A professor and his former PhD research student from Napier University’s School of Engineering & the Built Environment were honoured at the Institution of Structural Engineers’ Structural Awards.
Professor Abdy Kermani and Dr Geoff Freedman received a commendation in the Small Projects Award for Structural Engineering Excellence for their contribution to the Achray Bridge in Perthshire’s Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
The Forestry Commission Scotland commissioned the research project to develop a design technique to build long-span bridges using short lengths of Scottish timber.
The judges praised the pioneering design features of Achray Bridge, saying it captured the landscape and enhanced its woodland setting. They also described it as an excellent example of structural engineering with a very small carbon footprint and highly economical at only £800/m².
“It’s great that the Achray Bridge has been honoured alongside such landmark projects as the Emirates Stadium, Nesciobrug bridge in Amsterdam and the Kings Cross St Pancras Underground redevelopment,” said Prof Kermani.
