CONSIDERATE STEELWORK CONNECTIONS

When contractor May Gurney was commissioned with the first major upgrade works of the Newcastle High Level Bridge since the bridge opened in 1849, with a brief that demanded no drilling or welding to the historical structure, they turned to Lindapter to provide the method of connecting new steel sections without damaging the original steelwork. The fixing specialist manufactures unique none-drill, none-weld clamping systems, connecting primary or secondary steelwork with the assurance of independently approved safe working loads. Lindapter’s girder clamp was selected to affix a temporary girder runway, forming an overhead lifting gantry that spanned the entire length of the bridge’s lower level. The newly attached steel beams supported a runway trolley, allowing further materials vital to the renovation to be quickly and safely transported across the 412m long structure. Lindapter supplied over 400 girder clamps, each unit consisting of eight Lindapter clamps, a location plate and four high-tensile bolts. The patented system is certified for dynamic loading conditions and is suited to both temporary and permanent applications. The fixing was specified for its ability to securely grip the studded flange of the original riveted beams whilst preserving the integrity of the steelwork and coatings. Upon completion of the restoration, the Lindapter fixings were dissembled and the girder runway removed, leaving the steelwork of the grade 1 listed structure unscathed. The project’s success is illustrated with May Gurney winning four prestigious awards including the Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year category at the 2008 National Rail Awards. Commenting on the use of the clamps, May Gurney's Senior Site Agent, John Brown said: "Lindapter clamps offered the ideal solution for this element of the road refurbishment project, giving us a fixing which protects this iconic bridge, but which is also very easy to install, and remove once the project was finished." Lindapter is the market leader in steelwork fixings and throughout its 75 year history, has earned a worldwide reputation for the design and manufacture of innovative connection solutions, delivered to the exacting standards demanded by their meticulous quality testing. Experienced engineers offer unrivalled support, including a free design service for the entire product range that includes steelwork, cavity, support, composite decking and floor fixings. For further information, or to request your copy of Lindapter’s Design Guide, call +44 (0)1274 521444 or visit www.lindapter.com.

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