M42 Junction 6 Improvements (BR03)
A new dual carraigeway link road connects the M42 to Birmingham airport. Catherine de Barnes Lane crosses this road on a new 83m long bridge. The deck is supported on semi-integral bankseats on Tensar reinforced soil abutments, carrying both vertical and horizontal deck loading.
Benefits
- Reliable partner. From previous collaborations, Skanska knew they could trust Tensar’s design service and delivery
- Optimised design from Tensar provided the most economical solution for this complex, time critical structure
- Lower carbon solution compared to RC abutments, aligns with National Highways carbon cutting objectives
The bridge design comprises a 2-span multi-girder steel/concrete composite deck, supported on semi integral bankseats. This low maintenance solution has no expansion joints, transferring lateral load to the bankseats. A proven reinforced soil abutment system was required to carry the high vertical and horizontal bankseat loadings. The solution needed a certified 120-year life with a precast concrete facing.
Tensar was engaged by the main contractor, Skanska following successful collaboration on similar schemes. Tensar proposed the TensarTech TW3 wall system for the abutments and wing walls. Working closely with Skanska’s design partner Mott McDonald, Tensar took responsibility for the design of the reinforced soil structures. TensarTech System components were then supplied by Tensar.
