Bridges

By the time VEDA was assigned the project, the masonry arch bridge was showing signs of being pulled apart due to the burst pipe. VEDA came up with the solution to repair the damaged pipe and fortify the structure using tie bars and ductile iron pattress plates.

The pattress plates solution involves a bar being pushed through the structure and joined at either end in order to hold it together.

The project’s biggest challenge was the need for a rapid turnaround, according to Senior Engineer Peter Ato. He said the emergency status of the job meant the design required a solution that not only met requirements but with off-the-shelf materials.

“It was about balancing the need for the strength and how quickly you can procure the materials for a given remedy. Also, the carriageway is not the widest of roads so it was reduced to one lane during the works and the local authority wanted to reopen the road to traffic.”

Added to that, the works were carried out under the watchful gaze of Heritage England because of the listed status of the structure.

VEDA was onsite to carry inspections while construction was taking place.

The job involved digging out the tarmac before repairing the burst pipe. This was followed by restoration of the wall with brickwork that matched the original.

The installation of wind posts to the masonry parapet and restoration of the damaged road surface were the final touches to the project.

The design and construction was completed within six weeks.