Hidden Defects in Bridges

The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.The Institution has over 27,000 members working in 105 countries around the world.The Institution is an internationally recognised source of expertise and information concerning all issues that involve structural engineering and public safety within the built environment.The core work of the Institution is supporting and protecting the profession of structural engineering by upholding professional standards and acting as an international voice on behalf of structural engineers.The South East Regional Group (SERG) acts to organise local events and to represent local members interests.

The Institution of Structural Engineers - South East Regional Group

Amrit Ghose, formerly of AECOM, is heading a team who are producing a CIRIA report on hidden defects in bridges.  During this talk, he will explain that the core component of a bridge management programme is on-site examinations by a competent bridge inspector. These inspections are central to recording bridge condition, used by bridge owners to ensure defects are identified and rectified within reasonable timeframes as well as identifying larger maintenance works.
In general, this works well in the UK and Ireland: bridge stock is generally safe for use with the aim of being fit for purpose. However, the process is based wholly on the quality of the inspections. If an inspection does not include all elements since, for example they are hidden and not easily examinable, the adverse effects can be significant or, in the worst cases catastrophic.
Two high profile cases in recent years have bought the importance of defects in hidden bridge components to centre of bridge owners’ focus. In 2009, the Stewarton rail bridge, Ayrshire collapsed during passage of a freight train. Corrosion to half-through girder webs was so severe that complete loss of section had occurred in areas of high shear load. The corroded areas were hidden under ballast and had not been inspected. The M4 Hammersmith flyover, London had an inspection of hidden post-tensioning cables undertaken in 2011. Condition was so poor that an emergency closure and strengthening works were undertaken to restore highway traffic on one of London’s busiest roads. Prompted by these cases, bridge owners in UK and Ireland identified the need to define good practice when inspecting, identifying and maintaining hidden bridge components. The forthcoming CIRIA report will establish this as well as providing guidance on how to avoid creating potential for such defects in design.

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Hidden Defects in Bridges

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