What is the Concrete Bridge Development Group (CBDG)?

CBDG is an association of member companies and organisations, dedicated to the task of improving efficiency of the design, construction and maintenance of concrete bridges.

Members of CBDG

The membership approximately 100 major companies who are actively involved in the concrete and/or bridge industries, especially:

• Bridge owners
• Consulting engineers
• Contractors
• Academic and research institutions
• Suppliers
• Associated industry groups
• Individual consultants

Close ties and relationships are also maintained with associated UK institutions and overseas bodies.

History

A group of 36 bridge enthusiasts, prompted by the British Cement Association, met at an exploratory meeting on June 28th 1991 at Wexham Springs in Buckinghamshire. As a result, the Concrete Bridge Development Group was incorporated on March 3rd 1992 and the Inaugural Meeting followed on March 27th 1992 at the Institution of Structural Engineers, London by which time 52 members had joined. Bridge-owners were subsequently invited into membership in 1993.

Membership increased rapidly and by the end of the century numbers exceeded 100 and CBDG was recognised as the voice of the concrete bridge industry.

Aims and Objectives of CBDG

• To address the challenges of the national bridge programme and to maximise opportunities to develop the wider and better use of concrete.
• To provide a focus for all those involved in concrete bridge design, construction and management.
• To promote an integrated approach and the use of best practice in design and construction.
• To encourage the development of innovative ideas and concepts.
• To support and encourage education and training initiatives.
• To identify and support future research and development needs.

How Does CBDG Work?

• Dedicated task groups and committees, made up of members and selected specialists, to study specific issues and provide a co-ordinated industry view.
• Study visits.
• Conferences and seminars to disseminate information by task groups, committees and external sources.
• Publications in the form of technical guides, project reports, educational brochures and newsletters.