martinmac Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 The A team are back together and I know I have been a bit quiet but this is what we have been up to. The days of relaxing on the Thames are over and we are having to work for a living for a change. The tug has moved to Scotland so we just about got out of the way before the south east started flooding. The quality of the pics atent great as they are often taken through the bridge windows whilst driving. Hoepfully, for those who are interested they will give you the idea. So first you have to dig a few holes and take the mud and rocks away. Then the rather large caissons arrive on the scene and the real work starts. Then its a matter of getting the crane barge into position to start lifting. The large caisson weighs 1300 tonnes and the crane can only lift 650 tonnes so its all clever stuff. Can you tell what its going to be yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I know! I know! I went to see it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Crane lifting twice it's max is interesting and clever!! Erm, footing for a new bridge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted June 13, 2012 Author Share Posted June 13, 2012 In one. To lift 1300 tonnes the caisson is submerged to 7 m which drops the weight to 850 tonnes. Airbags then lift it to 650 and the jobs a good one. Very clever stuff though. The finished product should look like this. The old bridge is 140m high, this one is 220m. I dont like heights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaydnH Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 The finished product should look like this. Like what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted June 13, 2012 Author Share Posted June 13, 2012 Now added. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris`I Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Looks like fun. Dont let Al crash into it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Can you guys please help build a bridge from Gravesend to Tilbury so I can drive over to work without using the QEII Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted June 13, 2012 Author Share Posted June 13, 2012 Can you guys please help build a bridge from Gravesend to Tilbury so I can drive over to work without using the QEII Do you really need one with such a luxurious ferry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Yeah but i would have to walk or cycle to the ferry Keep toying with the idea of getting a motorbike or scooter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Zedley came for a look mate.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoker11 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Thought it was Rosyth,stationed there for a few years.Looks like its going to be a bit busy up there what with the new Aircraft carrier builds as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 In one. To lift 1300 tonnes the caisson is submerged to 7 m which drops the weight to 850 tonnes. Airbags then lift it to 650 and the jobs a good one. Very clever stuff though. The finished product should look like this. The old bridge is 140m high, this one is 220m. I dont like heights. Impressive, I wouldn't want to be in charge of the maths, get it wrong and watch the crane keel over and sink!! The use of Cassion's has been round for a very long time, simple(Ish) ideas are alway the best ones. 220m, wow! .... 3...2...1.....bungee........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoogyRev Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 Zedley came for a look mate.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vik54 Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 zedley alive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 is it my imagination or is Zedley smiling just a bit too much cos Strew's finger is where it shouldn't be Zedley came for a look mate.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 So which one is you and which one is Lexx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoogyRev Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 is it my imagination or is Zedley smiling just a bit too much cos Strew's finger is where it shouldn't be Zedley came for a look mate.... Perhaps thats why people keep him so long, the old "I posted him last week" chestnut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronzee Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 Gosh, does this mean you two have actually been working then??!!! Pics of the bridge when it's done, if you two are still working on that project then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 So which one is you and which one is Lexx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 It was a serious question, I imagined Martin in 1 tug and Lexx in the other So which one is you and which one is Lexx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 It was a serious question, I imagined Martin in 1 tug and Lexx in the other So which one is you and which one is Lexx Oops O thought you meant the hand or zedley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 I know what YOU meant It was a serious question, I imagined Martin in 1 tug and Lexx in the other So which one is you and which one is Lexx Oops O thought you meant the hand or zedley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted January 3, 2013 Author Share Posted January 3, 2013 Just getting back into action after the Xmas shutdown and it looks like we are going to be busy. The weather is oretty challenging at the moment, strong winds make moving this big stuff a little challenging. The three main caissons are now in place. Once they have been landed another caisson is fitted on top. Cement is then poured into cofferdams in the rim. This gives it additional weight and strengthens it. The two dredging barges with large cranes and grabs then start to dig out the centre of the caissons to allow them to sink. Hemi on the way out to the spoil ground with a split barge. We are back to using the floating crane for the big lifts again soon. Beamer rock is now pretty much enclosed by caisson sections, 8 are in and only two remain, I will get some more and better shots up soon now there is more to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisS Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Got to admit mate. You and Al have proper 'boys toys' to play with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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