East Midlands Company Pioneers World’s Largest Matière Precast Concrete Box Bridge

Civil engineering specialist ABM Precast Solutions and ABM Bridge Systems, based at Tuxford near Newark, have developed the world’s largest precast Matière concrete box bridge.  The pioneering design, known as the Opti-Cadre, has a span of 14.5 metres and maximises available headroom to improve safety margins on road and rail projects.  

The company is the UK and Ireland licensee for the patented Matière bridge construction system.  This is based on precision precast concrete modular elements comprising free standing walls and over bridging units.  These simple and robust structures are quick to install and offer substantial savings over conventional in-situ construction.    Speedy installation means follow-on works proceed more quickly, ensuring projects move forward to completion on schedule.  

Advanced computer-aided modelling techniques were used during development to provide an extended span, with maximum strength. The design has been independently verified by internationally recognised consulting engineers ARUP and also has approval from the UK Highways Agency.

The first large scale application for the 14.5 Opti-Cadre is on the newly opened Newry to Dundalk section of the A1/N1 Dublin to Belfast motorway, where this bridges the main rail lines.   Here a 78 metre length overpass was constructed during 11 overnight possessions with minimal disruption to the normal train service.  Rapid completion of the bridge enabled the main contractor, a joint venture consortium consisting of SIAC construction and Ferovial Agroman (Ireland) Ltd, to proceed with the construction of embankments and complete the project on time.


More Information
Mike Sanderson, Business Development Manager
Tel. +44 (0)1777 872233 Fax. +44 (0)1777 872772
E-mail: mike.sanderson@abmeurope.com Web: www.abmeurope.com/abm/bridge
ABM Bridge Systems, Ollerton Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 0PQ


High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/ab237/4398ab1a.htm

August 31, 2007