Asset International Structured Solutions (Asset ISS) has become sole distributor across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland, for BEBO concrete arch systems.

In a move to further develop the Asset International Structured Solutions (Asset ISS) portfolio, the company has now become the sole distributor across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland, for BEBO concrete arch systems. Asset International Structured Solutions currently engineer and manufacture a number of galvanised steel structure solutions primarily utilised in bridges, long and short span, and buried structure projects such as tunnels, culverts and underpasses. A number of the company's existing products are currently approved for use by the Highways Agency and other specified worldwide bodies.

The addition of the BEBO concrete arch structure to the offering means the company can now offer a larger range of bridge and structured span solutions, incorporating concrete as well as steel.

The BEBO system of concrete arch is used in a wide variety of structures such as underpasses, bridges over streams, waterways, roads and railway lines, underground storage vaults, parking garages and cut-and-cover tunnels, and was originally developed in Switzerland in the early 1960's.

With spans of up to 31 metres, BEBO concrete arch structures offer the largest pre-cast arch span in the world.

Almost 700 BEBO Arch Structures have been built worldwide across Europe, North America, Australia and the Far East.

All of these structures currently remain in service and have required virtually no maintenance to date.

Asset ISS Divisional Director Richard McTavish explains the significance of the partnership, 'The engineering and design of our solutions has always been focussed on specific customer needs and bespoke responses to client requests'.

'Adding this significant bridge solution to the Asset ISS proposition not only offers our customers a globally accredited solution, but one that we believe is key to the ongoing development of bridge and tunnel infrastructure across the UK'.

The specific benefits of the BEBO system include lower material costs and faster installation, with the arch units pre-engineered off-site and delivered on flat-bed trucks ready for installation.

The time-saving element offers significant advantages over similar cast-in-place concrete structures.

From an environmental perspective the shape of the arch design produces large, open bottoms that can span wetlands and small streams with little or no impact to the river bed or surrounding environment.

The shape doesn't require large abutments and, in most applications, concrete spread footing can be used, reducing the need for soil support systems which can have a major impact on the surrounding environment.

'The opportunities for the BEBO system across the UK and Europe are significant and the results across existing global projects speak for themselves,' added Mr McTavish.

'Asset ISS looks forward to continued growth within the next phase and BEBO is expected to play a significant role as part of the expanded range of Structured Solutions, moving forward.'