Bridges
Connecting Through Engineering
ClearTech provides specialist structural engineering expertise for bridges and transportation infrastructure, supporting projects from design and construction through to assessment, strengthening and remediation.
Our experience encompasses complex bridge structures, post-tensioning, temporary works, construction engineering and specialist repair solutions, with a focus on buildability, structural efficiency and long-term performance. We develop practical engineering solutions that address the challenges of complex loading, construction sequencing, durability and asset life extension, helping clients deliver safe, resilient and efficient infrastructure.
Structural Engineering
Design, assessment and engineering of bridge structures, including reinforced and post-tensioned concrete solutions, with a focus on structural performance, durability and buildability.
Construction Engineering
Engineering support for complex construction methodologies, sequencing, erection, temporary conditions and site-specific challenges throughout bridge delivery.
Value Engineering
Review and optimisation of bridge designs to identify opportunities to reduce materials, simplify construction, improve programme and lower whole-life cost without compromising performance.
Post-Tensioning
Specialist design and engineering of post-tensioning systems for new and existing bridge structures, including strengthening, modification and remediation applications.
Temporary Works
Design and assessment of temporary works required to safely facilitate bridge construction, repair, strengthening and associated infrastructure works.
Structural Assessment & Asset Life Extension
Assessment of existing bridge structures to identify deterioration, capacity constraints and opportunities to repair, strengthen and extend the operational life of existing assets.
Case Study : Penang Hill Canopy Walkway, The Habitat, Penang, Malaysia
Background:
The Langur Way Canopy Walk, situated within The Habitat at Penang Hill, Malaysia, is a pioneering example of sustainable engineering and eco-tourism.
Completed in 2018, this 230-meter-long pedestrian bridge is the world's longest and highest two-span stressed ribbon bridge, uniquely positioned within a 130-million-year-old tropical rainforest at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level.
Approach:
The bridge comprises two 115-meter spans connected by a central platform, forming a continuous ribbon-like structure.
ClearTech proposed a simple solution with a precast ribbon bridge with overall depth of 350mm for a span of 115m. For the first time in Penang caissons of 2.5m diameter were cast to 25m to rock. ClearTech’s design included the casting of the segments and moulds.
Utilizing the stressed ribbon bridge design, the structure employs high-strength steel tendons embedded within precast concrete segments. These tendons are tensioned to create a self-supporting deck that follows a natural catenary curve, minimizing the need for intrusive supports and preserving the forest canopy
Outcome:
The Langur Way Canopy Walk exemplifies innovative engineering harmonized with environmental stewardship. Its design and construction demonstrate how infrastructure can be thoughtfully integrated into sensitive ecosystems, offering educational and recreational opportunities while preserving natural habitats
Case Study : Forth River Crossing, Edinburgh, Scotland
Background:
The Forth Replacement Crossing is a cable- stayed bridge which is to be constructed to the west of the existing Forth Road Bridge. The project was part of a package of transport improvements costing £1.45 to £1.6 billion and was to be delivered in 2016. The largest civil engineering project in Scotland for a generation, it would replace the current Forth Road Bridge as the main vehicle crossing of the Forth.
ClearTech Involvement:
ClearTech was delighted to be involved in this prestigious project, working alongside Cleveland Bridge UK, on the approach Viaducts, north and south. ClearTech was contracted as technical and contractual advisors to Cleveland Bridge, advising on the technical issues arising in the day to day running of the site installation of the approach Viaducts on the North and South and dealing, on a daily basis, with the main Contractor, FCBC.
ClearTech managed the contractual aspects for the client, dealing with FIDIC and NEC3 and successfully negotiating claims.
Outcome:
ClearTech provided specialist technical assistance on this project, working with the project team to resolve complex engineering and construction challenges, review design solutions and identify opportunities for greater efficiency. Through proactive technical input, value engineering and close consideration of construction methodology, programme and resources, ClearTech helped to reduce project risk, avoid unnecessary works, control costs and support more efficient delivery.
