Altrad RMD Kwikform R800 modular footbridge: design and staging notes for engineers
Reviewed by Tom Sullivan

First reported on The Construction Index
30 Second Briefing
Altrad RMD Kwikform has launched the R800 modular footbridge, a temporary works system offering clear spans of 60 metres and above and designed for 5kN/m² live loads with compliant headroom for pedestrian, cycle and service access. The bridge uses paired, four or six R800 girders with adjustable internal widths from 1,830mm to 3,630mm and optional cantilever extensions to create segregated walkways or service corridors over roads, railways and waterways. Off-site assembly with single-bolt node connections allows craning into position in as little as 15 minutes, with integrated plan bracing and enclosed edge protection improving wind performance and public interface.
Technical Brief
- Single-bolt node connections with nylon-insert nuts reduce loosening risk and ongoing fastener inspections.
- Bridges can be fully assembled off-site and craned into position in around 15 minutes.
- R800 girders are offered in plain or reinforced variants to match differing span and load demands.
- Four- or six-girder configurations allow upgrading capacity for heavier loading or longer temporary spans.
- Non-slip, whole-sheet rentable ply decking reduces trip hazards and speeds deck installation and removal.
- Enclosed edge protection options include fence panels and solid hoarding for public or secure site interfaces.
- Adjustable knee braces combined with integrated plan bracing provide enhanced lateral restraint and wind stability.
- Compatibility with Altrad RMD Kwikform formwork and scaffolding enables integrated temporary access and support solutions.
Our Take
A modular system in the 60 m-plus clear-span range is at the upper end of what appears in our Infrastructure product coverage, signalling that Altrad RMD Kwikform is targeting rail and highway crossings where traditional scaffold-based temporary works are often programme-critical bottlenecks.
Designing for a 5 kN/m² temporary live load aligns with heavy pedestrian and light plant access standards, which means this UK-focused solution is likely to be directly applicable to major civils shutdowns and station works elsewhere in Europe with similar loading codes.
The quoted 15-minute crane-in time for an assembled span is materially shorter than typical rail possession windows seen in our project case studies, suggesting this system could allow contractors to compress night-time or weekend blockade durations and reduce disruption penalties.
Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.
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