Articles
Announcement: strengthening the bond
Goldhawk Bridge Restoration Ltd has been part of the STRESS group of specialist companies for over 12 years, headed up by directors Brian Boughton, Bob Falconer and David Kitching. During that time, the team have successfully and cost effectively strengthened and repaired masonry arch bridges all over the UK for Highways Authorities, Councils, Private Clients,… Read more »
A treatise on strengthening methods for masonry bridges
Introduction As well as financial cost, engineers must take into account the use of energy when designing bridge strengthening operations. This treatise examines the various techniques used to increase the capacity of masonry bridges and the associated problems. 1. Problem with saddling or over-slabbing Involves deep excavations within the carriageway. Requires an extensive road closure…. Read more »
Celebrating 25 years
With over 300 masonry arches strengthened using the much acclaimed MARS system, 2021 marks a milestone in the success of this innovation. When the MARS System was developed in the late 1990s after a successful regime of testing at the TRL, it was granted the Design Council’s Millennium Award for Innovation after the then Prime… Read more »
Alternative to bridge infilling
Much has been made in the news lately about the controversial practice of infilling bridges with aggregate stabilized by lean mix concrete. The MARS System offers a much cheaper alternative for masonry arches, typically less than 50% of the financial cost of infilling and a small fraction of the environmental and ecological cost. The MARS… Read more »