The impact of huge materials cost increases

There have been massive increases in the cost of materials and processing in recent months. They are far greater than many of us have seen in our working lives. Rising Inflation is adding to the problem We need to beware of the likely consequences of these developments The subsitution of poor quality timber and inadequate processing would deliver competitive benefits to unscrupulous suppliers. Using cheaper, less good, fixings and importantly the finishes on fixings will lead to shorter bridge lives and more maintenance and sooner. Users now expect to feel secure on bridge...
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Walkways Vs Bridges

There is a tendency for people to assume that it is not permitted to provide structures with legs when crossing waters. This arises due to Land Drainage and Environment Agency preferences for unobstructed flow in times of flood. This leads to long span bridges which are expensive. This can then lead to there being no other alternative other than this type of bridge. For example, in Northumberland there are three huge rivers that drain the Cheviot, one of which is called the River Coquet and when the snow melts the flow rates are staggering, as the width and depth beggar belief as...
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Bascule Bridges

 Building bridges over canals can be difficult and expensive .  Maintaining the head room to allow traffic to pass its bridges up in the air with long and expensive ramp.   Bascule bridges are like draw bridges they can be opened and closed by the users. The bridges are carefully counter balanced allowing normally fit members of the public to operate them manually    There is limited Claims History as they seem to be in decline with more being destroyed rather than being built.  Such a shame. 
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Swivelling Bridges

Another way to cross a canal economically These clever bridges can be slewed to allow a crossing and returned to allow traffic to pass. It is not so easy if you are on one bank and the bridge is swivelled on the other! They are becoming increasingly rare, a collectors item.
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Access for all?

  The pandemic has brought many and varied new users onto pubic footpaths, many are not as agile as the usual user. Structures which integrate bridges and stiles in confined spaces have their attractions from a Construction Efficiency point of view but present a formidable barrier to some would be users.   The level top bars are set and the lack of a post to hold when stepping over this needs careful consideration.    
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Basic Bad Design

There are some basic principles to be used when detailing fences on the approaches to our beautiful bridges. Firstly, do not delegate the fencing to a Contractor. If you do not take control you will rue the final result. Secondly, consider the best way to use a material so it sheds rain. Wood getting wet is not a problem it quickly dries. Wood in constant contact with water will degrade even if it doesn’t rot. Thirdly don’t skimp on the thickness of the materials you use for posts. It will be necessary to join rails on the posts and this needs space. Finally, al...
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RE Decking Existing Bridges

The heaviest wear on a bridge is usually the deck boards. On site over hung with trees the deck boards may build up wet debris and rot if they are not maintained. When the boards become a concern, some folk replace the bridge, but a more economical solution is to replace the deck boards. We can supply deck boards to match whatever you have but often supply more satisfactory boards than the originals. Grooved, tanalised boards are standard and we can supply boards with a variety of anti-slip treatments. The most common are in Softwood but we also supply hardwood (both ekki and o...
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Attractive new bridge in Rippon

The bridge at the centre of Woodbridge, Rippon is well loved and heavily used by the local residents. As it came to the end of its life a replacement with a similar appearance was required. North Yorkshire County Council selected Hinko Construction for this sensitive project. The multi span bridge was delivered largely complete in spans. It was installed onto scaffolds and the support columns were fitted. https://www.dropbox.com/s/z90a8mag1m01602/Hinko%20woodbridge%20progress.MP4?dl=0 There is general satisfaction with the completed result. Even the approaches were approved...
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Kerbs on bridges

When operating any kind of wheeled vehicle on a bridge deck it is prudent to fit kerbs These are continuous raised edges to the deck to “train” wheels and prevent them from inadvertently leaving the bridge. The kerbs will also protect the parapet from damage by the vehicle. In the image above a particularly wet site required a drainage gap under the kerb and it has been integrated in the parapet. This is only possible in this case because the parapet is made from a very strong hardwood. If it was softwood it might seriously damage the parapet due any impact.
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Ramps and Retaining walls

On many bridges the walking surface is above ground level. In order to make bridges accessible to all users and wheeled traffic ramps are desirable. Ramps can be supplied in the same material as the bridge. This is attractive but on some occasions solid ramps are required. The most cost effective way to provide these is in compacted MoT Type 1 compacted in 300mm layers. It is best to lay this on a geo textile. When this kind of material is used retaining walls may be required to prevent the fill escaping under the bridge over time. The retaining walls can be cast at the s...
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