We are abnormal load management specialists

Each installation of AbLoads is operated on behalf of a structure owner who has taken a positive decision to better protect their structural from the passage of abnormal loads. AbLoads incorporates runtime versions of Cascade’s bridge assessment software. The check of each bridge on a route is effectively a simplified assessment of that bridge for the notified vehicle, which is then directly compared with the effects of the assessed capacity loading(s) - ALL (HA), HB, SV, SO and individual Special Vehicle assessments.

Sophisticated structure modelling, even for complex bridges

The structure modelling used by AbLoads models the bridge structure as a whole, taking full account of bridge span values and articulation i.e.. the nature of the connections between the component parts of the bridge. The effect of the vehicle, represented by its axle loads and spacings, is maximised by moving it across the bridge in both directions, a process that can lead AbLoads to evaluate as many as 100 load cases for a typical multispan continuous bridge.

The AbLoads engine uses ALL (HA), HB, SV, SO and individual Special Vehicle assessments. It also provides a facility for complex (special) bridges to be fully modelled and checked.

AbLoads doesn’t need perfect structure data

If structure and/or capacity data is available at a lower level, the AbLoads checking engine has secondary simple and default checks which still take account of full vehicle dimensions.

Although there remains an element of conservatism in the AbLoads checking engine, it provides a check which is as safe and secure to the authority and as fair to the haulier as it is practicable to go without detailed engineer involvement.

Experience, experience, experience. It’s that simple. We do the same job as you, checking abnormal load notifications and we do it efficiently, we’ve done it for many years. Our customers trust that their abnormal load management is in safe hands, that’s why they stay with us.

We’re also pretty sure we can save you money, providing a truly comprehensive service for a lower cost than keeping your notification checking process in-house.

Abnormal load management is our core business, and we love what we do, and we do it brilliantly.

Every notification is captured electronically, with a full audit trail of related correspondence, vehicles, dimensions and the notified route. Data in equals data out! If you need information about the number of loads over a segment of road, we’ve got it. Which structure is failing most abnormal loads? We can tell you. It’s a all there at our fingertips.

All Underbridges & Overbridges within your area are responsibly managed and safeguarded. AbLoads comprehensively assesses the suitability of every notified vehicle based on axle weights and spacings rather than a simple check based on gross vehicle weight.

By removing the notification paperwork from your daily to do list, you can focus on your other priorities. No more notification backlog, urgent short notice checking or time pressure to meet the notice periods set.

For other departments that might require knowledge of abnormal load movements, AbLoads can provide proactive alerts and specific information based on pre-set criteria. The structure team might wish to receive an immediate alert of any received notification where an axle weight exceeds 16T. A street works team might wish to be alerted to any proposed movement whether the vehicle width exceeds 3.9m.

AbLoads performs a uniform and secure check of every bridge along the hauliers notified route for their specific axle load and spacings with as many as 100 load cases for a multispan continuous bridge being checked.

Abnormal load notifications are processed by fully trained and experienced operators, with support provided by supervisory engineers. All notifications are checked within the statutory notice requirement of 2 or 5 clear working days.

We don't just check structures!
Date limited traffic management & roadwork restrictions can be added and we can check the notifed route against any restriction we know about and let the haulier know. If roadworks reduce a lane width but just over night, we can advise the haulier to travel in the day. If the load just won't get through, we'll ask for an amended route be submitted.

Road works, road closures, lane closures, night closures, restrictions affecting weight, height, width, length limits, or events taking place affecting traffic flow can be linked to specific road sections to be checked.

Cascade’s outsourced service accepts all types of abnormal load notifications whether submitted using AbHaulier, AbHaulier LT, ESDAL or manual methods. By enabling the haulier to choose the notification method that bests suits their business, hauliers are not discouraged from participating in the notification process.

Cascade works closely with police authorities to ensure hauliers travelling through your area are complying with the STGO. This ensures your structures are protected from unauthorised and unchecked abnormal load movements.

Cascade manages the annual indemnity process ensuring all hauliers moving through your area indemnify you against any damage to your structural assets. If an annual block indemnity isn’t held or an indemnity isn’t added to each notification the movement will be refused.

Cascade endeavours to support hauliers when short notice movements due to commercial necessities are required. Hauliers don’t need to risk travelling unnotified because they have an urgent customer commitment.

You’ll receive monthly reports detailing the numbers of notifications processed and the special orders / feasibility reports completed as well as details of those structures that are failing abnormal loads most often. Other reports are also available from our extensive reporting library .