Existing Bridge Removal & New Installation
The tarmac area around the bridge was cut using a Stihl saw to ensure a clean cut and using a handheld breaker, we removed the tarmac between the cut and the bridge.
New bridge was offloaded first, using 200 T crane. The crane was then used to lift out the bridge and rigged up in the nearby council car park and placed onto Beaver Bridges lorry, taken back to our yard and disposed of in line with all environmental legislation.
All lift plans were by Beaver Bridges in house “Appointed person” as were the tasks of Banksmen and Slingers.
Abutment Remedials: A 3m x 2m pontoon was launched into the water with an adjustable rope handrail. Life jackets were always worn when working on the pontoon. Safety was paramount with only 2 men working at any one time on the pontoon and a ‘top man’ supervising at all times on land. The pontoon also had a tag line so the ‘top man’ could retrieve the pontoon in case of emergency.
Small hand-held tools were used to remove the existing beam cast in the concrete. Once the beam was out on both sides the area was cleaned and prepped for concrete. Shutters were installed and water-tight to stop any concrete from pouring out into the water below. Concrete was C40/50 spec; concrete to be poured up to level worked out by site engineer. All waste concrete was removed away from the watercourse. Concrete was left for 48 hrs before applying any weight.
Bridge Install
New Bridge: A smaller 80T crane was then set up on the road in front of the bridge. The new bridge was lifted into place, bearing bolt holes were marked out, and bridge lifted back out. Using small hand tools, we drilled and installed thread bar for the bearings. The bridge was lifted back into position and bolted down into place.
Decking: Concrete was C40/50 spec and poured up to existing road level. All waste concrete was removed away from the watercourse. After waiting 24hrs for concrete to cure, holes were drilled to attach the parapet to the new vehicle bridge. The Tarmac was reinstalled to existing levels and depths.
Expansion joints and Anti-Skid Paint: These works were carried out by specialist subcontractors, following specific RAMs to cover these activities. All subcontractors / suppliers are managed in line with our supply chain and IMS procedures (accredited to ISO 9001).
