination of Geoquest’s precast arch and masonry-clad retaining walls provided a cost-effective alternative to the original design while maintaining structural integrity and visual appeal.
The completed project was recognised for its innovation and practicality, earning a shortlist nomination for the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Midlands Award in 2003.
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