Field Visit by Price & Myers

Ian Fussel of Price & Myers visited the site on 28th November to survey the bridge prior to designing one or two new end-plates. We made some final adjustments to the two side beams, but it is impossible to iron out the twist with beams cut to a profile for a 'twisted' bridge. We were heartened to find that there will only be one end-plate required for redesign. This Ian was to do so that we could try and get it fabricated and in place before the Xmas break.

The top photo shows the "twisted" bridge, taken on 14th September. This is followed by a photo showing Ian Fussel standing to the right of the "level" bridge. The photo below reveals the bridge supported by three trestles and a quantity of jacks.

Crisis Meeting in London

I convened a crisis meeting in London on 15th November. William McMorran from consulting architects, McMorran & Gatehouse, identified that the new endplate drawings may well twist the bridge in the opposite direction. As Price & Myers had designed two new end-plates for fabrication it was time to get together and talk about the bridge design and the options which faced us with regards to the end-plates. Price & Myers were represented by Tim Lucas and Ian Fussel.

Tim took us through the chosen geometry of the bridge which resulted in a twist. Discussion was had around the redesigning of the end-plates and the possibility that they might well not suit the purpose. It was agreed that Ian would send me some drawings which would identify the location of three trestles to be built to support the bridge so that the decking would be level. Once the bridge was secured on the trestles P&M would make a visit to design new endplates around the level bridge configuration.