Chelsea Creek Bridge

The system would consist of four brick clad panels, two panels for each side of the bridge, to accommodate the brick detail required, including a 440mm deep soffit. Extensive tests had to be carried out to ensure longevity and performance of the bridge, including freeze-thaw simulations and weathering pull tests on the brick slips bonded to perforated steel.

Many factors were considered during the design stage, including the systems capability to allow floodwater in and out of the hollow steel frame in the event of rising water levels. To ensure resistance to corrosion and avoid rust, IG manufactured all components from 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Due to the sheer size of the installation, the brick slip bridge panels were produced and delivered to site in two separate components and fixed together onsite through bolt connections.

Situated within the heart of London, delivering components in two parts also made logistical sense. The panels were delivered and installed on the same day, lifted in by crane and bolted into place. Matching the brick requirements on site ensured that the bridge blended seamlessly with already constructed brickwork.

IG’s prefabricated panels ensured no formwork was required to create a deep brick soffit on the underside of the bridge, streamlining the process and saving considerable time on-site. The bridge at Chelsea Creek demonstrates IG Masonry Support’s design creativity when it comes to bespoke brick slip components, helping to achieve even the most complex architectural designs with modern off-site building practices.