Aggregates
Industries’ unique Lytag lightweight concrete solution has once again proved
its unrivalled credentials during use at the newly renovated Acton Swing
Bridge.
The 84-year old bridge, which is cared
for by the Canal & River Trust charity, carries the busy A49 road over
the River Weaver Navigation, north Cheshire.
As part of a £1.5 million repair
programme, the bridge recently underwent a complete refurbishment, including strengthening works to the underside of the bridge as well
as improvements to its appearance.
Core to
the project’s success was the ability to enhance the bridge’s structural
integrity, in order to allow for heavier traffic, all without causing an
increase of mass – given the required 2.5m allowance for boats passing
underneath.
As such,
Aggregate Industries’ Lytag secondary aggregate, being up to 50% lighter than
normal weight aggregate, was the obvious choice for lead contractor, Kier
Construction, working under the Canal & River Trust.
By using Lytag to replace the existing infill with the framework, the
weight was effectively reduced from 2400kg/m3 to 1650kg/m3 giving increased flexibility and durability for Kier, whilst also
ensuring an increased overall strength. This approach also negated the need for
quarried aggregate, helping to reduce material requirements and ensure
efficiencies.
With works
now complete, the contract saw Aggregate Industries supply 100 tonne of 0/14mm
Lytag; a tailored blend of aggregates specifically designed to offer a greater
reduction in concrete density.
Steve
Curley, general manager for Lytag at Aggregate Industries, said: “The design
freedom afforded by Lytag is unparalleled in that it can offer the same level
of structural performance as normal weight concrete however it is significantly
lighter, thus reducing the dead load of a construction. In projects such as
Acton Swing Bridge, where strengthening works need to be achieved without
resulting in an increase to size or mass, this product can really make the
otherwise infeasible achievable.”
Daniel
Preston, principal engineer at the Canal & River Trust added: “Lytag is a
fantastic product which enabled us to more easily meet our requirements, all
while creating sustainable savings in concrete, foundations and other
associated construction costs.”
