Wymington Footbridge

Client:
AMCO

Project Type:
FRP Extension to Steel Parapets

Wymington footbridge was identified as requiring parapet extension (in height). It is a standard LM type steel footbridge with 1.55m high steel parapets, lower than the required height (1.85m) or protection for the electrification lines. Crouch
Waterfall were engaged by AMCO to provide design solutions for the parapet extensions.

Standard Network Rail details to extend steel parapets demonstrate steel solutions.

There are alternative solutions being developed by others for similar use, also primarily utilsing steel.

Crouch Waterfall and AMCO looked to provide an alternative solution by using Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) considered a more effective substitute.

In conjunction with AMCO and Construction Composites, Crouch Waterfall created innovative FRP upstand design solutions for each of the structures. This is being considered as a Network Rail Standard Detail for future schemes.

Challenges included:
• The bridge is located over four lines of busy railway, construction needed to minimise disruption to rail / public,

• Construction was required in as safe manner as possible to / within effected areas,

• Effect on the structure of increased dead load and wind load needed to be considered and verified,

• Cost of scheme implementation was key,

• Proposal should have good design life, be easily maintainable,

• Proposal should consider bonding issues,

• Proposal should meet anti-vandal criteria,

• Aesthetics also considered important.