§ Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that adequate safeguards are embodied in the design and erection methods of large steel box girder highway bridges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have decided, in association with the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales, to appoint an independent technical committee to examine the basis of design and method of erection of large steel box girder bridges.
It is proposed to invite a distinguished scientist to chair the committee, which will comprise three members who are recognised authorities in design practice, research and fabrication techniques respectively in the field of bridge engineering.
The terms of reference of the committee will be as follows:
The names of the chairman and members of the committee will be announced shortly.
- 1. To consider whether the collapse of the Milford Haven and Yarra Bridges necessitates reconsideration of the design and method of erection for any major box girder bridges about to be erected in the United Kingdom.
- 2. To examine the design rules and methods of analysis used for steel box girder deck structures for large bridges, and to draw up an interim technical memorandum for the guidance of bridge engineers, prescribing the rules and methods to be adopted in the design
448 and erection of such bridges, the limits within which such designs may be accepted, and any special matters affecting contract procedures. - 3. To recommend what further research and development should be undertaken into this type of construction.