The Dursey Island Cable Car Upgrade project involved replacing two deteriorated towers that connect Dursey Island to the mainland in West Cork. The original cable car, constructed in 1969, suffered extensive corrosion and damage, necessitating the replacement of the towers. Struccie Design Associates was tasked with providing structural detailing and steel design for the new towers, along with an access ladder system for maintenance and passenger egress. The cable car serves both the public and local farmers who rely on it to monitor their livestock, as it is the sole alternative to boat access.
Challenges
The main challenge was replicating the existing framework while ensuring structural integrity and enhanced durability. The original towers had experienced extensive corrosion and damage, further compounded by the effects of Storm Barra. Struccie Design Associates had to carefully design and detail the new towers and anchor frame to meet the functional and safety requirements of the cable car system.
Using Tekla software
The project's use of Tekla Structures for modelling and detailing, along with Trimble Connect for project coordination, allowed for effective communication and visual representation of proposed plans to the council and enabled thorough review and maintenance considerations.
