Sandwich plate system
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2018) |
Sandwich Plate System (SPS) is the name of a patented structural composite material comprising two metal plates bonded with an elastomer core. SPS was created in partnership with chemical manufacturer BASF incorporating Elastocore ® [1] as the core material. The SPS material is a direct replacement for stiffened steel and reinforced concrete in heavy engineering projects.
SPS is a licensed technology used globally in various engineered structures including maritime ships, offshore assets, buildings, stadiums and arenas, bridges and other special applications.
History
[edit]SPS was invented by Dr Stephen Kennedy following primary research in the field of ice-strengthened structures at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and first patented in 1996. Intelligent Engineering UK Limited [2] was founded in April 1996 to commercialise the technology and later formally dissolved. The first recorded project involving SPS was carried out on the P&O Pride of Cherbourg, a Lloyd's Register approved vessel in 1999.
Notable Projects
[edit]Civil engineering projects incorporating SPS include:
- Resorts World Arena, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, United Kingdom
- The O2, Dublin (formerly The Point), Dublin Ireland
- Ascot Racecourse, London United Kingdom
- London Aquatics Centre, London, United Kingdom
- Cannelville Road Bridge,[3] Muskingum Country, Ohio
- Berlin U-Bhan Bridge, Berlin Germany
- Lennoxville Bridge, Quebec Canada
- Ceder Creek Bridge, Texas USA
- Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, Weston-Super-Mare UK
- Dawson Bridge, Edmonton Canada
- Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Principal Place Pavilion, London, United Kingdom
- Space Needle, Seattle, Washington, United States in its 2017 renovation
- PayPal Park, formerly Avaya Stadium, home San Jose Earthquakes
- Philippine Arena north of Manila, Philippines
- Colman Dock footbridge, Seattle Washington[4]
- USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadow, New York
- Tynecastle Park Edinburgh, Scotland
Vessels and assets incorporating SPS include:
- MV Golden Bell, Bulk Carrier
- MV Star Ypsilon, Bulk Carrier
- MV Docebay, Bulk Carrier
- MV Hansaland, RoRo
- MV Edco Star, Bulk Carrier
- Solitaire (ship), Allseas' deep sea pipe-laying ship
- Glen Lyon (ship) a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), owned by BP and stationed in the North Sea
- Queen Mary 2 a transatlantic ocean liner
References
[edit]- ^ "Elastocore® (PU)".
- ^ https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03184851 Intelligent Engineering (UK) Limited
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Ohio's Muskingum County Bridge Replacement with SPS Deck on Press-Brake-Formed Steel Tub Girders. YouTube.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: New footbridge to Colman Dock in Seattle opens Sunday. YouTube.