New propping range put to the test in Bradford Interchange

Bradford Interchange, Yorkshire

Project Overview

Location	Bradford Interchange, Yorkshire
Sector	Highways
Products	MULTIPROP System 160 Mass 25 Mass 50

When works were to be conducted above the Bradford Interchange, the need for a propping response was triggered to provide extra stability to the concrete support beams.

As a result, we were called in to design, supply and install a propping system which could accommodate the access challenges posed by this structure, utilising a range of our solutions – including our new lightweight aluminium PERI MULTIPROPs.

The challenge

Structural capacity issues

The existing concrete supports beneath the plaza were found to be unable to handle the new loading conditions proposed for the redevelopment, creating a significant risk of overloading and instability.

Need for a complex solution

Because of the potential instability identified during the structural and condition survey, a bespoke propping system had to be designed and installed to safely support the structures throughout the works.

Project scope adjustment

The discovery of the underground structural issues required a change in the original project plan, delaying the initial demolition and landscaping works, and necessitating collaboration between Balfour Beatty and Mabey Hire to develop and implement an appropriate engineering solution.

Our solution

Mabey Hire’s solution involved a tailored propping design that combined its Mass 25, Mass 50 and System 160 systems with PERI MULTIPROP units to deliver a comprehensive structural support scheme.

The Mass 50 kit supported the primary beams and main column, Mass 25 the secondary spans, MULTIPROP the tertiary beams, and System 160 the main slab, ensuring full load stability under heavy traffic conditions, including potential emergency vehicle loads. This meticulous design provided confidence that the plaza and interchange structures would remain protected throughout the construction works.

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Working within a busy city centre and underground car park brought further logistical and engineering challenges. Deliveries had to be carefully coordinated with the local council and limited to lightweight, three tonne shipments due to slab restrictions, making Mabey Hire’s aluminium solutions particularly suitable.

Uneven flooring required the use of grouted spreader beams to evenly distribute loads, and the discovery of undocumented mechanical, electrical, and HVAC services demanded on-site adjustments without compromising load capacity. The installed propping system will remain in place for two years, supporting the area while the City of Culture works progress above and around the interchange.

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