Viaducts and Vaults by Alistair L. Walker

The term viaduct is derived from the Latin via meaning 'road', and ducere meaning 'to lead'. Typically a viaduct connects two points of roughly equal elevation, allowing direct overpass across a wide valley, road, river, or other low-lying terrain features and obstacles. Reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, masonryĪvailable for use, since viaducts are all composed of low bridges.Ī viaduct is a specific type of bridge that consists of a series of arches, piers or columns supporting a long elevated railway or road. The Chalfont St Peter Ventilation Shaft is designed to resemble a barn, while the Amersham Vent Shaft will be enclosed by a decorative roof and curved weathered-steel wall.The 1812 Laigh Milton Viaduct in Ayrshire – the oldest surviving railway bridge in Scotland

This includes Grimshaw's proposals for two headhouses along the 10-mile-long tunnel through the Chilterns countryside. Weston Williamson + Partners' designs for the Water Orton viaducts, developed in collaboration with HS2's landscape architects and engineers from Systra and Mott MacDonald, is the latest in a string of designs revealed for the rail line in recent months. The Y-shaped HS2 railway is being built to link up London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds with high-speed rail service and is expected to complete in phases between 20. 'Our goal for the landscape design around Water Orton is to tie the proposed viaduct structures into the local landscape and create opportunities to enhance it.' The structures are designed to be as slender as structurally possible 'As we develop the detailed design for the railway, we are listening to feedback from communities like Water Orton, and also continue to work with them and local authorities to explore further opportunities for local connectivity through pedestrian access and cycling routes,' said HS2's design director Kay Hughes. Large spans between the structural piers are hoped to minimise disruption

The slender design for the Water Orton viaducts is hoped to reduce shading over these areas. Related story Grimshaw unveils design for HS2 ventilation shaft disguised as barnĪlongside the green public spaces, a series of 'wildlife habitats' including grasslands and areas for planting of native tree species will therefore also be introduced.

Viaducts and Vaults by Alistair L. Walker