Allan Mann introduces the five papers presented in this issue of The Structural Engineer that catalogue an experience like no other for the team who were privileged to work together on the London Eye.
Publish Date – 16 January 2001
N. Thompson and J.M. Roberts explain the background to the London Eye project and where the idea came from.
Professor J. Berenbak, A. Lanser and A.P Mann introduce the key structural features of the London Eye from deflection and rim details to the joints and bearings.
P. Desflammes and A.P. Mann discuss the London Eye's iconic passenger-carrying capsules and how the views of London were maximised through their design.
While the London Eye steel structure dominates the skyline, its foundations are buried below ground, giving visitors no impression of the engineering challenges faced during construction. This paper gives a description of the foundation design and addresses some of the key site issues encountered.
T. Beckett discusses the pier and impact protection system created for access to the London Eye and how the visual design was developed to match the architectural style of the Eye.
This issue's letters cover a number of letters on the Millennium Bridge in London, a question over designing as a column or beam and working as a link engineer.