FOUR projects SHORTLISTed IN THE STRUCTURAL AWARDS

01.08.2019

The EJ Whitten Bridge Widening Scheme, Taplow Footbridge and Mersey Gateway Bridge, as well as Tottenham Hotspur Football Stadium have been shortlisted in this year's prestigious global Structural Awards.

The Structural Awards are hosted each year by The Institution of Structural Engineers and celebrate the role of structural engineers as innovative, creative design professionals by showcasing the world's cutting-edge engineering projects. The awards recognise the indispensable contribution structural engineers make to the built environment – from large awe-inspiring landmark structures to small local projects.

Winning an award is a symbol of excellence that is recognised around the world, and we are delighted that COWI projects have been shortlisted in five categories.

EJ Whitten Bridge Widening Scheme in Melbourne, Australia, is shortlisted in the Structural Transformation category, for projects demonstrating structural engineering excellence in the transformation or extension of an existing building or structure.

Taplow Footbridge which crosses the Thames in Taplow, UK, is shortlisted in the Pedestrian Bridge category, which recognises excellence in the design of pedestrian and/or cycle bridges, or other lightweight bridge structures.

Mersey Gateway Bridge which crosses the River Mersey in the North West of England is shortlisted in two categories. The category for Vehicle Bridges, which demonstrate excellence in the design of bridges carrying highways and/or railways; and the Construction Innovation categories, which is awarded to projects demonstrating structural engineering excellence in the innovative use of construction materials or processes.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Stadium in the UK is shortlisted in the Long Span Structures category, which celebrates engineering excellence in buildings or stadia incorporating particularly long spans, relative to the proportions of the structure.

THE JUDGING PROCESS AND CRITERIA

A panel of eminent judges independently looked at and bestowed points to all submissions received from around the globe, before the highest-ranked projects were evaluated by a 'sitting judging panel' to establish the shortlist.

The judges base their decisions on the structural engineering excellence of the project; the creativity, innovation, elegance and detailing within the structural design, alongside the sustainable techniques and technologies incorporated and of course, the value of the project - both in terms of economic viability and value for money in the structural solution, as well as non-financial indicators of value.

The winning projects will be announced at a ceremony in London in November.

I am immensely proud of the role our staff have played in designing and delivering these projects, and would like to thank them and all our project partners for contributing to this achievement.

David MacKenzie Executive Director

OVERVIEW OF THE SHORTLISTED PROJECTS

EJ Whitten Bridge Widening Scheme

The EJ Whitten Bridge opened in 1995 and forms part of the M80 Orbital Freeway around Melbourne, Australia. The c.518m long bridge is composed of twin multi-span concrete viaducts, and carries around 160,000 vehicles per day over the Maribyrnong River.

In 2017, widening of the structure began through the addition of a new deck structure between the existing viaducts. 

Find out more: https://www.cowi.com/solutions/infrastructure/ej-whitten-bridge

Taplow Footbridge

The latest crossing over the River Thames was opened in November 2018 by the Prime Minister, Theresa May. The slender arch bridge crosses the river at a site with very limited construction access, and in an important area of natural beauty – the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area.

Find out more: https://www.cowi.com/solutions/infrastructure/taplow-footbridge

Mersey Gateway Bridge

Recently awarded the IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, this multi-span concrete cable stay bridge provides a much-needed new crossing of the river and acts as a catalyst for growth in the region.

The unique three-pylon cable-stayed bridge has pylons up to 125m high and is 2.250km long with a 1km long cable supported section. The main bridge deck is constructed from pre-stressed and reinforced concrete suspended from the pylons via high strength steel cable stays.

Find out more: https://www.cowi.com/solutions/infrastructure/mersey-gateway-bridge-united-kingdom

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The new multi-purpose stadium which seats 62,062, incorporates an innovative moving pitch, which slides underneath the south stand to reveal a second, artificial, pitch.

COWI was responsible for the design of the innovative moving pitch, which retracts underneath the south stand to reveal a second, artificial, pitch; providing engineering advice on the demolition of the existing stadium; and undertaking a full independent check of the roof. 

Find out more: https://www.cowi.com/solutions/buildings/north-london-stadium