New opportunities with modular bridges

Why build modular bridges out of stainless steel? Get industry-leading insights and hear the story of the new AVA modular footbridge, introduced in the UK. With a totally new approach to bridge construction, it has 34% lower cost and 56% lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional designs.

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1 hour

February 17, 2022

Why build modular bridges out of stainless steel?

Stainless steel in bridges – Andy Backhouse, Outokumpu

Duplex stainless steel grades are ideal for bridges. Thanks to a combination of strength and corrosion resistance, you can build durable and sustainable structures at a reduced cost. Get an expert introduction to duplex grades.

Case AVA bridge, UK – Noel Lovatt, X-Treme Systems, and Hazel Needham, Expedition Engineering

Meet the pioneering AVA bridge: a prefabricated modular stainless steel footbridge for railway stations. Simple and quick to install, the AVA prototype has potential for adoption across the UK. AVA, a consortium of companies including Network Rail, is revolutionising the way footbridges are built across the rail network, reducing time, cost and carbon in the process.

X-Treme Systems were replaced as bridge fabricators in 2023 within the AVA consortium with a new fabricator, McNealy Brown Ltd.

For more details about AVA bridge and consortium members see www.avabridge.com.

Benefits of AVA compared to traditional bridge designs

34% lower cost
56% lower CO₂emissions
75% reduction in project time
Makes stations more accessible

Presenters:

Andy Backhouse

Lead Technical Manager at Outokumpu

Andrew is responsible for technical market development for Outokumpu with a focus on applications for stainless steel technology in structural engineering, especially bridge as well as energy applications such as nuclear power, solar power and other renewable energy sectors.

Noel Lovatt

Director at Xtreme Systems Ltd

Noel Lovatt has been working within the AVA consortium as the manufacturing partner. He and his team will be manufacturing and assembling the AVA demonstrator. Noel has 20 years of experience in manufacturing and developing organisations in this industry.

Hazel Needham

Senior Engineer at Expedition Engineering

Hazel Needham is the engineer leading the structural design of the AVA Footbridge. She has worked on the project from its conception through to the detailed design phase and recently won the IABSE Nethercot Prize for her paper on the AVA Footbridge titled Design for Manufacture.

Expedition Engineering is a multi award-winning engineering consultancy. Working across a range of built environment disciplines, they take pride in making a positive impact through a collaborative process.

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