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Travelling Vertical Access – Bridge Mast

The main building to the Albion Riverside development features a stylish convex outer facade. This required a unique access solution in keeping with its design that would simplify the undertaking of maintenance to the complex’s south-facing exterior which curves simultaneously in three directions.

For this project, SCX devised a travelling vertical access bridge mast which runs upon recessed rails located at the top and bottom of the building’s aluminium facia, complete with a self-levelling cradle for personell and a robust control solution.

The challenge

Standing eleven storeys high on the southwest bank of the Thames, the Albion Riverside is a
multi-purpose development comprising shops, leisure facilities and residential accommodation.

With a roof-based conventional building maintenance machine deemed to be incompatible with the structure’s aesthetics, a bespoke access solution that could enable easy cleaning and repairs to its convex, south facing facade was required.

The solution

SCX was approached to develop a curved 30m tall vertical gantry access mast, capable of supporting a self-levelling man-riding cradle that travels the gantry’s full length while traversing the 120m around the building’s asymmetrical profile.

Weight was minimised with a trussed structure formed from curved members, which arcs
around the building and complements the style set by the aluminium tubing that makes up the external panels.

Precisely aligned vertical mast

The system runs along rails recessed into the building and hidden from view, located at the top and bottom of the aluminium facia
An electronically linked levelling device positioned along the mast measures displacement angles during operation
This enables the speed of the lower carriage to automatically adjust so that the mast remains completely vertical

Secure control

The cradle is operated by its occupants from an on-board control panel which is detached for safety when not in use
Electrical controls are enclosed in a cabinet at the top of the mast, accessible from the safety of the building when the cradle parks at one of the four maintenance bays
Remote control operation is possible when the cradle is unmanned and will safely de-energise if unused for 20 seconds

Self-levelling cradle

A self-levelling man-riding cradle travels up and down the mast, enabling easy access to the building’s exterior for its two occupants
A series of actuators keep the aluminium alloy cradle horizontal as it negotiates the building’s curved profile
Two mechanical jacks automatically move the cradle forward or backwards based on signals receieved from the levelling device

Let's talk more about travelling vertical access bridge masts.

SCX Special Projects has earned a reputation for engineering, building and installing some of the most advanced handling systems.

With an unwavering focus on safety, our engineers still explore and deliver those innovative touches that have become the hallmark of an SCX solution.

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