ASSET FRP PEDESTRIAN ACCESS BRIDGE - STEPHENSON STREET

NEWPORT, SOUTH WALES

PROJECT OVERVIEW

We were approached to offer a solution for the Stephenson Street Pedestrian Access Ramp Project. The initial specification called for a steel structure to form the access platform and staircase structures in a flood plain area, adjacent to the River Usk in Newport, South Wales.

AIS produced a concept solution for the project that meets the geometric criteria, as well

as offering additional benefits to the scheme by utilising asset FRP as an alternative material. The decision to pursue an asset FRP solution was driven by specific project challenges; remote access, ground conditions, aggressive environment in the tidal estuary, enhancing public safety by incorporating a non-slip finish.

PROBLEM SOLVED

The asset FRP solution combines beams, parapet sections and deck panels, ensuring that all structural members are steel-free. The lightweight proposed asset FRP solution addressed project challenges with difficult ground conditions. The substructure requirement was minimised against a steel structure by reducing material and plant requirements.

Lightweight and modular, asset FRP Bridges have many benefits over traditional structures. The modular system was easy to install, as sections were bolted together to form the complete system. The asset FRP structure has a 6m x 5m midsection and two ramps equalling 62.5m, with an average weight of 118kg per meter. The raised platform above a flood wall is virtually maintenance free throughout the 50-year design life.

ESG

Due to the project location within a tidal flood zone, asset FRP has the benefit of being corrosion resistant. asset FRP is a lightweight material typically offering a 40% weight saving against steel structures. This reduces the installation equipment required on site along with the haulage demand, reducing the environmental and social impact of the project.