FABRICATED CLAMPS HAVE NO PEERS ON THIS PIER

The Angle Ring Company Ltd have supplied purpose-made pipe clamps that have been used in the repair and refurbishment operation of the Grand Pier at Weston-Super-Mare, following the devastating fire which partially destroyed the structure in July 2008.

The pipe clamps, manufactured for use with cast iron or steel columns of 282 through to 460mm diameter, are being used on the cross leg bracings. They have been supplied to the main contractor Tema Engineering Ltd, who have been responsible for the successful completion of the structural rebuilding. Work is now well advanced on the repairs to the seaward end of the structure, with the pier finally to be completed with the construction of a new pavilion building.

The fabricated Angle Ring products are designed to be more robust and substantial than conventional pipe clamp products which are available for this purpose. They have been formed from 20mm thick mild steel plate, cut to 70 or 75mm widths, and supplied shaped, drilled and bevelled to contractual requirements. 600 clamps have been supplied to date, with a further 870 currently on order or in production. With either 2 or 4 clamps required at each clamping point (depending upon the column location), it is anticipated that further clamps will also be required to facilitate full completion of repair work, which is designed to provide longevity to the pier, with a target of completion by June 2010.