The Arthur Laing Bridge, which crosses the North Arm of the Fraser River, carries highway traffic between the city of Vancouver and the airport on the south side of the river. The bridge is, therefore, an important highway link that must survive an earthquake. The airport authority selected Ausenco Sandwell to undertake the design of the seismic upgrading of the existing bridge, which was built prior to the introduction of modern seismic design codes. Ausenco Sandwell’s scope of work included the seismic upgrade of deficient bearings, piers and foundations, and together with a specialist sub-consultant, the investigation of potential soil liquefaction and associated ground improvements. The design included one of the first North American uses of an innovative lock-up device to restrict bridge movement during a seismic event, while allowing normal expansion and contraction due to weather conditions.

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