More than a Connection
Bridges cover a huge range of forms, settings, and purposes. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely appropriate. We have developed experience across the range, from high profile architectural footbridges to purely functional temporary site access bridges. In having this experience, we can quickly and efficiently design to suit the environment and project-specific constraints. We approach bridge design and asset management from a deep understanding of their individual function, from both their utilitarian and feature perspectives. We understand clients’ drivers to reach optimal solutions for any scenario.
We are committed to achieving value for clients and, in what is often overlooked, identifying the best solution for their ultimate customers. Through the application of in-house cross-sector expertise, we add value to the whole lifecycle. From Construction Engineering expertise at the concept and detail design phase to carbon calculation and 4D digital in consideration of construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning.
Integrated Construction Engineering
Our Construction Engineering capabilities bring exceptional benefits to our designs for construction. The more complex the site, constraints and interactions with stakeholders, the greater value and de-risking is achieved. Efficiency of construction is greatly enhanced because of our expert knowledge of construction engineering and how things work on the ground. We are considered a world leader in construction engineering on major construction projects. This extensive knowledge of fabrication, assembly, and construction processes extends to all of our bridges works, whatever our role and stage of the project.
We have a long history of working with contractors, specialist subcontractors and suppliers in design and construction contracts and collaborative working arrangements of all forms. We are known as ‘the contractor’s engineer’; a reputation earned through consistent service through design and deliver and a thorough knowledge of the construction process.
Working collaboratively with contractors and the wider project team is essential in achieving value through surety and optimisation of delivery. Fundamental to developing an appropriate construction scheme is understanding the contractor’s strengths, constraints and other logistics considerations
We recognise that the solution which delivers the lowest structural cost may not always deliver the best value to the client and project. An integrated construction engineering approach is centred on delivering holistic, value-based solutions: finding the ideal balance between cost, time, risk and other project criteria to deliver the client’s vision. Creating value in the earliest design stages allows the greatest benefit to be realised and captured for the client and their customer’s benefit.
Clients and their customers are increasingly driven by sustainability. Where in the past a bridge demolition and replacement may have been the go-to solution, we carefully consider and have the knowledge to implement where the better approach may be to extend the service life of a bridge. We have found that early intervention is often the most efficient means to extend a bridge’s service life for the best value.
In our inspection and maintenance commissions we offer expert recommendations, supported by quantified carbon assessments where appropriate, as standard. We have a depth of experience in refurbishment design of bridges. Such design calls for an eye for detail, combining technical expertise with a familiarity of heritage considerations and often unique constraints. We have continuously pioneered the use of new technologies and digital tools to add value to asset management, from bridge-specific instrumentation and monitoring, drone surveys, and production of client-accessible AR viewers of point cloud with photogrammetry models.
We provide integrated structural, civil, geotechnical, digital and construction engineering services for all stages of the bridge lifecycle, from concept design through asset management, to decommissioning. Our services include: