Mabey and Atlantic Industries take modular bridging to new heights at Bridges 2018
Leading bridge and engineering services specialist Mabey is introducing its innovative 100% steel bridging solution at Bridges 2018. In partnership with Atlantic Industries Limited (AIL), Mabey is now offering an alternative to traditional ‘hybrid’ steel and concrete solutions to provide a 100% steel, fully-recyclable solution, featuring a steel bridge combined with steel abutments, which can be installed more quickly, safely and efficiently.
Developed by Canadian firm AIL, the steel bridge abutment and retaining wall solution, Bolt-A-Bin®, is made up of a strong cellular corrugated steel container into which a mass of soil can be compacted. This removes the need for concrete pouring, saving both money on materials and the cost of installation, while minimising the impact of on-site works on the environment. Working in tandem with Mabey’s Compact 200™ (C200) solution, the abutments are lightweight and easy to assemble on site, delivering greater versatility, especially in remote locations.
Bolt-A-Bin can be configured in several dimensions and heights to incorporate changes in elevation which vary across different project applications. The unique design of the corrugated steel container, combined with the strength of the enclosed mass of earth, enables it to withstand ground movements without cracking or bulging, and ensuring the weight of a bridge and its load can be carried safely.
Mabey and AIL’s innovative solution was most recently demonstrated on a project in Liberia, the first development of its kind in Africa, on behalf of the Liberia Electricity Corporation Project Implementation Unit at the newly re-opened Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant.
A two span, 52-metre-long C200 bridge was installed by Dawnus International Ltd. using Bolt-A-Bin abutments to provide a safe crossing over the new reservoir for the local community, which is dependent on trade in fishing, farming and the production of charcoal. The bridge was erected in a record time of four days.
Since this project, several of Mabey’s customers across the world are looking to use Bolt-A-Bin for both temporary and permanent bridging. It also has relevance for large infrastructure projects, such as HS2.
Michael Treacy, CEO of Mabey Bridge, continues: “The implications of modular steel solutions for rural infrastructure projects are significant, especially when working to tight budgets and challenging installation timescales. We’re looking forward to boasting about the sustainable benefits of steel at Bridges 2018 and showing attendees how, through products like Bolt-A-Bin, modular steel construction can save time, money and man-power.”
Dave Worsley, International Sales Manager – AIL, comments: “Bolt-A-Bin was created to improve the speed of installation, reduce costs, and minimise on-site works. Available in interchangeable depths and heights, the design can accommodate projects of any size, providing a strong, durable and economical choice for both temporary and permanent bridges. We are delighted to be working with Mabey on this unique steel solution.”
Richard Samuel, Project Manager, Dawnus International Ltd, said “The 100% steel solution provided by Mabey and AIL was quick and easy to install, meaning we could ensure that local communities in this area of Liberia could still access vital services with the re-opening of the Hydropower Plant. We can certainly see the potential of this solution for many other projects we are working on globally.”
Mabey will be showcasing this innovative solution at Bridges 2018 (Stand C15) where customers will be able to experience it ‘first-hand’ in Virtual Reality. Mabey’s innovative Structural and Environmental monitoring capabilities will also feature in the Innovation in Bridge Management stream of the conference programme.
