River Irwell Crossing—UK's First Network Arch Bridge. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rusev, Rusi; Foster, Rufus; Abbott, Tim; Bistolas, Athanasios
• Is Part Of: Structural engineering international. Volume 29:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 314
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: network arch -- design -- construction -- structural monitoring; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; 624.1
• DOI: 10.1080/10168664.2018.1516126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1016-8664

Abstract

Abstract: The first network arch bridge in the UK was opened to traffic in December 2017 and supports a new railway line that connects Piccadilly and Victoria Stations in the heart of Manchester. Set alongside heritage structures of great significance, aesthetics is paramount and has led to an asymmetric "ribbon" form that visually connects different types of structures. The highly constrained site necessitated an unconventional piecemeal erection sequence over the river on asymmetric temporary towers. This required a detailed erection analysis of a complex methodology and special measures had to be taken to facilitate erection within acceptable construction tolerances.