Freedom of Information request to the EA as follows: Timber footbridges within the Thames catchment are failing. These include Ashford Lane, Temple, Black Potts and Berry Hill. There are others.
I am concerned that the design and construction of the structural connections of these footbridges may have accelerated timber decay and consequently shortened the life of these bridges. I am requesting design drawings and manufacturing/assembly process details of the connection as shown in the attached image. This is the connection where two diagonal braces and a vertical post are simultaneously inserted and secured into the lower horizontal beam (girder). The attached image from an Inspection Report appears to show a number of additional trapezoidal elements [sections or segments] embedded and pegged [with 10mm diameter stainless steel rod] within the connection. Thank you.
END OF REQUEST
Reason for request: I suspect that multiple additional trapezoidal elements (as shown above) were incorporated into the joint design with the objective of increasing the ultimate load bearing capability of the individual member connection(s) to the horizonal beam (girder). This objective may have been achieved but I suspect that the ability of the horizontal beam (girder) to resist the bending moments, shear forces and water ingress would be significantly reduced.
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