Securing Noggins to Beams

We changed our method of securing the noggins to the beams as we realised that it was impossible to take the bridge apart and drill through each beam and noggin, secure them with threaded stainless steel bar, and hope that the bridge would be level at the end of play. Instead we cut notches in the sides of the noggins which took 6 inch (80mm) stainless steel coach bolts. These bolts were used to mark a position on the inside of the beam, a pilot hole was then drilled. The noggin was replaced and the coach bolts driven home.

The pictures below show the architect, William McMorran, and Tim Fison securing the noggins to the beam structure over the weekend of the 11th may 2008.

Scribing Lines for Placement of Balustrades and Noggins

Once the beams were made level and secure to the foundations at either end we had go about scribing lines across the top sides of the beams. These lines would assist in positioning the noggins and the balustrades. The engineer's drawings didn't seem to work out so we divided the length of the outside beams by the number of balustrades. From these points we were able to scribe across the tops of the beams, using a chalk line and a scratching awl.

The noggins were then measured to fit into their designated positions by placing the noggin blank across the two beams and scribing the face of each beam onto the end of the noggin. They were then cut and adjusted until they fit their slot.

Balancing the Beams

Jonathan Wiltshire and I spent many days making the beams line and level - before we secured the beams to the end-plates.

New End-Plate Secured In Place

Stephen Mather and Stuart Graham secured the new end-plate in place on the 8th February 2008.

New End-Plate

A new end-plate was designed by Price & Myers and manufactured in Pershore, Worcestershire, by Steven Cooper. This was collected by me on 17th December 2007.

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.