Sandwich plate system explained

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

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

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

Notes and References

1. Web site: Elastocore® (PU).
2. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03184851 Intelligent Engineering (UK) Limited
3. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Ohio's Muskingum County Bridge Replacement with SPS Deck on Press-Brake-Formed Steel Tub Girders . YouTube.
4. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: New footbridge to Colman Dock in Seattle opens Sunday . YouTube.