Heslington West Campus, University of York
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Kee Systems, a leading supplier of Kee Klamp® fittings, has provided the University of York with an effective safety solution for a 45 year old footbridge across the largest plastic bottomed lake in Europe which links the north and south sides of its Heslington West Campus.
Located within walking distance of the city centre, the University of York’s Heslington campus is home to eight colleges and most of its 30 academic departments. The Vanbrugh footbridge was built a few years after the University opened over 50 years ago and recent inspections revealed it was suffering from a string of problems. To ensure the safety of its students and staff, the University required a safety solution to be installed along the sides of the bridge.
Yorkshire based civil engineering and cabling infrastructure company, SCD Group Ltd was the main contractor for this project which involved directionally drilling under the lake to divert all of the main campus communications cables and providing a new hand rail system for the bridge. SCD Group invited Kee Systems to attend site to design, supply and install a permanent handrail system, made from galvanised Kee Klamp® fittings.
“The Kee Systems team delivered a high quality service” explains Frank Kler from SCD Group Ltd. “It is great to be able to work with a team who understand what is required for the particular job and then be involved in all aspects from designing to installing the system. They responded to any queries we had without delay and allowed us to complete the project in a very tight timescale. The end result is a safe and secure system which meets the requirements of the client.”
Kee Klamp® fittings are versatile and suitable for use in a variety of areas where tubular structures or barriers are required. The off-the-shelf product range is the largest on the market, providing fittings for every possible application. All fittings are available with a combination of protective coatings applied to achieve a longer life and a better corrosion resistance. This is vital for structures in areas which may be prone to a high level of weathering or rusting, and structures which are in difficult places to access and work on.
Kee Klamp® components can be installed using a standard hex key with each fitting incorporating an integral set screw to lock the respective fitting safely and securely onto the tube. Not only does this method create a strong, stable and safe guard rail structure, it also eliminates the need for time-consuming welding or specialist installation skills.