Bridges, gates & more

SCX Special Projects has the engineering expertise to bring heavy kinetic structures under complete control.

Our team has tackled landmark structures from swing bridges to viaducts, lock gates to ship lifts, nuclear shield doors to gamma gates and more. Whatever the motion, whatever the size, we combine the best mechanical and EC&I principles to create safe, reliable moving structures.

The Challenge

Kinetic structures are inherently challenging. Huge masses, when in motion, create extraordinary forces – those forces need to be in complete control, and at the instant command of the operator.

Interactions with other moving and static structures introduce dynamic engineering challenges, such as structural strength, effective locking mechanisms, control of dynamic loads and accurate positional feedback. And the question of human safety must always be fully answered.

The Solution

SCX specialises in making very large things move, very precisely, and very safely. Our engineers have an enviable history in moving structures, including iconic moving structures such as the Falkirk Wheel, London Eye, and Tower Bridge.

The components of a moving structure solution are similar to those of our lifting and handling solutions – motors, bogies, wheels, rails – all orchestrated by advanced EC&I control. In every instance, it's our ability to understand the forces in motion, to effortlessly control them, and to apply the first principles of engineering to create high-safety, high-integrity handling systems.

Falkirk Wheel

An iconic rotating boat lift, and the only one left in use in Scotland
Extensive structural and systems design including; power; control; rail support; stability; wheel assembly; gate structure; and pumping

Tower Bridge

Major refit of the ageing hydraulic and electrical control systems
Design and implementation of a new integrated SCADA system
Upgrade of mechanical components key to the bridge’s operation

Anderton Boat Lift

Restoration of the only working boat lift left in England
The choice of hydraulic power required a modern EC&I scheme
A new visitor’s centre houses the upgraded control system

Lock gates

Dockyard and waterway lock gates across the UK
Various engineering packages including: design; mechanical engineering; electromechanical systems; and finite element analysis

Network Rail footbridge lifts

An innovative modular lift system for Network Rail’s AVA footbridge
Addresses numerous weaknesses of traditional lift systems
Reduced cost, faster build, higher reliability, lower carbon footprint

Moving bridges

Numerous moving bridges across the UK and Europe
Projects include: Lowry Footbridge; Gateshead Millennium Bridge; Malmo Swing Bridge; Irvine Bridge; and Science Bridge Glasgow

Halley Ice Station

Mechanical and EC&I design for raising and lowering legs
Proof of concept and testing work, through to commissioning
Work included both Halley 5 and Halley 6 stations

Locomotive Bridge, Huddersfield

Upgrade of an historic 19th century canal lift bridge in Yorkshire
All mechanicals renovated and new control systems added
Original windlass mechanism replaced by electrical motors

London Eye

EC&I design of the ‘dynamic boarding platform’ system
Automation of platform positioning and passenger access gate
Sensing and actuation of mechanical systems in x-y-z space

Safety in motion

Safety is always paramount. Our TUV-certified engineers work alongside the mechanical and electrical teams to ensure all aspects of safety are addressed.

And for structures that need to move in public spaces, provable safety becomes even more of a priority.

Our reputation in delivering safe moving structures is without question. SCX designed, built and installed the world's first 10,000-tonne retractable pitch at Tottenham Hotspur can be safely operated by just two banksmen.

And our 1,000-tonne concertina roofs at Wimbledon - over Centre Court and No.1 Court - can both be safely moved over a stadium packed with people, players and even the Royal Family.

Let's talk more about bridges, gates and more...

SCX understands exactly how to get heavy kinetic structures under complete control. Talk to us today.

Call us on +44 114 262 6199, email us at info@scx.co.uk, or complete the contact form below and we'll be in touch.

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