Sandwell-designed bridges combine elegance and cost-effectiveness while recognizing environmental concerns. We have provided conceptual, preliminary and detailed design for concrete and steel bridges in Ontario and British Columbia. Three Sandwell-designed bridges form part of the new Vancouver Island Highway, with three more in progress.
Our bridge engineering services include:
- field investigations: topographic and bathymetric surveys, underwater and conditions surveys and evaluations;
- conceptual and detailed design of new or replacement bridges, including route location studies, development and assessment of alternative structural methods and materials; hydrology and hydraulic design; foundation design and analysis; and project and construction services.
Ministry of Transportation and Highways, Qualicum, British Columbia
Concrete bridge design
The Big Qualicum Bridge carries the new four-lane Vancouver Island Highway over the Big Qualicum River and Hunts Creek. The 132 m parallel concrete arches have the longest clear span along the length of the new highway. Opened in September 1996, the bridge is approximately 260 m long and 30 m high. It received an Award of Excellence from the Portland Cement Association.
Ministry of Transportation and Highways, Campbell River, British Columbia
Steel and concrete design
The Tamarac Street Bridge crosses important fish spawning and rearing beds on Campbell River. Sandwell developed an alternative pier construction approach using removable steel caissons and tremied concrete footings, minimizing the pier footprint in the fish habitat zones. The spans of the continuous superstructure are supported on base isolation bearings that resist the high 0.45g earthquake ground acceleration predicted for the site.
