The inner harbour impoundment and pedestrian footbridge forms part of the Torquay Waterfront Regeneration Project.
A concrete sill structure impounds the inner harbour and is fitted with two impounding gates that allow access for water-based craft. The gates are operated by hydraulic rams and work on the principle of a fold down door.
Following the line of the sill is a pedestrian footbridge that has two hydraulically lifting leaves, aligned with the impounding gates to allow access to craft with a high free board and masts.The impounding gates are housed within the concrete piers (part of the sill structure) on which the bridge hinges and supports are located.
The main bridge supports are concealed within the base of clad mast structures. On each pier there is one tall mast and one short mast; within these the hydraulic and electrical components are also located. It is possible for a single operator to open and close the bridge safely. All the equipment on the site is operated hydraulically taking its power from the hydraulic power pack. Bennett Associates' involvement with the project includes:
|
Structural design of lifting bridge to BS5400 |
|
Structural design of impounding gates to BS5950 |
|
Mechanical design of all operating mechanisms for the impounding gates, the bridge lifting spans and pedestrian gates |
|
Exemplary hydraulic design |
|
Writing and installation of software for integrated operation of both impounding gates and bridge, with the following features:
- |
fully interlocked, PLC directed control network based operation from 3 control stations |
- |
remote dial in facility for reprogramming and trouble shooting |
|
|
