the rolling bridge

 

  • [3] A higher-profile water crossing in London also proposed by Heatherwick – the Garden Bridge – attracted significant criticism along similar lines for mainly targeting tourists
    as a novelty, rather than functioning as a practical water crossing.

  • [1] Disadvantages The Rolling Bridge could theoretically allow the passage of boats, but the small basin behind the bridge is not open to canal traffic – it is currently occupied
    by a fountain, and blocked by a steel barrier at surface level to prevent boats entering.

  • [3] The high number of complex moving parts – fourteen hydraulic rams, numerous precision bearings, and an underground machinery chamber to provide the required oil pressure
    – can be seen as an example of overengineering, and has led to maintenance failures where the bridge is unable to move for significant periods of time.

  • One particular version of the rolling bridge type was known as the Guthrie rolling bridge, examples of which may still be seen at Fort Nelson, Portsmouth.

  • The Rolling Bridge is a kinetic sculpture,[2][3] and a unique type of curling moveable bridge, completed in 2004 as part of the Grand Union Canal office and retail development
    project at Paddington Basin, London.

  • [4][5][6] It also has a very long cycle time, taking 2–3 minutes to finish moving in either direction,[3][5][7] which compares unfavourably with traditional hand-operated
    canal footbridges and would cause delays on a waterway with frequent boat traffic.

  • “Rolling” as a name and as a type Traditional use of the term “rolling bridge” dates from at least the Victorian era, and is used to describe a type of retractable drawbridge
    used to span a ditch or moat surrounding a fortification.

 

Works Cited

[‘1. “37th Structural Steel Design Award Winners”. Corus. 23 June 2005. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
2. ^ “Rolling Bridge / Thomas Heatherwick – eVolo | Architecture Magazine”. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f “How would one determine
the essential balance between form and function in the cases of four 21st century pedestrian bridges?” (PDF). International Baccalaureate extended essay: 9–10. January 2016.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b “OpenStreetMap”. OpenStreetMap. Retrieved 12 April
2023.
5. ^ Jump up to:a b c The Rolling Bridge In London HD 2014 HD, retrieved 10 April 2023
6. ^ doodlebug1700 (27 January 2021). “Correct. Spent 6 mon…”. r/mechanical_gifs. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
7. ^ “The Rolling Bridge – London | CECR”.
Retrieved 12 April 2023.
8. ^ “Rolling Bridge (London) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go”. Tripadvisor. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
9. ^ “Paddington Basin’s Bridges in action”. Paddington. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
Photo credit:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blondinrikard/14067476586/’]