Case study:
Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Bridge Parapets

Varley and Gulliver’s British made, world-renowned parapets were used in the construction of one of the world’s most famous bridges – the Sheikh Zayed, in Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Bridge is so spectacular, it features on the Visit Abu Dhabi website as a must-see iconic landmark.

The site claims that the two-way, four-lane ‘842-metrelong, 64-metre-high structure is one of the most complex bridges ever built.’ Designed by British architect, Dame Zaha Hadid, the iconic deck arch bridge, which opened in 2010, connects Abu Dhabi Island to the Gulf south shore, forming part of the Sultan Al Nahyan highway.

The challenge

Archirodon Construction and High Point Rendall Engineers approached Mediterranean Building Materials (MBM) to design and supply pedestrian and vehicle parapets for the new prestigious structure. Located in an affluent and stylish area of the city, high-quality, aesthetically pleasing parapets with an outstanding safety rating were essential for this project.

With this in mind, MBM, who had specially selected Varley and Gulliver’s British-made bespoke, high quality products for infrastructure projects for decades across the Middle East, knew exactly where to turn.

The solution

Based on the architect’s vision, Varley and Gulliver designed and supplied 1700 metres of aluminium bespoke pedestrian parapet, created to mimic the shape of an airplane wing. Designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists from falling, the parapets provide protection while still allowing good visibility through the horizontal rails.

The company’s experts also provided 1700 metres of aluminium tubular high containment parapet on the central section of the bridge.

The outcome

The Sheikh Zayed Bridge, in Abu Dhabi, opened to the public as planned in November 2010 and has been providing a safe and iconic route across the Maqta Channel ever since.

Used by around 1,600 vehicles every hour, the bridge has become a vital part of the city’s infrastructure. Stacy Willis, Sales & Estimating Manager at Varley and Gulliver, said: “It was a privilege for Varley and Gulliver to be involved in such an iconic and prestigious project.

“Making an architect’s vision a reality, with an original one-off pedestrian parapet design, is something we are all very proud of.” Stacy Willis, Sales & Estimating Manager, Varley and Gulliver.

Varley’s fact file:

• Varley created and supplied 1700 metres of aluminium bespoke pedestrian parapet, created to mimic the shape on an airplane wing
• Varley provided 1700 metres of aluminium tubular high containment parapet on the central section of the bridge
• The Sheikh Zayed Bridge has been billed as one of the most complex bridges ever built
• The iconic landmark was designed by award winning British architect, Dame Zaha Hadid
• The bridge is 842 metres long and 64 metres high