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The Structural Engineer, Volume 76, Issue 10, 1998
Sir Alfred Pugsley's memorial service is due to be held on 29 May 1998. It will be a service of thanksgiving for the life of a man who, though without revolutionary fervour himself nevertheless engendered a structural engineering revolution during the 1950s and ’60s. As John D. Allen discovered in his researches for this editorial tribute commissioned by The Structural Engineer, not only the engineering profession but the nation at large has much to thank him for.
This paper describes the challenge of refurbishing the prestigious and historic Westminster Bridge, retaining its heritage while meeting the needs of modern trafic loading. The detailed construction planning, the constraints of working in an urban environment, and the maintenance of balance between engineering and heritage whilst upgrading a 130-year-old bridge of variable condition, are described. The contractual arrangements and working relationship adopted to successfully achieve this complex project are reviewed. Specific aspects of the works are outlined and the lessons learnt reflected upon. J. Crossin, G.R.D. Marshall and D. Yeoell
This paper describes the assessment, investigation, design and precontract planning for the recently completed refurbishment of Westminster Bridge. The work described includes the analysis of the strength of wrought-iron and cast-iron components, an instrumented load test, and the design of strengthening works to enable the bridge to carry 40t vehicles. Particular features of the work include the adoption of a lightweight aggregate reinforced concrete deck structure and the development of facsimile replacement parapets and a bolt-type shear connector to introduce composite action bemeen the existing metalwork and the new deck. The precontract planning for the refurbishment of this strategically important transport link and national landmark in the heart of London is also described. R. Blakelock, S.R. Munson and D. Yeoeli