With more complex and substantial machining demands for projects, Ekspan now operate a state-of-the-art Hurco DCX3226i CNC machine, an essential addition to their in-house manufacturing facilities.
USL Ekspan is the UK's largest quality bearing supplier and installer to meet demands both in the UK and worldwide.
USL Ekspan install an extensive range of mechanical and elastomeric expansion joints and seal joints to CD358 standards.
Bridge jacking and temporary works are an essential part of most bearing replacement and refurbishment operations, ensuring works are carried out safely and efficiently without affecting the integrity of the structure.
The importance of carrying out bearing and expansion joint inspections by proficient and competent engineers who understand their functionality can often be key to maximising a structure’s lifespan and avoiding major, unexpected, emergency repair costs.
USL Ekspan have carried out a number of projects for swing bridges and foot bridges. From design, fabrication of all structural components, to trial erection and final installation. Details of these type of bridge installations can be supplied on request.
Background
The MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre) opened in 2011 as a public-sector investment partnership in manufacturing between academia and industry.
This purpose built 12,000 square meter facility at Ansty Park, provides a central hub for teaching, developing and demonstrating new technologies and manufacturing processes on an industrial scale, through close collaboration between industry, academia and the Government.
Wates Construction, main contractor for the MTC’s development scheme, were responsible for the build of its innovative specialist centers, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and the state-of-the-art Aerospace Research Centre.
The MTC’s build scheme also included the construction of an Arc footbridge. This 37-meter pedestrian walkway, installed with green tinted frameless glass balustrade to both sides with stainless steel handrails, crosses the man-made lake that runs around the building.
USL Ekspan were contracted by Wates Construction, to supply and install a T-Mat80 expansion on the footbridge deck.
USL Ekspan's Workscope
This installation was carried out in three stages. The first involved removal of the existing screed, the second was installation of the steel sub-frame and followed by final installation of the T-Mat 80 expansion joint.
USL Ekspan’s programme of works included, marking out the areas and depth for break-out and removal of existing screed; lifting, positioning and installation of steel sub-frames supplied by USL Ekspan; installation of a secondary seal; installation of the T-Mat 80 expansion joint complete with clamp plates, fixing studs and bolts supplied by USL Ekspan and application of primer and nosing mortar material with anti-skid finish.
The Coventry Arc is an aesthetically pleasing footbridge, and even more so at night when the fitted LED lights on the hand rails are lit against the contrast of the lake below.
For more information please contact +44 (0) 113 8418861 or email info@uslekspan.com
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