There is a great range of potential foundation types for
bridges, depending on the quality and variability of the ground,
and the form and articulation of the bridge. We have the expertise
in geotechnics and in structural engineering to design for all
situations. Our geotechnical engineers work together with our
bridge experts to ensure that the bridge and its foundations are
treated holistically.
Taiwan high speed railway viaductsWe have
experience of all types of piling – bored cast insitu concrete
(cased and uncased), driven steel (tubular and H-section), and
driven precast concrete being the most common. One of the most
essential elements of pile design is to select a type that is
appropriate to not only the ground and groundwater conditions but
construction and site constraints. We've been involved in every
stage of the design process, from assessment of ground conditions,
pile selection and design for capacity, to settlement prediction
and back-analysis of pile tests. We use traditional empirical
methods and those based on the latest academic research.
Busan-Geoje Link, KoreaAnother deep
foundation solution for bridges is caissons, and we have designed
and supervised some of the largest of this type of structure in the
world. The massive caissons at Tsing Ma and Busan-Geoje Bridges
were precast, then floated out and sunk into position; those at
Kayang Bridge were sunk progressively and cast insitu.
Where the ground conditions are good, our hard rock engineering
expertise is vital in ensuring that settlements of spread footings
or arch bases are controlled and the rock mass is mobilised to
resist the imposed forces.
