Integral Bridge Research

Description

National Highways is a government-owned company and the appointed strategic highways authority and licence holder responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s SRN; 4,300 miles of motorways and major A roads at the core of the national transport network. National Highways is exploring options for the development of a controlled testing environment capable of replicating the behaviour of the Wisley Interchange integral bridge; pioneering remote control condition monitoring with 116 sensors recording data on a brand new integral bridge. National Highways is looking at extending the current live operational trial at the M25 Junction 10 Wisley Interchange integral bridge through the design and construction of a scaled physical model. This activity will enable controlled investigation of structural–soil interaction (SSI) behaviour, complementing the existing full-scale monitoring programme. The Wisley Interchange Bridge Trial is pioneering the use of remote condition monitoring on a newly constructed integral bridge, with 116 sensors currently deployed and recording live performance data. While the field trial provides invaluable real-world insight, the addition of a laboratory-based physical model will allow deeper understanding of settlement, stress, and strain behaviour under controlled conditions. The combined use of physical laboratory testing, advanced modelling, and live field data will provide early evidence on the potential to inform future updates to PD 6694-1. In the longer term, this approach has the potential to reduce material use, cut construction costs, and improve confidence in the design and delivery of integral bridge structures. This notice is issued as part of a Preliminary Market Engagement under the Procurement Act 2023. Participation does not constitute a commitment to procure or award any contract, nor does it provide any guarantee of involvement in future commercial opportunities. Information gathered will be used to support technical decision-making, standards development, and potential future procurement strategies.