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Brooks Forgings has produced components for many historical bridge restoration projects, including the Union Chain Bridge in Northumberland and the Menai Suspension Bridge in Anglesey.
Our latest collaboration required the production and supply of tie bars of varying lengths for use in a new temporary hanger bypass support system to be implemented on the Hammersmith Suspension Bridge in West London, UK.
The Hammersmith Suspension Bridge spans the River Thames, linking the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on the north side to the borough of Richmond upon Thames on the south side. It was completed in 1887, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, and is a Grade 2 listed structure.
Following an extensive structural survey in 2019, it was determined that many elements of the bridge were suffering from stress-related fatigue cracking. As a result, the bridge was closed indefinitely to all motor traffic. Restoration works are scheduled to be completed in various stages, with the current forecast extending until 2029 due to ongoing funding concerns.
As part of the stabilisation efforts, the consultant assigned to the project developed a bypass assembly designed to reduce the load on existing hanger components. Since each hanger section varies in overall length across the bridge's span, tie rods of different lengths were required.
Brooks Forgings manufactured the M20 tie bars from L7 material. There are 18 variants ranging from 1560mm to 3330mm in length and are threaded for 250mm at each end.
Extensive testing and certification were required including 100% magnetic particle inspection, ultimate tensile load to 203Kn minimum, and impact tests to 30J at -40°C. Each tie bar assembly was supplied in sets of 8 complete with 100x100x25mm washer plates, nuts, conical seats, and spherical washers all in a galvanised finish.
A total of 144 tie bars were supplied to the project in time for the Winter 2024 installation schedule.
Brooks Forgings is equipped to assist with critical forged components, supporting historical bridge preservation and the construction of modern engineering projects worldwide. Please contact our team of experts today to discuss your specific requirements.
For more information on Tie Bars For Hammersmith Suspension Bridge Temporary Hanger Support System talk to Brooks Forgings LTD