Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Product: Type AAF Girder Clamps
Client: Newcastle City Council
Owner: Port of Tyne Authority

The Swing Bridge is the fourth bridge to have been built over the River Tyne on the same site and was completed in 1876. The bridge was designed in such a way as to swing open to allow larger ships to pass through and expand trade to the upper reaches of the river. Today the bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II listed building.

Over the years the bridge had undergone several programmes of upgrades and repairs to maintain the bridge in safe working order. In 1967 aluminum troughing and steel stiffeners were installed to the underside of the bridge deck to provide additional structural support. A recent inspection of the bridge revealed that the end sections of the aluminum troughing had corroded and bracing supports would need to be connected to the bridge.

Lindapter size 1/2", Type AAF Girder Clamps were specified to connect steel UB bracing support beams to the existing steel stiffeners. The extra steel bracing was designed to support the aluminium troughing rather than replace it, thereby reducing modifications to the listed structure.

The heavy duty clamps provided the necessary slip and tensile loads whilst also avoiding the need to drill or weld at this historically important site. A hot dip galvanized (HDG) finish was specified for the Girder Clamps to provide a high level of corrosion protection.

The decision to use Lindapter Type AAFs was influenced by independent technical accreditations, which include the ICC-ES, CE mark (ETA-13/0300) and TÜV approvals.

Before installation of the steel bracing support beams could begin the contractor had to clean the existing beams of sediment, debris and other loose material. Small bottle jacks were then used to slightly lift the deck and support the aluminum troughing while the new beams were carefully lifted into position.

Once everything was correctly aligned Type AAF girder clamps along with stainless steel nuts and bolts were then used to connect the beams to the top of the steel stiffeners. To complete the installation the clamps were tightened to the recommended torque to provide a safe and secure connection.

Type AAF Girder Clamps provided a drilling and weld free connection onsite that was quick and easy to install. The clamps are fully adjustable which gave the contractor the ability during installation to manoeuvre the beams into their final positions before fully tightening them. The swing bridge is now fully operational and safe for both vehicles and pedestrians to use.

• High slip resistance for combined loads
• Hot Dip Galvanized finish provides a cost-effective and low maintenance solution
• No drilling or welding required
• Fully adjustable for easy installation in the field