introduction
key people
multi-disciplinary approach
bridge view
deck section

A team of over 200 people at Arup came together to research, test, develop and realise the Millennium Bridge project with engineer, architect and sculptor working hand in hand. They undertook the calculations, modelling and visualisation that enabled the design of the bridge. A range of engineering skills from planning advice through to construction monitoring ensured the delivery of the project, including:

• Evolving a support system where the majority of the bridge stiffness is created by tension derived from the shallow cable profile, allowing the bridge deck structure to become lighter
  
  
• Designing the bridge to be modular, using repeating components, to reduce fabrication costs, to ease construction and simplify maintenance
  
  
• Developing foundations to support 3000 tonnes of horizontal force in a 16m gap between two existing buildings on the north bank, without adversely influencing either building
  
  
• Engineering and innovative light pipe system to illuminate the bridge from deck level and create a "blade of light" across the river
  
  
• Analysing the maximum future and current impact loading on the piers based on river traffic surveys, enabling the piers to become more slender
  
  
• Providing planning advice to gain the necessary consents and approvals to construct a new river crossing in the heart of London.