Berkeley Homes
River Thames, Taplow, Buckinghamshire
Architect: Knight Architects
Structural Engineer: Cowi UK
Main Contractor: Land & Water
Taplow Footbridge
Opened in November 2018, Taplow Bridge is an elegant 40m. span arch bridge which crosses the river Thames at Ray Mill Island. The new bridge provides a link a new Berkeley Homes development while also improving the Thames Path. The slender arches are formed from bespoke fabricated triangular sections which help create a structure that fits naturally into the beautiful location. The arches support a slender composite steel-concrete deck formed by a steel tray comprising the edge beams and bottom plate, which is filled with in-situ concrete. One of the primary challenges with this project was the limited access to the site. SH Structures worked closely with Main Contractor Land & Water to develop a safe and efficient construction methodology. The structure was transported in three parts by road to an assembly yard a short distance downstream of the bridge site. This offsite fabrication process enabled a high quality of finish to be achieved and allowed for a trial assembly, ensuring a more efficient on-site build. The completed structure was then lifted onto a barge and floated upriver. The barge was then rotated the bridge lowered into position using hydraulic jacks incorporated into the temporary works. The completed bridge has been well received by local residents and has gone on to win numerous awards.
Chiltern Building Design Award 2019
Construction News Specialist Award 2019
Structural Steel Design Award 2019
Civic Trust Award 2019 (Commendation)
Living Waterways Awards – Built Environment 2019 (Runner-Up)
Structural Awards 2019 (Shortlisted)
AJ Awards 2019 (Shortlisted)
Offsite Awards 2019 (Shortlisted)
Gallery
